Exo Terra Cholla Cactus Skeleton
Part no.
PT2986
Size
6.1 x 11.3 x 5.7 cm
Part no.
PT2988
Size
9 x 19.8 x 7.7 cm
Exo Terra Cholla Cactus Skeleton
A protected-species hide that never touches a real cactus. The Exo Terra Cholla Cactus Skeleton is a naturalistic hide and climbing feature modelled on the lattice-holed skeleton of the desert cholla cactus, giving arid-terrarium reptiles a place to climb, perch and hide. It's sold in two sizes – Small and Medium – so you can match the piece to your enclosure and the animal using it.
Why it's not real cactus
Wild cholla cactus is listed on CITES Appendix II, which restricts trade in the real plant. Exo Terra makes this piece as a manufactured, naturalistic alternative rather than sourcing wild-harvested cactus skeleton, so the hollow, holey look comes without the conservation cost of the real thing.
Key features
- Lattice-holed structure – the same hollow, holey shape as a real cholla skeleton, giving small reptiles grip points and hiding holes to explore.
- Made as a sustainable alternative – replicates protected wild cholla without using the real, CITES-listed plant.
- Doubles as a climbing feature and a hide – works as an activity piece as well as a place to retreat.
- Two sizes – Small and Medium, so hatchlings through to adult desert species can be matched to a suitably scaled piece.
Specifications
| Size | SKU | Dimensions (W x D x H) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | CHL80 | 6.1 x 11.3 x 5.7 cm |
| Medium | CHL81 | 9 x 19.8 x 7.7 cm |
Which size do I need?
Small suits hatchling and juvenile desert geckos and small lizards, or as a secondary feature in a larger enclosure. Medium gives adult bearded dragons and similar-sized desert species enough clearance to climb through and turn around inside the lattice.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suited to arid and desert terrarium setups – bearded dragons, leopard geckos and similar dry-habitat reptiles that use elevated basking and hiding features. Exo Terra markets this piece for terrarium use; it isn't sold or specified as an aquarium or paludarium item, so we can't confirm it's safe for permanently wet or submerged setups.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by your rights under Australian Consumer Law as a packaged terrarium accessory. Ships standard.
Goes well with
- A basking bulb positioned so the piece sits in the heat gradient, since reptiles use elevated features to thermoregulate
- Loose desert substrate to anchor the piece so it can't be tipped
- A second piece in the Medium size for larger, multi-level desert scapes
Common questions
Is this made from real cholla cactus?
No. Wild cholla cactus is a CITES Appendix II protected species, so Exo Terra manufactures this piece as a naturalistic alternative rather than using real harvested cactus skeleton.
What's the difference between the Small and Medium?
Size only – both have the same lattice-holed design. Small measures 6.1 x 11.3 x 5.7 cm and Medium 9 x 19.8 x 7.7 cm.
Which reptiles is it suited to?
Desert and arid-habitat species that climb and shelter, including bearded dragons and geckos. Choose Medium for adult dragons and Small for juveniles or smaller lizards.
Does it need cleaning before I put it in the enclosure?
A quick rinse in plain water before first use is good general practice for any new terrarium decor, to remove any dust from manufacturing and transport.
