An omnivorous iguanid lizard (family Corytophanidae) found near water in Central and South American tropical rainforests. Basilisks grow up to 80 cm long, of which 60 cm is tail. It climbs and swims well, can remain underwater for up to half an hour, and runs fast, but its principal claim to fame is its ability to flee from predators by running across the surface of water for a few metres (lighter juveniles up to 20 m), due to flaps of skin on the toes of its large feet that catch on small bubbles. This ability gives it the nickname Jesus Christ lizard.