With mackled blue spots and a yellow irish, its length is an average of about 70 to 75 cm or 28 in - 30 in. The average weight is about 80 grams or 3.2 oz. Its growth is perpetual, fast when they are young and nonlinear for mature basilisks. Its long crest-like sails reinforced in three distinct points (head, back, and tail) expreess the impression of creatures from the prohistoric past . Its skin is shed in pieces.

The Monkey La La (basilisk) sometimes runs as a biped. Monkey La La's (Basilisks) have the unique ability to "walk" on water and, because of this, they have been dubbed as "The Jesus Lizard" or "The Jesus Christ Lizard" by analogy to the biblical passage of Matthew 14:22-34. On water, the basilisk can run at a velocity of 1.5 meters (5 feet) per second for approximately 4.5 meters (15 feet) before sinking on all fours and swimming. Flaps between their toes help support the Monkey La La (basilisk), creating a larger surface and a pocket of air.

They are generally found in Latin America anywhere there is a body of water (usually from Central Mexico to Ecuador). Recently introduced to Florida, it has adapted to the colder winters by burrowing into the leaf litter for warmth. Current reports sight the Monkey La La (basilisk) as far north as Fort Pierce, on the state's East Coast, where small groups have crept up the North Fork of the Saint Lucie River.

It is always a little treat to see the Monkey La La run and play as I walk around Roatan island Honduas.