These large lizards have experienced a rise in popularity because they become puppy-dog tame, form strong bonds with their keepers, and they adapt easily to life in captivity. Some have even been taught to come when called by name! The gold tegu, also known as golden tegu, common tegu, black tegu, Colombian tegu, and tiger lizard, is a species of tegu. Its old scientific name was Tupinambis nigropunctatus, but it has since renamed to Tupinambis teguixin.