The taxonomic status, relationships, and validity of a number of spiny-tailed iguana, particularly Ctenosaura acanthura, C. pectinata, and C. similis have an extensive history of confusion in both scientific and popular literature.

[15] Its specific name is the Latin word pectinata meaning "combed", also referring to the comblike spines on the lizard's back.

It is one of the larger members of the genus Ctenosaura, capable of growing to 1.3 m (4.3 feet) in total length (including tail), with females being slightly smaller than males at 1.0 m (3.3 ft).

[24] On the south-eastern Florida coast, these iguanas have been found on Key Biscayne, Hialeah, and in Broward County.

[26] They are regarded as a "nuisance animal" on Gasparilla island because the iguanas eat ornamental flowers and shrubs and prey on nesting birds and sea turtle eggs.

[26] As the iguanas like to burrow in the sand it is feared that their tunnels could cause dunes and even seawalls to collapse and deprive the island of crucial protection from landfalling hurricanes.

[26] C. pectinata is a social lizard, which has adapted to living in groups as opposed to other species of Ctenosaura which tend to be solitary animals.

[27] These iguanas are excellent climbers, and prefer a rocky habitat with plenty of crevices to hide in, rocks to bask on, and nearby trees to climb.

[15][24] They are diurnal and fast moving, employing their speed to escape predators but will lash with their tails and bite if cornered.

Males show dominance and interest by head bobbing, eventually chasing the female until he can catch her and subdue her.

[15] Within eight to ten weeks, the female will dig a nest and lay clutches of up to 50 eggs in a burrow of loose soil.