The plumed basilisk's Genus: Basiliscus was taken from a legendary reptilian creature of European mythology which could turn a man to stone by its gaze: the Basilisk. Furthermore, their name was also derived from the Greek word "basiliskos," meaning "little king," in reference to the animal's crownlike head adornment. Plumed basilisks, along with other basilisks, are able to use their feet and tail to run short distances on top of the water. Their back toes are lined with small, downward facing scales. These scales increase the surface area of the toe against the water, and it is because of these toe scales that they are able to "walk" on water. Among locals, this unique ability of the plumed basilisk has earned the lizard the nickname the "Jesus Christ Lizard".