5 Pet Lizard Breeds most Popular
Lizards are great pets owing to their unique behaviors and striking appearance. If you’re looking to add a lizard to your family, here’s a guide regarding some of the most popular pet lizard breeds, including their temperaments, care requirements, sizes, and lifespans.
Bearded Dragon
Temperament:
Bearded dragons are characterized by their social, inquisitive, and friendly nature and, as such, are one of the most popular pet reptiles. They are very interactive and generally like being handled, making them excellent pets for first-time and seasoned reptile enthusiasts alike.
Bearded dragons have several peculiar ways, including “waving”-submissive-and “head-bobbing”, which is a form of dominance or a way of communicating. These characteristics, combined with their gentle nature, make them interesting and fun pets.
Care:
Bearded dragons have specific care requirements for health and well-being. While they are considered easy to care for, they do require a well-maintained environment and a proper diet.
- Enclosure:
Bearded dragons need a large enclosure due to their size and active nature. - Juveniles: A 40-gallon breeder tank will suffice for young bearded dragons. – Adults: A 75-gallon tank or larger is recommended to house the adult bearded dragons. – Substrate: Utilize a substrate that presents no or minimal risk-for instance, reptile carpet, tile, or paper towels. Also, avoid loose substrates, such as sand, which may cause impaction if ingested.
- Decoration: Branches, rocks, and hiding places will provide it with a stimulating environment. Bearded dragons like to bask on raised platforms.
- Temperature and Lighting:
Bearded dragons need a temperature gradient and UVB lighting to really thrive. - Basking spot: 95-110°F (35-43°C) for adults and 105-110°F (40-43°C) for juveniles.
- Cool side: 75-85°F (24-29°C).
- Nighttime temperatures: Can be as low as 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- UVB lighting: Provide 10-12 hours of UVB light daily to help them synthesize vitamin D3, which is crucial for calcium absorption and preventing metabolic bone disease. Use a high-quality UVB bulb and replace it every 6-12 months because the UV output diminishes over time.
- Humidity:
Bearded dragons are in need of a low humidity environment– 30-40%. The given hygrometer monitors to keep this rate within the limits, which are accepted. - Diet:
Omnivorous-bearded dragons consume a diet comprised mainly of animal- and plant-based foods; there is change associated with ratio from plant- related to animal matter linked with changes occurring in animal maturation or the aging process. - Juveniles: 70% insects, 30% vegetables. Insects should be fed daily and vegetables regularly. – Adults: 70% vegetables, 30% insects. Insects can be fed 2-3 times a week, and vegetables are to be given daily. – Staple insects: Crickets, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae. – Vegetables: Leafy greens, like collard greens, mustard greens, and dandelion greens; squash; bell peppers; and carrots.
Fruits: Offer fruits such as berries, mango, and apple occasionally as treats.
Supplements: Dust insects with a calcium supplement (with vitamin D3) 4-5 times a week for juveniles and 2-3 times a week for adults. Use a multivitamin once a week.
Size:
Bearded dragons are medium-sized lizards that usually attain a length of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm), including their tail. They have a sturdy body, a broad head, and a characteristic “beard,” which is actually just a pouch under their throat that can puff up and darken when they feel stressed or are trying to assert dominance.
Lifespan:
If properly cared for, bearded dragons are known to live 10-15 years, and a few owners even claim to have longer-lived animals. The above life span automatically converts them into a huge amount of commitment, and their owners should be prepared for the long-term care of these dragons. Additional Notes:
- Bearded dragons are diurnal, hence active during the day, which makes it easy for owners to see and be with them any time of the day. – They are solitary animals that require staying separately to reduce instances of stress and aggression. – Bearded dragons also make good climbers and thus will appreciate investigative and exploratory features in their pen; branches offer such an opportunity for climbing.
Handling regularly can let them build a certain amount of trust and make the bearded dragon and owner closer.
Bearded dragons make wonderful pets for people who would want a friendly, interactive, and long-lived reptile. Unique behaviors, their ease of care, and their engaging personalities have found them a top place among reptile enthusiasts.
Leopard Gecko
5 Pet Lizard Breeds most Popular
Temperament:
Leopard geckos have quite pleasant natures and are considered friendly, which could be what makes them one of the most popular reptile pets and also quite suitable for beginners. They are easy to handle and generally tolerate human interaction well, even though they can be a bit skittish when young.
With regular, gentle handling, they often become more comfortable and may even seek out interaction with their owners. Nocturnal, leopard geckos are active in the evening and at night, so they can be a very good pet for people that have much time only in the evening or night.
Care:
Leopard geckos are relatively easy to care for and have very simple care requirements, hence one of the best choices for any first-time reptile owner.
- Enclosure:
The leopard geckos do not need a very big enclosure, but they do need some space to move around and explore. A 20-gallon tank will do just fine for one adult, but larger ones can be better in terms of enrichment. - Substrate: Use safe substrates like reptile carpet, paper towels, or tile. Avoid loose substrates like sand because they can cause impaction if ingested.
Hides: A minimum of two hides should be available. One located on the warm side of the enclosure and one on the cool side. A humid hide, which aids in shedding, is a necessity. This can be prepared with wet moss or paper towels.
Enrichment: rocks, branches, and other ornaments may be placed in a way to create more stimulation in the environment.
Temperature and Lighting:
Temperature Gradient: This means a leopard gecko needs to have a gradient in temperature in his enclosure so that he will be able to regulate his body temperature. Warm side: 88-92°F (31-33°C); this can be provided with an under-tank heat mat or even a heat lamp. Cool side: 75-80°F (24-27°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop to 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Unlike other reptiles, leopard geckos don’t need UVB lighting if they receive a proper diet that includes supplements of calcium and vitamin D3. However, some owners also prefer giving extremely low-level UVB for added health benefits.
- Humidity:
Leopard geckos require an environment of 30-40% humidity. The humid hide should be more humid to help them shed. Mist the humid hide as needed to keep it humid. - Diet:
Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning their diet consists only of insects. - Staple insects: Crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches make for great staples.
- Insect treats: Waxworms and superworms can be given on occasion for variety, but should not compose the majority of their diet due to high fat content.
- Supplementations: Dust insects with a calcium supplement (with vitamin D3) 2-3 times a week and a multivitamin once a week.
Feeding Schedule: The younger ones should be fed daily, while the elders can be fed on alternate days.
Size:
Leopard geckos are small lizards, usually growing up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in length. They have a stout body and thick tail, storing fat, with distinctive spotted patterns giving them their name.
Lifespan:
With proper care, leopard geckos can live 10-20 years and, therefore, be a long-term commitment. Give them a suitable environment, a proper diet, and regular visits to a veterinarian to assure them a long and healthy life.
Additional Notes:
- Leopard geckos are ground-dwelling lizards and do not climb as much as some other gecko species.
- They are solitary animals and should be kept alone to avoid stress or aggression. – Leopard geckos have eyelids, like a few gecko species, making them rather different in looks from other lizards. – They are known for their ability in releasing their tail if they are threatened-this defense mechanism is called caudal autotomy. Their tail grows again but not as beautiful as the previous one.
Leopard geckos are great pets for anyone looking for a small, low-maintenance, interactive reptile. They have a really gentle nature, are easy to care for, and live quite a long time.
Crested Gecko
Image by Peter Law
Temperament:
Generally speaking, crested geckos are very gentle and affable, which makes them one of the best reptile pets that both a beginning and experienced keeper could have. They are generally easy to handle, though they can be a little jumpy when they are young. With regular light handling, they often become more relaxed about being handled over time.
Crested geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night, but they may also be active during dawn and dusk. They are arboreal and love to climb, so providing plenty of vertical space and climbing opportunities is essential for their well-being.
Care:
Crested geckos are relatively low-maintenance compared to many other reptiles, but they do have specific care requirements to ensure their health and happiness.
Enclosure: Crested geckos require a vertical enclosure with plenty of climbing space. A 20-gallon tank will do for one adult, but always remember, larger enclosures are better in order to allow them to roam freely and explore more.
Substrate: use a substrate which is more absorptive such as coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, paper towels, avoiding those which, if ingested, may cause impaction-like loose sands and gravel. Provide a good amount of branches and vines with plenty of greenery – plants and leafy parts or artificial plants also, for imitation of the real habitat of Chameleons and giving reason to climb.
- Hiding places: Give them something to hide in, such as cork bark or small caves, for security.
- Temperature and Lighting:
Crested geckos do well in moderate temperatures and do not require extreme heat or UVB lighting, although many owners have used low-level UVB for added health benefits. - Temperatures: Keep temperature fluctuations between daytime highs of 72-78°F (22-26°C) and nighttime lows of 65-72°F (18-22°C). Avoid letting them rise above 82°F (28°C). At this point, the plant does become stressed, and health-related problems can also arise.
Lighting: Although crested geckos don’t have a requirement for UVB lighting, providing a small amount of UVB will help with calcium metabolism and overall health. Provide a photoperiod that simulates day and night; thus, 10 to 12 hours of light should be provided daily. Humidity:
Crested geckos need a humidity level of 60-80%. This can be achieved by misting the enclosure once or twice daily, depending on the humidity levels in your home. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and ensure they stay within the appropriate range. A shallow water dish can also help maintain humidity, though crested geckos often prefer to drink water droplets from leaves. - Diet:
Crested geckos are omnivorous and can be kept on a diet of commercial crested gecko food, which is a powdered mix that you combine with water. This diet is nutritionally complete and should form the bulk of their diet. - Supplemental foods: Live insects (crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms) can be given 1-2 times a week as a treat. The insects must be dusted with a calcium supplement (containing vitamin D3) before feeding.
- Fruits: Give mashed pieces of fruit (banana, mango, or papaya) in extremely small amounts only as an occasional treat and avoid citrus fruits.
Size:
Crested geckos are small lizards, only reaching 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length, including their tail. They are lightweight and have a peculiar appearance, with a crest of skin running from their head to their tail and large, expressive eyes.
Lifespan:
With the right care, crested geckos can live up to 15-20 years. A suitable environment, proper diet, and regular visits to a veterinarian can help them have a long and healthy life.
Additional Notes:
- Crested geckos can drop their tails as a kind of defense mechanism; this is also called caudal autotomy. While it does not grow back, as with some other geckos, their health is not affected by it.
- They are solitary animals and need to be housed alone to avoid stress and aggressiveness.
- Crested geckos are excellent climbers and can even walk on smooth surfaces because of the special pads on their feet.
- Regular handling can help build trust and strengthen the bond between the gecko and its owner, but always handle them gently and avoid grabbing their tail.
The crested gecko is a great pet for someone wanting a small, low-maintenance, interactive reptile. Their unique appearance, gentle temperament, and ease of care make them one of the most popular reptiles among reptile enthusiasts.
Blue-Tongued Skink
Temperament:
Blue-tongued skinks are known to be quite docile and friendly and, thus, have gained a great reputation among both beginning and advanced reptile breeders as one of the most popular pet lizards. They are diurnal, which means active during the day, enabling owners to observe them and interact with them during waking hours. Unlike many other reptiles, blue-tongued skinks are generally easy to handle and often tolerate human interaction well. They are curious and intelligent, and many owners seem to enjoy exploring their surroundings and interacting with their owners.
Care:
Blue-tongued skinks are relatively low maintenance compared to other reptiles, but they do have specific care requirements to keep them healthy and happy.
- Enclosure:
Being rather large and active, blue-tongued skinks require a large enclosure. The minimum for adults is a 40-gallon tank, but larger ones, 75 gallons or even more, will be better if one wants to give the animals enough space for movement and enrichment. The lid must be tightly secured because the skinks are strong and may push against loose-fitting tops.
Substrate: Use a substrate that retains moisture but is safe, such as coconut coir, cypress mulch, or a soil-sand mix. Avoid substrates that can cause impaction and should not be used, like loose sand or gravel.
Hiding spots: Provide multiple hiding spots for them to feel secure, including caves or logs. - Enrichment: Add branches, rocks, and other decorations that will stimulate the animal to explore its environment, mimicking natural conditions.
- Temperature and Lighting:
Blue-tongued skinks require a temperature gradient in their tank to regulate their body temperature. - Basking spot: 95-100°F (35-38°C).
- Cool side: 75-85°F (24-29°C).
- Nighttime temperatures can go as low as 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Use a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter to create the basking spot, and monitor temperatures with a thermometer. – UVB lighting: Provide 10-12 hours of UVB light daily to help them metabolize calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. - Humidity:
Blue-tongued skinks need a humidity level of 40-60%. This may be achieved through regular misting of the enclosure and a shallow water dish in which to soak. A hygrometer will be used for monitoring humidity. - Diet:
The blue-tongued skinks are omnivorous and have the following varied diet: - Vegetables (50-60% of diet): Leafy greens like collard greens, dandelion greens, and mustard greens; squash; carrots; and bell peppers. – Fruits (10-20% of diet): Berries, melon, apple, and banana in moderation because of the high sugar content. – Protein (20-40% of diet): Insects such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches; lean meats like chicken and turkey, cooked; pinky mice for adults on occasion.
- Supplements: Dust food with a calcium supplement (with vitamin D3) 2-3 times a week and a multivitamin once a week.
Size:
Blue-tongued skinks are medium to large lizards that usually reach 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) in length. They have stout, heavy bodies with short legs and appear quite distinctive. With their size, they are a decent-sized pet and will require room not only for them but also for the enclosure itself.
Lifespan:
If well taken care of, a blue-tongued skink can live for about 15 to 20 years; some of them are even reported to live longer. This long life span makes them a good commitment, and anyone willing to have one should be prepared to take their caring as a long-term responsibility.
Additional Notes:
- Blue-tongued skinks get their names from the brightly colored, blue-colored tongues, which they use in scaring predators as a line of defense.
- They are solitary animals and need to be housed alone so they will not fight over territory. – With regular handling, it will build up the trust of the skink towards the owner. – Blue-tongued skinks are great at escaping, and their enclosure must be kept tight at all times.
Blue-tongued skinks make great pets for anyone wanting a friendly, interactive, long-lived reptile. Their calm demeanor and relatively simple care requirements make them a favorite among reptile enthusiasts.
Green Anole
Temperament:
Green anoles are small, energetic lizards that are popular among reptile enthusiasts because of their bright coloration and relatively easy care. They are not as handleable as some other reptiles, like bearded dragons or leopard geckos, since they are fragile and quite flighty. They are considered to be a “look-but-don’t-touch” type of pet since they can stress easily when handled. With patience, some may become more tolerant of light handling, but interaction should be limited to prevent undue stress.
Care:
Green anoles are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time climbing and perching in trees or shrubs. For this reason, they require a *vertical enclosure* with ample opportunity for climbing. One or two anoles can be kept in a 10-gallon tank but larger enclosures are recommended when keeping more than a couple or desiring to add enrichment.
- Humidity: Green anoles require a humid environment-around 60-70%. This can be achieved by daily misting of the enclosure and using substrate that retains moisture, like coconut fiber or sphagnum moss. A hygrometer should be used to monitor the humidity level.
- Temperature: They require a temperature gradient in their enclosure. The basking area should be around 85-90°F (29-32°C), while the cooler side can be around 75-80°F (24-27°C). The temperature should drop to around 65-75°F (18-24°C) at night. Use a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter for proper temperature.
- Lighting: Green anoles require UVB lighting. This is because they synthesize vitamin D3 to absorb calcium. Provide UVB lighting 10-12 hours daily for the prevention of metabolic bone disease.
- Diet: They are insectivores and do well on a diet of small insects, including but not limited to crickets, fruit flies, mealworms, and small roaches. Insects should be dusted with a calcium supplement (with vitamin D3) 2-3 times a week and a multivitamin once a week. Feed juveniles daily and adults every other day.
Water: Generally, green anoles will drink water droplets from leaves, so misting of the enclosure regularly is required. A shallow water dish can also be provided, though they may not use it often.
Size:
Green anoles are small lizards that usually attain a length of 5-8 inches (12-20 cm); about half of this is their tail. Males are slightly larger than females and possess a larger dewlap or throat fan, utilized in display and communication.
With proper care, a green anole can live 4-8 years in captivity. Their lives might not be so long if their environmental and dietary needs are not fulfilled. Several stressors, such as humidity and lack of UVB lighting, can lead to a very short life.
Additional Notes:
Green anoles have the ability to change from bright green to brown coloration. These colorations are normally mediated by the mood, temperature ranges, and degrees of stress endured. These lizards appear to be rather solitary, sometimes even territorial-most particularly the males of this species. Keep them either separately or as couples-one male with a single female-to eliminate acts of aggression.
Place plenty of live plants, branches, and hiding places in their enclosure to simulate their natural environment and reduce stress.
Conclusion
Lizards can make wonderful pets for those willing to provide the right care and environment. Bearded dragons, leopard geckos, crested geckos, blue-tongued skinks, and green anoles are some of the most popular choices due to their friendly temperaments and relatively easy care requirements.
Each species has its special needs, and one must prepare for that in advance before bringing home a lizard. These fantastic creatures can be quite a buddy with proper care and may entertain for many years.
