What big lizard should i get

They can grow to around 2 feet in length, live for up to 15 years in some cases, and are among the most easy-going and well-behaved pet lizards around. As its name suggests, the Blue-Tongue Skink is well-known for its bright blue tongue and docile temperament.

They are on the large side and can weigh up to 4 pounds, but at only around 20 inches, they are not that long for their weight.

They are easy to care for, happy to be handled, and easy to tame, making them a great choice for beginners. They have an average lifespan of years but have been known to live in excess of Caiman Lizards are large, beautifully colored, and easily trainable animals that can reach up to 5 feet long. They require a big enclosure with water to submerge in, making them a big responsibility.

They can be trained to be handled, but this may take time and patience. If you are a beginner looking for a large lizard, the Caiman Lizard is a great choice due to its striking rainbow colors and ease of trainability, and it typically lives for up to 10 years.

Chameleons are known for their docile nature and color-changing abilities. Chameleons require special care and do not do well being handled, as they stress easily, so they are one of the most challenging species on this list. Be sure to avoid any wild-caught chameleons, as their populations are swiftly declining in the wild. Chinese Dragons are one species of several types of Water Dragons and are the easiest for beginners.

Once they are used to your presence, they are fine to be held and handled and are typically quite friendly. These lizards require a fair bit of special attention, though, with large enclosures, a good-sized pool of water, and carefully monitored humidity. If these requirements are all met and you are dedicated, then they make wonderful beginner lizards and typically live for years. With Pictures. The Crested Gecko was once thought to be extinct but was rediscovered in the early s.

They are known for the spines that travel down the length of their body, giving them their crested look — complete with eyelashes! They are docile lizards that are happy to be handled and easy to care for, provided that they have a large, tall enclosure that they can climb in. They typically grow to about 8 inches long and can live for up to 10 years. Gargoyle Geckos are native to New Caledonia and are ideal lizards for beginners due to their simple and easy caring requirements.

These lizards will take a while to tame and may bite as youngsters, but once they become accustomed to their owners, they are fairly docile and fine to be handled. They reach a maximum of 8 inches in length and can live for years in captivity. Unique among lizards, as they prefer to live in groups, Gidgee Skinks are easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance lizards that are ideal for beginners. They are comparatively large, though, reaching up to 10 inches long and need a fairly large enclosure.

They are shy lizards that need some time and training to handle and are better housed with a partner. They have long lifespans of around 20 years. The Gold-Dust Day Gecko is a beautiful lizard with striking green skin and gold specs. They are not hugely popular pets due to their easily stressed nature and sensitive skin. These lizards also do not enjoy being handled and are particularly shy and are best strictly for display.

They are small lizards that only grow to around 6 inches and typically live for up to 10 years. Green Anoles are known for the bright red dewlap under their chin and bright green body. They are active and somewhat skittish lizards that may take time to get accustomed to handling, but with patience, they can become relatively tame. They are small lizards that do not require a large enclosure and are easy to care for.

They are usually around 8 inches long and have an average lifespan of years. They are best kept in pairs or groups but preferably with only one male, as they can be quite territorial. They are active lizards that need a fairly large enclosure but are generally easy to care for. They reach a maximum size of around 36 inches and typically live for years. They usually stick to environments around water.

Well, they can run on the surface of the water for short periods! They can do just fine in a large, well-decorated vivarium. Green basilisks are truly a thing of beauty. Covered in shades of bright green, the lizard looks similar to many iguanas and other reptiles. This instantly recognizable lizard species is a staple in the pet trade.

They are gorgeous reptiles with a penchant for changing appearances. The standard color for veiled chameleons is green. They often have bands of yellow and brown as well.

However, the reptile is capable of changing its body color. You can observe this behavior in captivity. Oftentimes, they do it to blend in with their surroundings. Females may also flash some bright colors around breeding time. Beyond their changing skin color, veiled chameleons also have a signature hump. Called the casque, the hump helps to catch and divert water to the mouth. They are best observed through the glass of the enclosure.

With a lifespan of up to 20 years in captivity, the crested gecko is a type of pet lizard that requires a lot of commitment. This species is one of the most popular in the trade and can be found in captive habitats all over the world!

For a while, many thought that the crested gecko was extinct in the wild. However, wild populations are thriving in New Caledonia. As for the pet trade, almost all specimens are a product of breeding. Thanks to the hard work of breeders, you have a ton of different color morphs to choose from.

The most common features shades of brown and cream. However, red, white, orange lizards are prevalent, too. The thing that sets crested geckos apart from others is the fringed crest that lines the head and back. This spiky physical feature can vary in size from lizard to lizard. But, all specimens have it. As a mature adult, these lizards can measure anywhere between three and four feet long! They are much larger than most of the common species you see in the trade.

Unfortunately, their large size does make them a rare commodity. They have some distinct care guidelines that you must meet. Otherwise, the lizard will not do well in captivity. Throughout the day, they will usually bask in the sun or lounge around. Sometimes, you might see them attempting to burrow in the substrate. In terms of behavior, savannah monitors can be hit or miss.

With proper care and regular handling, they can become docile and easy-going. Friendly and easy to care for, African fire skinks are excellent for those without a ton of reptile experience.

Despite their easy-going nature, these pet lizards are anything but boring. Like other skink species, the fire skink has a long and stocky body. In terms of color, you might see lizards with shades of black, white, or silver.

Of course, they also have bright red scales. Overall, African fire skinks are undemanding in captivity. One thing they do need, however, is natural decor. Without things like logs, driftwood, hide boxes, and rocks, the reptile can start to feel unsafe. These pet lizards are real beauties. The primary color is bright green. However, they have textured skin with fine dots of yellow. Some lizards may also have neon blue on their feet and eyes and subtle red accents on the snout.

These colors combine to create a truly beautiful look. But, that extra space may help to meet their environmental needs. These lizards require a well-decorated tank with all the bells and whistles. The most defining trait of the long-tailed lizard is right in its name. It has an abnormally long tail that can sometimes look out of place on its body. As adults, these popular lizards get to be about 10 to 12 inches long.

However, about eight inches of that length is dedicated to the tail alone! It whips behind them as they scurry along the bottom of the enclosure. Speaking of which, this is a fast lizard species. They are very quick on their feet.

As a result, they can be a bit tricky to handle. You must also exercise caution with kids. When the lizard gets scared, it will thrash its tail around for protection. The Chinese water dragon is often mistaken for green iguanas. The first is the tail. As adults, males are usually around three feet long, so the tail is quite long compared to the rest of the body. The color of the chinese water dragon is beautiful, too. As adults, they take on shades of bright green to vibrant mint. Interestingly enough, they develop this color over several years.

Juveniles are usually more muted in tone, taking on a duller brown color. Another cool feature of the chinese water dragon is its third eye! Feast your eyes on this prehistoric beauty! Sailfin dragons are one of the more distinct pet lizards in the trade. As you can guess from their name, these reptiles have long fins that stretch along the back.

Typically, the fin starts on the head or just behind the neck. As adults, most will measure around three feet long. This can even occur in captivity! Caring for a sailfin dragon is no easy task. With the best beginner traits in mind, there are several lizards that can be perfect pets for anyone new to the joys of owning a lizard.

The most suitable pet lizards are…. While these lizards are best for beginners, it is also important to note that every lizard, even an "easy" species, has special requirements and needs proper care to live a long, healthy life. Before choosing a pet lizard, it is essential to research the exact needs of that species to be sure you can provide it a safe, comfortable home, nutritious diet, and good veterinary care. When you're prepared for a new pet, any of these lizards can make a great addition to your menagerie.

We are constantly adding new specials to our site.