If you’re more of a reptile person but large snakes and lizards intimidate you, why not adopt a small lizard to keep you company? Palm-sized reptiles such as the leopard gecko and fire skink are only a few inches in length, but they are just as active and entertaining as larger animals. There are many lizards to choose from, but the smallest critters often make the best pets. Let’s dive straight into six small lizards that make great pets.
1. Leopard Geckos Are Low-Maintenance and Cute
There’s a reason why leopard geckos make such popular pets. These little reptiles have large eyes, clawed feet, and thick tails with a distinct spotted pattern covering their bodies. The leopard gecko only grows up to 11 inches with a weight range of between 50 and 80 grams. These lightweight lizards don’t require much space and do well in a 20-gallon tank with branches and rocks they can climb and bask. These reptiles are easy to handle, provided you do so with care.
When setting up a leopard gecko tank, always pay attention to the heat and lighting. These geckos must have UV lighting, and insufficient amounts during the day will lead to health problems, such as metabolic bone disease. Leopard geckos can live for an incredible 20 years, so you should prepare to provide for your companion for a long time. They are docile, friendly, and relatively low maintenance, making them a popular addition to any terrarium.
2. Crested Geckos Are Gentle and Friendly
If you’re searching for an exotic-looking small lizard, then the crested gecko is a top pick. Growing to 10 inches in length, these dragon-looking lizards are popular pets. They are gentle and friendly creatures suitable for first-time reptile owners. To prepare for the arrival of a crested gecko, you must have a 20-gallon tank with a soft substrate and plenty of branches for them to climb. These arboreal lizards are true climbers, so replicating as much of their natural environment will keep them stimulated and happy. The proper tank conditions will also improve the interactive nature of crested geckos, making them more interesting to watch and keep as pets.
The crested gecko is easy to feed and requires a diet of insects and fruits. Many keepers prefer to place their geckos in vertical tanks where they have more room to climb as they would in the wild.
3. Veiled Chameleons Make Great Display Pieces
If you’re looking for more of a display piece than a pet, the veiled chameleon is the best choice. These chameleons have emerald green skin and unique patterns that create their exotic and unique appearance. The veiled chameleon can live for eight years and grow to be 22 inches long.
These small lizards will certainly add beauty to a terrarium, but they aren’t as active as leopard geckos or skinks. If you want a pet reptile that you can easily and frequently handle, then the veiled chameleon may not be the best choice. Chameleons are not recommended for first-time reptile keepers because of their specialized care requirements.
4. Fat-Tailed Geckos Don’t Need Specialized Care
The African fat-tailed gecko is one of the cutest lizards that looks very similar to its cousin, the leopard gecko. Interestingly, both the fat-tailed and leopard geckos belong to the Eublepharidae family and are among the few lizards that can move their eyelids. These geckos are very small and only reach nine inches in size. The fat-tailed gecko can grow as old as 15 years, provided it has a balanced environment and healthy diet.
African fat-tailed geckos need a 20-gallon tank and consume an insect-based diet of mealworms and crickets. The large-tailed geckos might be tiny, but they’re ferocious predators. You’ll find that these nocturnal animals are the most active at night.
5. Fire Skinks Are Interesting to Observe
Fire skinks are interesting lizards that are identified by their gold, black, and red colors, hence their name. A fire skink grows to a length of 10 inches and can reach an old age of 15 years. They are naturally curious and make great pets for both old and new reptile keepers. What’s interesting about fire skinks is that they are easy to care for, and they’re not too fussy when it comes to food. These insectivores enjoy a diet of crickets and other types of insects. To ensure they receive the right amount of calcium, you can add a powdered supplement to their food.
6. Bearded Dragons Make Popular Pet Reptiles
The bearded dragon might not be the smallest lizard, growing to 22 inches, but it is the most popular. These ancient-looking reptiles are friendly and love spending time with their owners, provided they are raised with gentle and frequent handling. A bearded dragon makes a great pet because of its amiable nature and curious personality. Beardies, as they’re more fondly known, enjoy a mixture of insects and vegetables, and they’re considered easy to train. If you want more of a loving pet that will interact with you, then think about bringing a beardie into your life.
How to Choose a Pet Small Lizard
The best small lizard for you depends on many factors, including what you’re looking for in a pet. While lizard keeping is not the easiest hobby, it is certainly one of the most rewarding. Spending time with your pet lizards through careful handling and creating the ideal environment will help them thrive. It will also allow you to build a unique bond with your cold-blooded companions.
Whether the tiny skink or the mid-sized bearded dragon, every lizard has its own personality and care requirements. So, before you decide to add a lizard as a pet, take some time to research which species best suits your preferences and lifestyle.
