Blue anoles are small lizards native to Cuba and the Bahamas. Their beautiful blue coloration and active nature have made them popular pets. But are blue anoles really suitable pets? Here are some key considerations when deciding if a blue anole is the right pet for you.
Appearance
Blue anoles are a stunning bright blue-green color. They have a light underside and can change their coloration from bright blue to brown. This color changing ability helps them regulate their body temperature and communicate with other anoles. Males have a large throat fan called a dewlap that they extend to signal dominance and attract females. Blue anoles reach 5-8 inches in length when fully grown.
Enclosure
Blue anoles are arboreal lizards that spend most of their time in trees and shrubs. They need a tall, planted terrarium that allows climbing and basking. The minimum enclosure size for a single blue anole is 20 gallons. The enclosure should be kept between 75-85°F in the daytime with a basking spot of 90°F and 70-75°F at night.
The enclosure needs UVB lighting and a day/night cycle. The tank should have lots of plants, sticks, and hides. Coconut fiber substrate holds humidity well. The enclosure should be misted 1-2 times per day to maintain a humidity level around 60-80%. Good ventilation is essential.
Diet
Blue anoles are insectivores meaning they only eat insects and invertebrates. Crickets, small roaches, fruit flies, and mealworms should make up the bulk of their diet. Feeder insects should be gut loaded and dusted with calcium/vitamin supplements 1-2 times per week. Adults should be fed 3-5 small insects every 2-3 days. They can occasionally be offered diluted fruit juice in a cap for extra hydration.
Handling
Blue anoles are fast moving and nervous lizards. They do not tolerate frequent handling well and are better off left alone in their enclosure. Catching and restraining them causes stress. If you need to pick up a blue anole, move slowly and gently scoop it into your hands. Never grab the tail as this can cause it to detach.
Behavior
Blue anoles are active, curious lizards. They enjoy climbing and exploring their habitat. Males are territorial and will bob their heads and extend their dewlaps when defending their domain. Blue anoles are primarily solitary and will fight if housed together. They communicate with visual displays and are interesting to watch. But they are easily stressed by handling.
Lifespan
With proper care, blue anoles can live 5-7 years in captivity. Make sure to get a captive bred anole, not a wild caught one which likely won’t do well. Their lifespan is much shorter if subjected to frequent stress from improper housing and handling.
Difficulty Level
While small and inexpensive, blue anoles are not ideal pets for beginners. Their specific heating, lighting, humidity, and dietary needs can be challenging for a new reptile owner. Their stress levels also rise quickly with improper care and handling. An intermediate or experienced keeper is better suited to care for a blue anole.
Costs
Here is a table summarizing the typical costs of owning a pet blue anole:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Blue anole | $20-$40 |
| 20 gallon terrarium | $50-$100 |
| UVB lighting & fixture | $50-$150 |
| Heat lamp & fixture | $40-$60 |
| Plants, decor, substrate | $50-$100 |
| Insects & supplements | $5-$10 per month |
| Total initial costs | $200-$450 |
| Estimated monthly costs | $10-$20 |
Finding a Blue Anole
It is important to get a captive bred blue anole from a reputable breeder rather than taking one from the wild. Wild caught anoles often carry parasites, are stressed, and won’t thrive in captivity. Look for an active, alert anole without signs of injury or stuck shed. Avoid purchasing newly imported or wild caught lizards.
Permits and Laws
Some states prohibit keeping blue anoles as pets or require special permits. Always check your local and state laws before acquiring a blue anole. In the US, blue anoles are an introduced species in Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Hawaii where they have negatively impacted local ecosystems. It is illegal to release nonnative anoles into the wild in these states.
Pros
- Small size
- Beautiful bright blue coloration
- Interesting climbing behaviors
- Low maintenance when setup properly
- Inexpensive compared to other lizards
Cons
- Can be stressed by handling
- Require specific temperature, lighting, and humidity
- Prone to health issues if husbandry is incorrect
- Males may fight if housed together
- Not a good pet for children
Conclusion
Blue anoles can make great pets for someone looking for a small, active display lizard. They are simple to care for compared to larger lizard species. But their specific requirements and sensitivity to stress make them better suited for intermediate reptile keepers. With proper setup and care, blue anoles can thrive and delight their owners with their bright colors and behaviors.
