When choosing a pet lizard, there are many factors to consider in order to select the friendliest and easiest to care for reptile companion. Factors like temperament, handling requirements, lifespan, diet, tank size and more can help determine which type of lizard is right for you. With proper research and preparation, owning a friendly lizard can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Leopard Gecko
One of the most popular lizards kept as pets, the leopard gecko is generally docile, easy to handle, and a great starter lizard. Some key facts about leopard geckos:
- Native to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwestern India.
- Nocturnal and terrestrial, preferring to live on the ground.
- Adults reach 6-10 inches in length.
- Lifespan of 6-10 years in captivity.
- Do not require UV lighting, only a heat mat for maintaining optimal temperatures.
- Insectivores – diet consists of live insects like crickets, mealworms, waxworms.
- Shed skin in patches, eating the skin after it comes off.
- Docile temperament, easily handled once accustomed to touch.
- Come in a variety of morphs and colors beyond the typical spotted pattern.
Leopard geckos are one of the best pet lizards for beginners because they are hardy, have simple care requirements, tolerate handling, and have relatively long lifespans. Their size is also ideal – large enough to be handled easily but small enough to house comfortably.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are very popular lizards known for their gentle disposition and seeming enjoyment of human interaction. Here’s an overview of bearded dragons as pets:
- Native to Australia.
- Diurnal and arboreal, preferring desert habitats.
- Adults reach 18-24 inches in length.
- Lifespan of 10-15 years in captivity.
- Require UVB lighting and basking temperatures up to 110°F.
- Omnivorous – enjoy vegetables and live insects.
- Muscular build with a spiny “beard” under their throat used in displays.
- Docile when handled gently, recognizing and responding to owners.
- Come in a variety of morphs and colors.
The bearded dragon’s moderate size, easygoing personality, and longevity make them exceptional lizard pets. They do require large, warmly-lit terrariums and some specialty care but are very rewarding reptiles to keep.
Blue-Tongued Skink
Blue-tongued skinks are another very popular pet lizard known for their unique blue tongues and laid-back personalities. Here are some key blue-tongue skink facts:
- Native to Australia and New Guinea.
- Diurnal and terrestrial/fossorial, spending time above and below ground.
- Adults average 20-24 inches long.
- Lifespan of 15-20 years in captivity.
- Require UVB lighting and basking area of 90-95°F.
- Omnivorous – enjoy fruits, vegetables, eggs and insects.
- Muscular build with blunt nose and bright blue tongue used in displays.
- Typically slow-moving and docile when handled.
- Come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Blue-tongues are smart, personable lizards that bond closely with owners. Their large size and specific heating/lighting needs mean they require sizable habitats. But for those able to properly care for them, blue-tongues are delightful pet lizards.
Crested Gecko
Originally from southern New Caledonia, crested geckos have fast become popular reptile pets thanks to their small size, minimal care requirements, longevity, and handling tolerance. Some key traits make them ideal friendly pet lizards:
- Native to tropical New Caledonia.
- Nocturnal and arboreal tree-dwellers.
- Adults reach 6-9 inches in length.
- Lifespan of 15-20 years in captivity.
- Do not require UV lighting, only ambient temperatures of 70-80°F.
- Omnivorous – eat prepared fruit powders mixed with water.
- Have big eyes, soft skin, and elaborate crests on their heads.
- Typically slow-moving and docile when handled gently.
- Come in a huge variety of colors and patterns.
Crested geckos are small, long-lived, and easy to care for. Their simple habitat needs, handling tolerance, and wide range of beautiful colors and patterns make them one of the best lizards to keep as pets.
Uromastyx
Uromastyx lizards may not be as well known as other species, but they can make very friendly and interactive reptile pets for the right owner. Here’s an overview of their key traits:
- Native to North Africa and Arabian deserts.
- Diurnal and terrestrial, preferring very hot, arid habitats.
- Adults range from 10-30 inches long depending on species.
- Lifespan of 15-20+ years with proper care.
- Require extremely hot basking temperatures up to 130°F.
- Herbivorous – eat greens, vegetables, flowers, and some seeds.
- Heavyset build with spiny tail; coloration ranges from dull to brightly-colored.
- Can become very friendly and interactive when socialized.
- Multiple color morphs available.
Uromastyx are more advanced reptile pets with very specific care requirements, but their intelligence, longevity, and friendly dispositions make them rewarding animals to keep for experienced owners.
Green Anole
Small, active, and inexpensive to acquire, green anoles can make excellent starter lizards. Here are some key green anole facts:
- Native to the southeastern United States and Caribbean islands.
- Diurnal and arboreal, preferring bushes, trees, and shrubs.
- Adults reach 5-8 inches in length.
- Lifespan of 2-4 years in captivity.
- Require UVB lighting and basking area of 80-85°F.
- Insectivorous – eat small insects like crickets and mealworms.
- Slender build, able to change color from green to brown.
- Fast moving but can be handled gently once accustomed.
- Inexpensive to purchase compared to similar lizards.
Green anoles are affordable, readily available and their small size makes them easy to accommodate. This, combined with their active nature, makes them one of the most beginner-friendly pet lizard choices.
Conclusion
When it comes to picking a friendly pet lizard, popular choices like leopard geckos, bearded dragons, and crested geckos are great options that can readily become personable, interactive reptiles when cared for properly. But blue-tongued skinks, green anoles, and uromastyx can also make fantastic pets for owners able to provide their specialized care needs.
The most friendly and easy to care for lizard overall is widely considered to be the leopard gecko thanks to its modest size, simple habitat needs, docile temperament, longevity, and wide popularity and availability as a pet. But any of these reptiles can thrive with an owner willing to learn their particular care requirements and put in the time and effort to socialize with them gently and consistently.
