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Lizards

This category contains guides for Leopard gecko, Crested gecko, Bearded dragon, Blue-tongued skink, Green anole, Asian water monitor, Veiled chameleon, Gargoyle gecko, Chahoua gecko, Leachianus gecko, African fat-tailed gecko, Chinese cave gecko (Hainan), Giant day gecko, Mourning gecko, Tokay gecko, Argentine black-and-white tegu, Ackie monitor, Savannah monitor, Green iguana, Panther chameleon, Saharan uromastyx, Chinese water dragon, Schneider’s skink, Black-throated monitor, Crocodile monitor, Mangrove monitor, Nile monitor, Black roughneck monitor, Tree monitors, White-throated monitor, Caiman lizard, Colombian tegu, Crocodile tegu, Western whiptail, Knob-tailed geckos, African fire skink, Indonesian blue-tongued skink, Rankin’s dragon, Pink-tongued skink, Sandfish skink, Red-eyed crocodile skink, Jeweled lacerta, Gold dust day gecko, Pictus gecko, Viper gecko. Each guide states its exact species or group scope; this category does not cover every member of the wider group.

Choose a named animal

45 care guides in this collection

A spotted leopard gecko in close-up beside a piece of bark

Leopard gecko

Eublepharis macularius

A practical guide to a measured leopard gecko setup, live-insect feeding, daily care and signs that need attention.

Researched care guide · Getting started

Plan for 20 years or longer

Arid terrestrial9 min read

An orange-brown crested gecko gripping broad green leaves

Crested gecko

Correlophus ciliatus

Provide connected climbing routes, gentle measured UVB, a drying moisture cycle and a complete diet prepared for the animal’s life stage.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Around 15–20 years

Tropical arboreal12 min read

A bearded dragon basking on sand with its spiny beard visible

Bearded dragon

Pogona vitticeps

Bearded dragons are bright, active baskers that need generous space, strong lighting and an age-appropriate omnivorous diet.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Around 10–15 years or longer

Arid terrestrial10 min read

Northern blue-tongued skink with a broad head and banded body resting on gravel.

Blue-tongued skink

Tiliqua scincoides

Blue-tongued skinks are sturdy, inquisitive foragers, but you need to identify the subspecies before choosing heat and humidity settings.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Around 15–20 years, with longer lives reported

Australian terrestrial9 min read

Male green anole in brown coloration resting on a broad green leaf.

Green anole

Anolis carolinensis

Green anoles are small, alert display lizards that thrive with fine branches, foliage and careful hydration.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Around 4–8 years

Subtropical arboreal8 min read

Asian water monitor with a dark, pale-spotted body crouching on sandy ground.

Asian water monitor

Varanus salvator

Asian water monitors are giant, active lizards that require dedicated housing, a managed pool and substantial hands-on experience.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Plan for 15–20+ years; published estimates differ

Tropical semi-aquatic10 min read

Close-up of a green veiled chameleon showing its tall casque and turret-shaped eye.

Veiled chameleon

Chamaeleo calyptratus

Veiled chameleons are solitary canopy specialists that require measured UVB, carefully timed hydration and excellent drainage.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Plan for 5–7 years and potentially longer

Seasonal arboreal10 min read

Orange-striped gargoyle gecko resting on bark beside moss and pale lichen.

Gargoyle gecko

Rhacodactylus auriculatus

Gargoyle geckos climb and need textured perches, substantial insect feeding and care that may continue for two decades.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Plan for 20–25 years; the linked breeder reports individuals past twenty.

New Caledonian woodland7 min read

Mossy chahoua gecko camouflaged against tree bark, with its mottled body and gripping toes visible.

Chahoua gecko

Mniarogekko chahoua

Chahoua geckos are sturdy climbers that need regular live insects, secure resting cover and careful nutrition.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Prepare for more than 20 years; use a 25-year planning horizon.

New Caledonian forest understory4 min read

New Caledonian giant gecko resting on wood, with mottled brown and pale scales.

Leachianus gecko

Rhacodactylus leachianus

Leachianus geckos are heavy-bodied tree dwellers whose adult size, strong furnishings and long life need careful advance planning.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Prepare for 20–30 years or longer.

New Caledonian forest canopy4 min read

Three African fat-tailed geckos with banded bodies in a zoo display enclosure.

African fat-tailed gecko

Hemitheconyx caudicinctus

African fat-tailed geckos are terrestrial insect eaters that need humid refuges; they are a separate species from leopard geckos, not a colour variant.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Expect a 15–20-year commitment; longer is possible.

West African savanna and woodland4 min read

Young Hainan cave gecko standing on cork bark, with yellow bands across its dark body.

Chinese cave gecko (Hainan)

Goniurosaurus hainanensis

This guide covers G. hainanensis, a gecko from cooler habitats suited to careful observation; other cave geckos sold under the same label need their own care plans.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Prepare for 10–15 years or longer.

Humid forest floor and rock refuges4 min read

Bright green giant day gecko resting lengthwise on a sunlit log.

Giant day gecko

Phelsuma grandis

Giant day geckos are vividly colored daytime display animals that need tall, bright habitats and careful hands-off maintenance.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Plan for 15–20 years.

Madagascan tropical canopy4 min read

Mourning gecko resting lengthwise on reddish bark against a dark background.

Mourning gecko

Lepidodactylus lugubris

Mourning geckos are tiny social display animals that need escape-proofing, miniature food and planning for inevitable reproduction.

Researched care guide · Some experience

About 10 years, with reports of 15; plan for continuing offspring care

Tropical foliage and sheltered crevices4 min read

Tokay gecko resting on a wooden beam, with orange spots across its grey body.

Tokay gecko

Gekko gecko

Tokay geckos are powerful, vocal nocturnal display animals that require secure tall housing and confident, low-stress maintenance.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Plan for 15–20 years; published lifespan estimates vary.

Asian tropical forest and sheltered vertical surfaces5 min read

Argentine black-and-white tegu walking across dry soil with its red forked tongue extended.

Argentine black-and-white tegu

Salvator merianae

Argentine black-and-white tegus are powerful, inquisitive omnivores, and housing an adult requires substantial building work.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Plan for 15–20 years, with the possibility of longer.

Seasonally humid terrestrial5 min read

Close-up of an ackie monitor showing its patterned head and neck.

Ackie monitor

Varanus acanthurus

Ackie monitors are active dwarf monitors that need deep digging space, secure rockwork and carefully measured heating.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

At least 15 years is possible with good care.

Arid surface with humid burrows5 min read

Savannah monitor resting among pale dry grasses with its head and sturdy forelegs visible.

Savannah monitor

Varanus exanthematicus

Savannah monitors are strong burrowing insect eaters that require specialist housing and careful feeding to prevent overfeeding.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

A 10–15-year planning reference; individual outcomes vary.

Seasonal savanna with humid underground refuges5 min read

Green iguana

Iguana iguana

Green iguanas are giant herbivores that need tall permanent homes, fresh food and experienced handling arrangements.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Plan for 15–20 years or longer.

Tropical arboreal4 min read

Turquoise and green panther chameleon gripping a narrow branch.

Panther chameleon

Furcifer pardalis

Panther chameleons are solitary reptiles suited to observation by keepers who enjoy maintaining a planted climbing habitat and hydration system.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Several years of daily care; sex and reproductive history affect longevity.

Tropical forest edge with cooler humid nights5 min read

Yellow Saharan uromastyx standing on gravel, showing its short spiny tail.

Saharan uromastyx

Uromastyx geyri

Saharan uromastyx are plant-eating daytime lizards whose care depends on broad basking areas, bright light and secure retreats.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Potentially decades; verified geyri-specific longevity limits remain uncertain.

Arid rocky terrain with sheltered burrows5 min read

Chinese water dragon resting beside water, with its white throat and green body visible.

Chinese water dragon

Physignathus cocincinus

Chinese water dragons climb and swim, so their tall, wet habitats need careful maintenance planning.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

A 10–15-year planning reference with good care.

Tropical arboreal and semi-aquatic5 min read

Schneider’s skink resting on rock, with orange legs and a long brown tail.

Schneider’s skink

Eumeces schneiderii

Schneider’s skinks burrow and suit patient keepers who can maintain live feeders and a stable, varied ground habitat.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Fifteen years or more is reported.

Semi-arid ground with digging retreats4 min read

Black-throated monitor resting on a reddish earthen mound, with its head and heavy foreleg visible.

Black-throated monitor

Varanus albigularis microstictus

Plan generous walking space, deep digging soil and strong climbing routes for one black-throated monitor.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Long-term care required; a numerical lifespan was not re-established in this revision

Terrestrial savanna and woodland3 min read

Crocodile monitor

Varanus salvadorii

Prepare an institution-scale canopy habitat with protected keeper access, measured basking conditions and substantial room to move.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Long-term specialist commitment; a reliable species-specific lifespan bound is not established by this introduction.

Tropical forest canopy3 min read

Mangrove monitor in close-up, showing pale speckles across its dark head and neck.

Mangrove monitor

Varanus indicus

Confirm the species before applying a mangrove-monitor protocol, then provide connected land, climbing cover and substantial swimming water.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Long-term care required; a numerical lifespan was not re-established in this revision

Tropical wetland, woodland and shore margins3 min read

Nile monitor walking across sandy ground, with its banded body and tail visible.

Nile monitor

Varanus niloticus

Prepare an adult room with substantial swimming water, digging ground and climbing routes before a Nile monitor outgrows juvenile housing.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Long-term care required; a numerical lifespan was not re-established in this revision

Semi-aquatic African habitats3 min read

Black roughneck monitor lifting its long head above fallen leaves in a forest.

Black roughneck monitor

Varanus rudicollis

Give an identified black roughneck monitor connected climbing routes, humid cover and room to forage on the ground.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Long-term specialist commitment; a reliable species-specific lifespan bound is not established by this introduction.

Tropical forest floor and climbing habitat3 min read

Emerald tree monitor in close-up, showing vivid green scales and dark neck markings.

Tree monitors

Varanus prasinus complex

Choose an identified tree-monitor species and build connected canopy routes, concealed retreats and reliable drinking opportunities.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Long-term specialist commitment; a reliable species-specific lifespan bound is not established by this introduction.

Tropical forest canopy4 min read

White-throated monitor lifting its head and extending a long pink forked tongue among foliage.

White-throated monitor

Varanus albigularis albigularis

Give one white-throated monitor generous foraging space, deep burrowable soil, climbing cover and an invertebrate-rich diet.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Long-term specialist commitment; a reliable species-specific lifespan bound is not established by this introduction.

Southern African savanna and woodland3 min read

Caiman lizard in close-up, showing its reddish head, green neck and scaled forefoot.

Caiman lizard

Dracaena guianensis

A practical guide to housing a caiman lizard with a working pool, strong climbing routes, and a varied mollusk-rich diet.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

More than 10 years reported; this is not an upper limit

Tropical semi-aquatic forest4 min read

Gold tegu resting on a log, with yellow flecks across its dark head and body.

Colombian tegu

Tupinambis teguixin

Plan secure, deep-soil housing, strong basking light and a measured feeding routine for a Colombian tegu.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

15 years or more in the breeder account

Tropical terrestrial burrower5 min read

Crocodile tegu swimming with its green head and upper body above rippled water.

Crocodile tegu

Crocodilurus amazonicus

Plan swimming space, land margins and secure servicing for Crocodilurus amazonicus, with the remaining captive-care evidence gaps clearly identified.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

No supported captive lifespan range established from the reviewed sources

Amazonian semi-aquatic margins3 min read

Great Basin whiptail moving across rocky soil with its long tail curving behind it.

Western whiptail

Aspidoscelis tigris

Provide a long, covered foraging area, deep digging substrate and measured daytime basking for the western whiptail.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

No supported captive lifespan range established from the reviewed sources

Open scrub and burrowing cover4 min read

Central smooth knob-tailed gecko standing on sandy soil, with a large dark eye and a rounded tail tip.

Knob-tailed geckos

Nephrurus spp.

Choose the exact Nephrurus species, then provide individual housing with suitable digging, sheltered moisture and a measured thermal gradient.

Researched care guide · Some experience

More than 10 years is reported; exact species longevity needs assessment.

Australian arid and semi-arid ground habitats4 min read

An African fire skink on dark soil, showing its orange-red flanks.

African fire skink

Mochlus fernandi

Build a deep, sheltered soil habitat for an African fire skink, with measured heat, voluntary light and a varied invertebrate menu.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Plan for a decade or more

Humid forest floor and burrows5 min read

An Indonesian blue-tongued skink with a broad green-gray head beside rock.

Indonesian blue-tongued skink

Tiliqua gigas

Confirm the Indonesian blue-tongued skink’s identity, then plan a broad, furnished home with its own humidity, thermal and feeding requirements.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Prepare for a commitment of many years

Humid tropical floor with digging and cover6 min read

A Rankin’s dragon resting on brown earth, with its long tail extended.

Rankin’s dragon

Pogona henrylawsoni

Give Rankin’s dragon a full, furnished adult habitat with measured basking, ultraviolet light and a menu adjusted through growth.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Plan for a decade or longer

Seasonal dry plains with basking and digging5 min read

A pink-tongued skink curled on bark chips, with its long patterned body visible.

Pink-tongued skink

Cyclodomorphus gerrardii

Prepare connected branches, sheltered soil and a realistic mollusk menu for a pink-tongued skink, with measured warmth and hydration.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Plan for a decade or more

Woodland and forest cover with climbing and digging6 min read

A sandfish skink moving across pale sand beside a rocky shelter.

Sandfish skink

Scincus scincus

Plan a confirmed sandfish skink’s deep freely burrowable sand, measured surface-and-depth thermal choices, cultured prey and quiet observation.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Prepare for care lasting around a decade

Loose sand with thermal choices above and below the surface5 min read

A red-eyed crocodile skink resting on soil and bark, with its armored back visible.

Red-eyed crocodile skink

Tribolonotus gracilis

Give a red-eyed crocodile skink quiet covered routes, fresh humid refuges and shallow water while preserving a cool retreat.

Researched care guide · Experienced keeper

Plan for many years of quiet care

Damp forest-floor cover near shallow water5 min read

A male jeweled lacerta on pale ground, with blue flank markings visible.

Jeweled lacerta

Timon lepidus

Plan an active jeweled lacerta’s floor, anchored digging and climbing features, measured basking and insect-rich food variety.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Prepare for a decade or more

Sunny terrestrial routes, rocky retreats and digging soil5 min read

A gold dust day gecko stretched along a wooden rail, with its green body and red markings visible.

Gold dust day gecko

Phelsuma laticauda

Connect a gold dust day gecko’s canopy, food and drinking routes while preserving delicate skin, measured warmth and voluntary ultraviolet basking.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Plan for many years of canopy care

Vertical tropical canopy with drinking droplets and shade5 min read

A pictus gecko on dry ground and leaf litter.

Pictus gecko

Paroedura picta

Prepare a covered floor, visible small-prey feeding and separate warm, cool and moist retreats for the Madagascar ground or pictus gecko.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Plan continuing care beyond the purchase

Covered terrestrial routes with a moist retreat5 min read

A viper gecko resting beside wood on sandy soil.

Viper gecko

Hemidactylus imbricatus

Prepare small insect prey, secure low shelters, a warm basking spot and a moist hide for this tiny ground gecko.

Researched care guide · Some experience

Plan long-term micro-gecko care

Low terrestrial crevices with dry air and moist shelter5 min read

Check the guide before planning a setup.

Open the matching care article to check its scope, follow its sources and start the animal’s setup checklist. Each article identifies any care decisions that still need individual assessment.

Compare with your enclosure space Plan setup and running costs Request a missing species or correction