The 10 Easiest Lizards to Keep as Pets (Even for Beginners)
Are you considering a reptile pet? Lizards have captivating colors, unique personalities, and manageable care routines. They’re ideal pets for both beginners and experienced pet enthusiasts. In this guide, we look at a few lizard species that are renowned for their ease of care and delightful companionship, helping you find a match for your home and lifestyle.
Bearded Dragons
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Something about bearded dragons makes them feel like the perfect pet lizard. Maybe it’s their chill attitude, their way of tilting their heads when watching people, or that they grow to a manageable 24 inches. Setting up their home with heat lamps and UVB lighting costs around $200 to $600. They eat insects, veggies, and occasional fruits. Some even enjoy hanging out on their owner’s shoulder for a basking session.
Geckos
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Nothing beats a gecko for an easy first reptile. Small, tough, and full of personality, they stay under 10 inches and don’t need much space. Most geckos, like leopard geckos, don’t require special lighting, so the costs stay between $100 and $300. They live on a steady diet of insects.
African Fire Skinks
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There are very few lizards that look as striking as an African fire skink. With shimmering red and gold scales, these 15-inch burrowers spend much of their time digging through their enclosures. Setup costs range from $150 to $400. They start shy and regular interaction helps them warm up. Skinks dart around like tiny dragons exploring their kingdom once comfortable.
Black and White Tegus
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Dogs may have competition because black and white tegus act more like loyal companions than reptiles. These four-foot lizards recognize their owners, enjoy head scratches, and walk on leashes. They need a large, secure habitat, which costs between $500 and $1,000 to set up. With patience and care, they become affectionate pets that follow people around the house.
Green Basilisk
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Anyone who has seen a lizard sprint across water knows how impressive green basilisks are. Nicknamed “Jesus lizards” for their ability to run on water, they grow up to 2.5 feet and require a tall enclosure with branches and a water feature. Habitat costs range from $200 to $500. Skittish by nature, they prefer exploring their environment over being handled.
Chameleons
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Watching a chameleon slowly change color to fuse with its surroundings is super mesmerizing. Some species stay under a foot, while others exceed two feet. Their enclosures must be well-ventilated with misting systems and cost between $300 and $600. Though fascinating to watch, chameleons prefer observation over handling, so they’re ideal for reptile lovers who appreciate their unique behaviors.
Chinese Water Dragons
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An active, social lizard like the Chinese water dragon makes an exciting pet. Its bright green scales and spiny crests make it stand out. The Chinese water dragon reaches about three feet and requires a vertical enclosure with climbing areas. Setup costs range between $300 and $700. Given time, it tolerates handling and often perches on its owners like tiny, scaly royalty.
Savannah Monitors
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The savannah monitor is an intelligent reptile with strong instincts that require commitment. Growing up to four feet, they need a spacious enclosure with deep soil for burrowing. A proper habitat costs at least $500 to set up. They even recognize their owners and show excitement by wagging their tails.
Green Iguanas
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Owning a green iguana is like caring for a small dinosaur. These giants grow over five feet and need large, reinforced enclosures, with costs ranging from $500 to $1,500. As strict herbivores, they eat leafy greens, squash, and flowers. Their strong personalities require an experienced owner despite starting small.
Caiman Lizards
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Not every reptile enjoys a good swim, but caiman lizards thrive in water. Growing up to four feet, they need semi-aquatic enclosures with basking areas and deep water that between $500 and $1,200 to build. These lizards require an experienced owner but for those up to the challenge, but watching them switch between land and water is rewarding.