Good display animal

[Stylopidae]

I've been thinking about making a display tank for awhile now, but haven't been able to narrow it down to the kind of animal I'd like.

I'd like something not too difficult to care for and one that eats insects. The second part is more important than the first. Sorry to say, snakes are out as I am not a big snake fan. The only snakes I'd like to own are either too expensive for me to afford or illegal to own (I love eyelash vipers...but alas)

I'd like something arboreal.

I was considering a chameleon for the longest time, Jackson's, veiled or panther. Geckos are also another option, either crested geckos, or tokay geckos.

Any suggestions based off of this?

 

[bengerno]

Hi,
I'd keep Basiliscis plumifrons, If I were you instead of chameleons. You can keep them in groups (1 male, 2 females), their color is brilliant, easy to keep, not too big, eating insects, not as stressful as a cham, easy to breed.

 

[MRL]

A chameleon is the only animal I've ever used for display and it worked great. Very interesting and beautiful, never boring. Just a pain to keep clean and nice looking.

 

[Lasiodora]

Day geckos make wonderful display animals. They are brilliantly colored and are diurnal (active mostly during the day) unlike the tokay and cresteds. They only eat insects but their diet can be supplemented with a fruit nector mix. You can set up a nice planted tank and keep one or more together depending on tank size (one male per tank of course). Their requirements are also not as demanding as chameleons are.

 

[AudreyElizabeth]

Day geckos make wonderful display animals. They are brilliantly colored and are diurnal (active mostly during the day) unlike the tokay and cresteds. They only eat insects but their diet can be supplemented with a fruit nector mix. You can set up a nice planted tank and keep one or more together depending on tank size (one male per tank of course). Their requirements are also not as demanding as chameleons are.

I agree, this would be a much better choice than any cham. Chams aren't really good display animals either. They are very delicate and very shy....
I've never owned any, but what about bearded dragons? I know they can be kept in communities, and are quite entertaining. I just don't know how hard they are to care for.

 

[ReptileMan27]

Tokays are a great choice, I love mine to death . Very beutiful,fun to watch,and easy to care for. I would stay away from chams and basilisks unless you are very expereinced and have the space and time to care for them properly, there not easy to care for.

 

[Silver.x]

Day geckos make wonderful display animals. They are brilliantly colored and are diurnal (active mostly during the day) unlike the tokay and cresteds. They only eat insects but their diet can be supplemented with a fruit nector mix. You can set up a nice planted tank and keep one or more together depending on tank size (one male per tank of course). Their requirements are also not as demanding as chameleons are.

Day geckos also eat fruits, such as fruit baby food.

 

[TimV]

Dragons can be expensive to care for. I've got three and they are good pets, but keeping the females alive can be a chore as well as expensive. A large male by itself can be cool since they get to know you and will sit on your shoulder and basically act smarter than, say an iguana.

 

[TheReptileShop]

Crested geckos are great. You can keep them in the low 70's at night and 73f-80f during the day. Of course it is possible for death to occur if you expose these lizards to over 82 degrees. These lizards are also omnivores, so you don't have to deal with crickets or other feeders all the time.

Cresteds are becoming very popular in the US so these lizards would be a good choice also.

 

[Lasiodora]

Day geckos also eat fruits, such as fruit baby food.

Yes, that is part of the fruit nector mix I mentioned earlier in the thread. They are especially fond of the apricot mix.