Types Of Lizards?

[KiruSama]

Currently Own A Snake and a Scorpion, And I've been Thinking of getting a Lizard. I've been Leaning towards Geckos, But I'd Love to see a list of different Lizards(And Geckos) that are good for a first time Lizard owner. I have a few requirements for them though. (Would Like a Species Name, Example A "Crescent Gecko" Instead of Just a "Gecko")

They Can't Get two Big (Nothing That'll Need something bigger then a 20/25 Gallon Tank)

Something that can Be handled.

Doesn't Need to extreme of a set up. (Example: Can't have a tank half filled with water.)

No leopard Gecko's Please.
Thank You.

 

[REAL]

Anoles?

Can salamanders be okay lol...

CLICK FOR LIZARD

More Lizards

I honestly can't really think off the top of my head something that'll stay long in a 20 gal other than geckos and anoles. I bet you there's quite a few others, just...nothings coming to me lol. Check those links out. Later! tell me how it goes.

 

[Mack&Cass]

Geckos are a good lizard to go with because the bulk of them don't need any UV light setup, just nice and warm.
Crested geckos (Rhacodactylus ciliatus) are good if a little skittish(although they will need a 20 gallon tall)
Fire skinks (Lygosoma fernandi) are another good choice (they would need a 20 gallon long tank) as well as any of the other small skinks
If you're willing to get a UV light, some good choices include the ever popular anolis (Anolis sp) excluding the Night Anole, which needs a bigger tank
The collared lizard (Crotapytus sp usually collaris) is a good ground dwelling lizard, although they can be a bit hostile.
Id also recommend getting an encylcopedia type reptile care book that has numerous species accounts and picking a lizard based on your preferences

 

[LeilaNami]

From my understanding, all captive reptiles and amphibians need UV.

 

[markface]

From my understanding, all captive reptiles and amphibians need UV.

that is definately wrong . snakes dont need uvb , most geckos dont need it either . i also dont know of any frogs , toads , newts or salamanders that need uvb . it's primarily lizards(nongecko types) and turtles that need uvb . it has been said that uvb lighting can help bring out colors in alot of the other reptiles and amphibians , but it has not been conclusively proven as of yet .

 

[RoachGirlRen]

Anoles?
Can salamanders be okay lol...

The OP specified that he wants an animal that can be handled. Anoles should never be handled, and most salamanders are harmed by the oils and salts of human hands. I'm guessing you probably just didn't see it, but I wanted to make sure it was mentioned that these aren't a handling species just in case some poor reptile newbie comes on this board and thinks "cool, I can handle anoles!" then runs out and kills them like most first time anole owners.

I know a lot of people who have cresteds who are very satisfied with them. They do well at room temp, don't need UVB, can be handled (albiet cautiously since they can be skittish), don't need huge tanks, and are very nice to look at. However, you do have to invest in a pre-made diet, as their nutrition is very tricky to handle without one; crickets and fruit just doesn't cut it. Some people have had success with DIY diets, but it is usually expensive and time consuming. Here is a good care sheet with an excellent section on nutrition: link

I've also heard that gargoyle geckos are another great species as far as being OK to handle goes, and pretty easy husbandry-wise. I *think* a 20H or a 20L placed upright are an OK tank size for them, but don't quote me on that.

 

[Avic_Addict]

Anoles should never be handled

Why not? Obviously they can drop their tails as can most lizards with rough handling, but if you take the time with them anoles can become very tame. I have a group that I bred myself and they will voluntarily jump onto your hand and allowed themselves to be handled and examined without concern.

However, if you are looking for a first lizard that is generally very tame (i.e., bearded dragon tame) and easily handled, anoles are probably not the best choice.

 

[RoachGirlRen]

Every good anole care sheet I've ever read and every hardcore anole keeper I've ever met has said that handling places undue stress on this species and should be avoided. ::shrugs:: I would not consider them a species that is particularly tame or open to handling, so I don't think it is a good idea for someone like the OP who wants a herp he can really interact with.

 

[Quixtar]

If you want something different yet easy to care for like leopard geckos, I'd suggest getting an African fat-tailed gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus).

For arboreal geckos, I'd suggest crested geckos (Rhacodactylus ciliatus), gargoyle geckos (Rhacodactylus auriculatus), or any of the leaf-tailed geckos (Uroplatus sp.).

Other lizards to consider: fire skinks (Lygosoma fernandi), armadillo lizards (Cordylus cataphractus).