If you're considering a big lizard pet, you're in for an exciting, but demanding, experience. Large lizards can make incredible companions, offering fascinating behaviors, unique appearances, and a bit of a challenge in their care. From the mighty iguana to the gentle giant monitors, large lizards can live for many years and, with the right care, can thrive in your home.

This article will highlight some of the best big lizard pets, their care requirements, and what makes each species unique, so you can choose the right one for your home and experience level.

1. Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

Size: 4-6 feet
Temperament: Territorial, intelligent, can be tame with handling
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Care Level: Advanced

The green iguana is one of the largest lizards you can keep as a pet and is widely known for its impressive size, beautiful green scales, and long tail. These lizards can grow up to 6 feet in length, making them one of the most majestic lizards you can keep. Green iguanas are also highly intelligent and can form a bond with their owners, but they are territorial, so regular handling is required to keep them tame.

Habitat Requirements:

• Large enclosure: At least 75-100 gallons for an adult iguana.
• UVB lighting to promote calcium absorption.
• High humidity (65-80%) and basking temperatures around 95-100°F (35-38°C).

Diet: Green iguanas are herbivores and need a diet of leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables. They avoid protein-heavy foods.

2. Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus)

Size: 3-4 feet
Temperament: Shy but can be tamed with regular handling
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Care Level: Intermediate

The savannah monitor is a large lizard species that typically grows to around 3-4 feet. These monitors are active, intelligent reptiles, but they can be a bit shy at first. With regular handling and socialization, they can become more comfortable and tame. They are a carnivorous species, feeding on insects, small rodents, and eggs, and they require a spacious enclosure to accommodate their large size.

Habitat Requirements:

• A 75-100 gallon tank for an adult monitor.
• UVB lighting is necessary for their health.
• Basking temperature of 100-110°F (38-43°C) and cooler zones of 75-85°F (24-29°C).

Diet: Savannah monitors are carnivores, eating insects, small mammals, and eggs.

3. Argentine Tegu (Salvator merianae)

Size: 3-4 feet
Temperament: Social, intelligent, interactive
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Care Level: Intermediate

The Argentine tegu is another great choice for reptile enthusiasts looking for a larger pet lizard. Tegus are known for being very social, and many owners report that they form strong bonds with their human caregivers. Tegus can grow up to 4 feet long, and their intelligence makes them one of the more interactive lizard species. With proper care and consistent handling, a tegu can be a friendly companion.

Habitat Requirements:

• A large enclosure (at least 75-100 gallons for an adult).
• UVB lighting and proper temperature gradients.
• Basking area should be around 95-100°F (35-38°C), with cooler zones around 75-85°F (24-29°C).

Diet: Tegus are omnivores, eating a combination of fruits, vegetables, eggs, and insects.

4. Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Size: 12-24 inches
Temperament: Friendly, social, docile
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate

While not as large as some of the other lizards on this list, the bearded dragon is still considered a medium-to-large-sized pet lizard. Known for their docile nature and interactive personality, bearded dragons are easy to handle and can develop close bonds with their owners. They grow to about 24 inches, including their tail, and are excellent for both beginners and experienced reptile keepers.

Habitat Requirements:

• A 40-75 gallon enclosure for an adult bearded dragon.
• UVB lighting and a temperature gradient with basking temperatures of 95-105°F (35-40°C).

Diet: Bearded dragons are omnivores and eat a variety of insects, vegetables, and fruits.

5. Uromastyx (Uromastyx spp.)

Size: 12-24 inches
Temperament: Calm, solitary
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Care Level: Intermediate

The Uromastyx, or spiny-tailed lizard, is a large, hardy lizard known for its slow-moving, docile nature. They are a herbivorous species that thrive in warm, dry environments. Uromastyx are also quite long-lived, often reaching 20-30 years in captivity. These lizards are best suited for reptile enthusiasts with some experience, as they have specific needs when it comes to their diet and temperature requirements.

Habitat Requirements:

• Large enclosure (at least 40-75 gallons) for adults.
• High temperatures between 100-110°F (38-43°C) in the basking areas, and cooler zones of around 80°F (27°C).
• Low humidity (10-30%) as they are desert-dwelling reptiles.

Diet: Uromastyx are herbivores, feeding on a variety of leafy greens, seeds, and flowers.

6. Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus)

Size: 4-7 feet
Temperament: Shy, territorial, can be tamed
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Care Level: Advanced

The Nile monitor is one of the largest species of monitor lizards, growing up to 7 feet long. Nile monitors are highly intelligent and active reptiles, but they are also known to be territorial and can be aggressive if not properly handled. They require a large habitat and are best suited for experienced reptile keepers who can meet their needs for heat, diet, and space.

Habitat Requirements:

• A large enclosure (at least 100 gallons for an adult).
• UVB lighting and a temperature gradient.
• Basking temperature of 100-110°F (38-43°C) and cooler areas of 80-85°F (27-29°C).

Diet: Nile monitors are carnivores, feeding on insects, small rodents, and eggs.

7. Black-Throated Monitor (Varanus albigularis)

Size: 3-5 feet
Temperament: Calm, intelligent, social
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Care Level: Intermediate

The black-throated monitor is a large, robust species of monitor lizard that can grow up to 5 feet. Known for their gentle temperament, these lizards are often easier to handle than other monitor species. They require a spacious, secure environment with ample hiding spaces and basking spots.

Habitat Requirements:

• Large enclosure (at least 75-100 gallons for an adult).
• UVB lighting is required.
• Basking temperatures should range from 100-110°F (38-43°C).

Diet: Black-throated monitors are carnivores, eating insects, small mammals, and eggs.

Conclusion: Are Big Lizard Pets Right for You?

Choosing a big lizard pet is a big commitment. These species require large enclosures, specialized care, and consistent handling. While they can live for decades, the investment of time, effort, and space required for their care should not be underestimated. Whether you choose a green iguana, savannah monitor, or a bearded dragon, large lizards offer fascinating companionship for those willing to meet their needs.

Before bringing a big lizard pet into your home, make sure you have the proper space, experience, and resources to care for it. With the right care, your large lizard can be a captivating, long-term companion.