If you're considering a pet lizard but have limited space or prefer a smaller, low-maintenance companion, small lizard pets could be the perfect option. Despite their small size, these reptiles can still be fascinating, interactive, and relatively easy to care for. Whether you live in an apartment or simply prefer a more compact pet, small lizards offer all the charm of larger reptiles but in a manageable package.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best small lizard pets, including their care requirements, temperaments, and unique features, so you can find the perfect tiny reptilian companion for your home.

Why Choose Small Lizard Pets?

There are several reasons why people opt for small lizard pets:

• Space-efficient: Small lizards require smaller enclosures, making them ideal for apartments or homes with limited space.
• Low-maintenance: While all reptiles require proper care, small lizards typically need less food and fewer resources compared to larger species.
• Easy to handle: Small lizards tend to be less intimidating and easier to handle, especially for beginners or young reptile enthusiasts.
• Fascinating behavior: Despite their small size, many small lizards are very active and can exhibit interesting behaviors like climbing, hunting, and basking.

Now, let’s dive into some of the best small lizard pets that are perfect for first-time owners or those looking for a compact reptilian companion.

1. Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

Size: 8-10 inches
Temperament: Docile, friendly
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Care Level: Beginner

Leopard geckos are one of the most popular small lizard pets due to their calm nature and low-maintenance care. These lizards are nocturnal and easy to handle, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Leopard geckos don’t require UVB lighting, although it can still be beneficial. They eat a diet primarily consisting of insects like crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches.

Care Tips:

• Provide a 20-40 gallon tank for an adult.
• Maintain a temperature gradient of 80-90°F (27-32°C) with a basking spot of 95°F (35°C).
• Leopard geckos prefer dry environments, so moderate humidity is needed (around 30-40%).

2. Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)

Size: 8-10 inches
Temperament: Calm, easy to handle
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Care Level: Beginner

The crested gecko is another fantastic choice for a small lizard pet. Known for their distinctive fringe-like crests running from their eyes to their tails, these lizards are nocturnal and relatively easy to care for. Crested geckos eat a mix of fruit, insects, and specially formulated diets, making feeding them simple. They are also very low-maintenance when it comes to UVB lighting.

Care Tips:

• Provide a 20-gallon tall tank for an adult.
• The temperature should be kept around 72-80°F (22-27°C).
• These geckos need moderate humidity (50-60%) and thrive in a vertical tank with plenty of branches and plants to climb on.

3. Anole Lizard (Anolis carolinensis)

Size: 5-8 inches
Temperament: Active, solitary
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Care Level: Beginner

Anoles are tiny, active lizards that are well-suited for small living spaces. They are known for their bright green coloration, although they may turn brown when stressed or during colder weather. These lizards are primarily insectivores and need a diet of crickets, mealworms, and other small insects. Anoles enjoy climbing and need vertical space in their enclosure.

Care Tips:

• A 20-gallon tank is adequate for one anole.
• Keep the temperature in the range of 75-85°F (24-29°C), with a basking spot of 85°F (29°C).
• Maintain moderate humidity (50-60%) and provide plenty of branches or foliage for climbing.

4. House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus)

Size: 4-6 inches
Temperament: Skittish, active
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Care Level: Beginner

House geckos are another excellent option for those looking for a small lizard pet. These lizards are nocturnal, often seen hunting insects at night. House geckos are small, making them perfect for smaller tanks, and they are generally hardy creatures. They are also known for their ability to climb walls and other smooth surfaces.

Care Tips:

• A 10-20 gallon tank is sufficient for one adult.
• Maintain a temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C), with a basking area around 85°F (29°C).
• Keep humidity around 50-60%, and offer a variety of places for climbing and hiding.

5. Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholeon spp.)

Size: 3-4 inches
Temperament: Shy, solitary
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Care Level: Intermediate

Pygmy chameleons are incredibly small, making them a great choice for people looking for an extremely small lizard pet. Native to East Africa, these chameleons are known for their tiny size and slow-moving nature. They primarily feed on small insects such as fruit flies, crickets, and other tiny invertebrates.

Care Tips:

• These chameleons need a 20-gallon tall tank for an adult.
• Keep temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C) and provide a basking spot of 90°F (32°C).
• They require high humidity (60-80%) and need plants and branches to climb on.

6. Small Skink Species (e.g., Five-lined Skink, Plestiodon fasciatus)

Size: 5-8 inches
Temperament: Active, alert
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Small skinks, such as the five-lined skink, make great pets for reptile enthusiasts. These skinks are active and love to explore their environment. They are insectivores, feeding on crickets, worms, and small insects. While skinks are generally friendly, they can be a bit more active than some other small lizards.

Care Tips:

• A 20-30 gallon tank is suitable for an adult.
• Provide a temperature gradient of 75-85°F (24-29°C), with a basking spot of 90°F (32°C).
• Humidity should be moderate, around 40-60%, and the enclosure should include hiding places and rocks for climbing.

7. Fat-Tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicrassus)

Size: 6-8 inches
Temperament: Calm, nocturnal
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Care Level: Beginner

The fat-tailed gecko is another popular small lizard pet, known for its distinctive fat tail that stores fat for energy. This species is nocturnal and relatively easy to care for. Fat-tailed geckos are also known for being friendly, although they are typically more active at night. They require a diet of insects like crickets and mealworms.

Care Tips:

• A 20-gallon tank is sufficient for an adult.
• Temperature should range from 80-90°F (27-32°C) with a basking spot of around 95°F (35°C).
• Humidity should be moderate, around 50-60%, with some hiding spots and climbing branches.

Conclusion

Small lizards make fantastic pets for both novice and experienced reptile owners. They’re easy to care for, take up less space, and offer fascinating behaviors that can keep you entertained for years. Whether you choose a Leopard Gecko, a Crested Gecko, or a Pygmy Chameleon, you’ll find that these reptiles can be both beautiful and rewarding companions.

Before adopting a small lizard pet, make sure to do thorough research on the specific species to ensure you can provide the right environment and care. With the proper setup, a small lizard can thrive and become a delightful addition to your home.