Green Anole
A small, active lizard that thrives in a planted, humid enclosure. Better as a display pet than a handling pet.
scientificName
Anolis carolinensis
careLevel
Beginner to Intermediate
adultSize
12 to 20 cm
enclosure
45×45×60 cm vertical with plants
temperature
24 to 29C; basking ~32C
humidity
60 to 70%
diet
Small insects
lifespan
4 to 8 years
handling
Minimal; best for observation
lighting
UVB recommended
weeklyMaintenance
Spot-clean 2 to 3x/week; deeper clean weekly
Best for
- Owners who want a fascinating, low-noise pet
- People who enjoy building and optimizing habitats
- Homes that can commit to heat and UVB equipment
- Keepers who prefer routine-based animal care
Not ideal for
- People who want a cuddly, high-contact pet
- Anyone unwilling to manage heat, humidity, and lighting
- Homes without space for an adult-sized enclosure
- Impulse buyers without a vet plan
Temperament
- Often becomes calmer with consistent, gentle routines
- May be skittish early on in a new environment
- Does best with predictable feeding and minimal stress
Daily routine
feeding: Feed according to species and age; remove leftovers to prevent pests.
heatLighting: Verify basking temps and UVB schedule daily.
check: Look for normal posture, clear eyes, and healthy skin/shed.
enrichment: Provide hides, climbing, and safe digging depending on the species.
Living fit
smallHome: Possible for small species; large lizards need serious space.
kids: Okay with supervision; handling should be species-appropriate and calm.
firstTimeOwner: Bearded dragons and some skinks can work; monitors/iguanas/tegus are advanced.
Health notes
- UVB and calcium balance are critical for many lizards; set up correctly from day one.
- Incorrect temperatures often cause appetite, digestion, and immune issues.
- Dirty or overly damp substrates can lead to skin problems.
Cost and time
time: Moderate; daily checks plus weekly habitat work.
cost: Moderate to high due to heat, UVB, and enclosure size.
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