Owning a lizard is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it’s not without its unique challenges. Each species has its own personality and care needs, so it’s important to do your homework before bringing one home. Whether it’s providing the right habitat or ensuring proper diet and temperature, preparing for a pet lizard requires careful thought. Moreover, make sure to follow local pet ownership regulations to ensure a smooth and happy experience for both you and your new reptilian friend. Let’s explore 12 amazing lizards that can be an excellent pet choice for first time reptile owners.

1. Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos are one of the most beginner-friendly reptiles due to their calm temperament, small size, and simple care requirements. These nocturnal geckos thrive in a 20-gallon terrarium and don’t need extensive lighting. They’re easy to handle, and their diet of insects like crickets and mealworms is simple to manage. Leopard geckos live up to 20 years and are perfect for new reptile owners who want a docile, low-maintenance companion.

2. Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are friendly and sociable reptiles that make fantastic pets for first-time owners. Their calm demeanor and easy handling make them a popular choice. They need a 40-gallon terrarium with UVB lighting and both plant and insect-based diets. Bearded dragons can grow up to 22 inches, so they need ample space to roam. Their interactive nature, along with their fascinating personalities, makes them a rewarding pet for beginners looking for more engagement.

3. Crested Gecko

Crested geckos are a great choice for first-time reptile owners thanks to their low maintenance and peaceful nature. These nocturnal geckos don’t require UVB lighting, making their care easier. Their diet consists of insects and fruit, which is easy to manage. They thrive in humid environments and can live in a simple terrarium setup with foliage for climbing. With their friendly disposition and striking appearance, crested geckos are perfect for anyone new to reptile care.

4. African Fat-Tailed Gecko

African fat-tailed geckos are similar to leopard geckos but are known for their unique look and docile nature. These geckos grow to about 9 inches long and require a 20-gallon terrarium with proper humidity levels. They thrive on a carnivorous diet consisting of crickets and mealworms. Their calm temperament and low-maintenance care make them ideal for new reptile owners. African fat-tailed geckos are easy to handle and love hiding, making them a perfect pet for anyone new to lizard care.

5. Green Anole

Green anoles are small, colorful, and active reptiles that make great pets for first-time lizard owners. They require a vertical terrarium with climbing space, UVB lighting, and a diet of small insects like crickets and fruit flies. Green anoles thrive in humid environments and need regular misting to maintain proper humidity levels. Though they’re more active than other lizards, their manageable size and engaging behavior make them an appealing choice for those new to reptile keeping.

6. Blue-Tongue Skink

Blue-tongue skinks are calm and friendly reptiles with a unique appearance and engaging personality. These lizards are great for beginners who are ready for a larger pet, as they can grow up to 24 inches. Blue-tongue skinks thrive in a spacious enclosure with UVB lighting, offering a diet of both plant material and insects. Their gentle temperament and willingness to interact make them an ideal pet for owners looking for a low-maintenance, engaging reptile.

7. Uromastyx

Uromastyx lizards are unique, herbivorous reptiles known for their colorful scales and spiny tails. While they require specific care, including a warm environment and UVB lighting, they’re relatively low-maintenance once their habitat is set up. Uromastyx are best for owners who are ready to care for a larger lizard, as they can grow up to 18 inches. Their diet mainly consists of leafy greens and vegetables, making them easy to feed and care for as long as their habitat conditions are met.

8. Leachianus Gecko

The Leachianus gecko is a larger and more robust species, but they make excellent pets for first-time reptile owners with the proper setup. These geckos are calm, easy to handle, and have a simple diet of insects and fruit. Their care requires a larger terrarium with ample climbing space and a warm environment. Though they’re more advanced than smaller geckos, their docile nature and relatively low-maintenance care make them a rewarding choice for beginners ready for a bigger challenge.

9. Veiled Chameleon

Veiled chameleons are stunning and colorful reptiles that make great pets for beginners who are prepared to meet their specific needs. These chameleons thrive in vertical enclosures with plenty of plants for climbing and UVB lighting. They require regular misting and a diet of live insects, including crickets and locusts. Veiled chameleons have a slightly higher level of care than some other beginner reptiles, but their unique appearance and fascinating behavior make them a compelling choice for those looking for an interactive pet.

10. Tokay Gecko

Tokay geckos are vibrant and active reptiles that can be an exciting addition to a reptile collection. Though they’re more aggressive and may require a bit more patience, they’re still great for beginners who want a colorful, energetic pet. Tokay geckos are best housed in a 20-gallon terrarium with a secure lid, as they’re known for their climbing abilities. Their diet mainly consists of insects like crickets and roaches, which are easy to source and feed. With the right setup, Tokay geckos can thrive in a home environment.