Pet Critique

Hi there, pet lovers! 🦎✨

Are you ready to dive into the world of lizards and discover some of the most incredible, awe-inspiring, and downright amazing reptiles you could ever dream of owning? Whether you’re a seasoned reptile keeper or someone who’s been bitten by the lizard bug and is ready to take your passion to the next level, we’ve got something special for you. Today, we’re sharing our Top 5 Unique Lizards for Pet Lovers—creatures that are not just pets but lifelong companions, each with its own unique charm, personality, and care requirements.

These lizards aren’t your average beginner reptiles. They’re for those who are ready to invest time, effort, and resources into owning a truly extraordinary pet. These are lizards that will captivate you with their intelligence, beauty, and interactive nature. So, let’s get started and meet the five lizards that could easily be the greatest pet lizards you’ll ever own!

1. Blue Tongue Skink

If you’re looking for a lizard that’s as charming as it is low-maintenance, the Blue Tongue Skink is a top contender. These lizards are like the golden retrievers of the reptile world—friendly, hardy, and full of personality.

Why We Love Them:

• Size and Personality: Blue Tongue Skinks are big lizards in a compact package. They’re not as demanding as monitor lizards but still offer that “big lizard” experience. Their stubby legs and chunky bodies make them look like little dinosaurs, and their blue tongues are a showstopper!
• Ease of Handling: Once they’re used to you, Blue Tongues are incredibly handleable. They’re calm, curious, and love to explore. You can let them hang out on your lap or even take them for a stroll (yes, some owners leash-train them!).
• Diet: They’re omnivores, which means they eat a mix of fruits, vegetables, and protein like ground turkey or insects. This makes feeding them both easy and fun.

Things to Consider:

• Humidity Needs: Some species, like the Merauke Blue Tongue, require higher humidity. If you don’t keep the humidity levels right, they can lose toes during shedding.
• Social Behavior: Blue Tongues are solitary creatures and don’t get along with other skinks. They’re not the best choice if you’re looking to keep multiple lizards together.
• Availability and Cost: These lizards are in high demand, and some species (like the Northern Blue Tongue) can be hard to find and expensive.

Overall, the Blue Tongue Skink is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a big, friendly lizard without the massive enclosure requirements of a monitor or tegu. Click here to check out our review about Blue Tongue Skink.

2. Ackie Monitor

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a mini Komodo dragon, the Ackie Monitor is your dream come true. These small monitors pack all the intelligence and personality of their larger cousins into a much more manageable size.

Why We Love Them:

• Size and Activity: Ackies are small (usually around 2 feet long) but incredibly active and engaging. They’re like tiny velociraptors, always on the move and full of curiosity.
• Intelligence: Monitors are some of the smartest lizards out there, and Ackies are no exception. They’re fun to watch, interactive, and can even learn to recognize their owners.
• Handling: While they’re not as cuddly as a Blue Tongue, Ackies are handleable and rarely bite. They’re sturdy enough to tolerate occasional handling, making them a great choice for experienced keepers.

Things to Consider:

• Enclosure Requirements: Ackies need a hot basking spot (around 120°F) and plenty of space to explore. They’re active lizards, so a large enclosure with climbing opportunities is a must.
• Cost: These monitors are expensive, both to purchase and to care for. Their diet consists of insects, and they eat a lot of them!
• Fragility: While they’re hardy, their small size makes them more delicate than larger monitors. You’ll need to be careful when handling them.

If you’re ready for a lizard that’s as smart as it is entertaining, the Ackie Monitor is a top-tier choice. Click here to check out our review about Ackie Monitor.

3. Leachianus Gecko

For gecko enthusiasts, the Leachianus Gecko (or “Leachie”) is the ultimate pet. These giant geckos are like crested geckos on steroids—bigger, softer, and even more fascinating.

Why We Love Them:

• Size and Appearance: Leachies are the largest geckos in the world, reaching up to 14 inches in length. Their wrinkly skin and prehensile tails make them look like something out of a fantasy movie.
• Handling: Despite their size, Leachies are gentle and fun to handle. They’re soft to the touch and have a calm demeanor, making them a joy to interact with.
• Diet: Like crested geckos, Leachies thrive on a powdered diet mixed with water. This makes feeding them incredibly easy.

Things to Consider:

• Cost and Availability: Leachies are expensive and hard to find. They’re not as commonly bred as other geckos, so you may need to join a waiting list.
• Tail Dropping: While their tails can grow back, it’s still something to be aware of. Rough handling can cause them to drop their tails.
• Space Requirements: These geckos need a larger enclosure than most, with plenty of climbing opportunities.

If you’re looking for a gecko that’s as unique as it is lovable, the Leachianus Gecko is a perfect choice. Click here to check out our review about Leachianus Gecko.

4. Argentine Tegu

For those who want a lizard that’s big, bold, and full of personality, the Argentine Tegu is hard to beat. These lizards are like the gentle giants of the reptile world—intelligent, interactive, and surprisingly docile.

Why We Love Them:

• Size and Intelligence: Tegus are large (up to 4 feet long) and incredibly smart. They’re curious, inquisitive, and can even be trained to walk on a leash or respond to their names.
• Diet: As omnivores, tegus eat a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, and protein. This makes feeding them both easy and enjoyable.
• Temperament: With proper handling, tegus can be incredibly docile. They’re known for their calm demeanor and are less likely to bite or whip their tails compared to other large lizards.

Things to Consider:

• Space Requirements: Tegus need a large enclosure with plenty of room to dig and explore. They’re active lizards, so a small tank won’t cut it.
• Cost: These lizards are expensive to purchase and care for. Their diet and enclosure setup can add up quickly.
• Lifespan: Tegus can live for 15-20 years, so they’re a long-term commitment.

If you’re ready for a lizard that’s as impressive as it is affectionate, the Argentine Tegu is a top choice. Click here to check out our review about Argentine Tegu.

5. Gidgee Skink

Rounding out our list is the Gidgee Skink, a lesser-known but absolutely incredible lizard. With their spiky tails and rock-dwelling habits, these skinks are like a cross between a Blue Tongue and a pinecone.

Why We Love Them:

• Appearance and Behavior: Gidgee Skinks are unique-looking lizards with spiky tails and a rugged, prehistoric appearance. They’re active, inquisitive, and fun to watch.
• Social Nature: Unlike many lizards, Gidgee Skinks are social and can be kept in groups (as long as there’s only one male).
• Hardiness: These skinks are hardy and don’t drop their tails, making them a great choice for experienced keepers.

Things to Consider:

• Availability: Gidgee Skinks are extremely rare in the pet trade. Finding one can be a challenge, and they’re often expensive.
• Enclosure Requirements: They need a hot basking spot and plenty of rocks to climb on.

If you’re looking for a lizard that’s as unique as it is fascinating, the Gidgee Skink is a hidden gem. Click here to check out our review about Gidgee Skink.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect lizard is a deeply personal decision, and each of the lizards on this list offers something special. Whether you’re drawn to the friendly Blue Tongue Skink, the intelligent Ackie Monitor, the giant Leachianus Gecko, the majestic Argentine Tegu, or the unique Gidgee Skink, you’re sure to find a lizard that captures your heart.

Remember, owning a lizard is a long-term commitment, and each of these species requires proper care, a suitable environment, and plenty of love. But if you’re ready to take the plunge, any of these five lizards would make an incredible addition to your life.

Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! 🦎✨