If you’re considering getting a bearded dragon, you may be wondering what other pets can live happily and safely with them. Bearded dragons, with their calm personalities and manageable size, can potentially live with a variety of tank mates.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: the best tank mates for bearded dragons are African fat-tailed geckos, certain docile species of frogs and toads, small fish, and invertebrates like mealworms and crickets. Avoid housing bearded dragons with other reptiles.
Ideal Habitat Conditions for Bearded Dragons
Tank Size
When it comes to tank size, bigger is always better for bearded dragons! An absolute minimum tank size for an adult bearded dragon is a 40-gallon breeder tank, which provides more floor space than taller tanks.
However, a 55-120 gallon tank is ideal to give your bearded dragon plenty of room to move around and engage in natural behaviors like digging and climbing.
If you’re housing baby or juvenile bearded dragons, a 20-30 gallon tank is sufficient at first. But you’ll need to upgrade the enclosure as your dragon grows. Providing ample space helps prevent stress and allows your bearded dragon to thrive.
Heating Requirements
Proper heating is essential for bearded dragons, which are cold-blooded reptiles native to Australia’s deserts. The optimal temperature range for a bearded dragon enclosure is 90-100°F on the warm side and 80-85°F on the cool side.
The most common heating elements used are:
- Basking bulb – provides concentrated heat from above to create a warm basking area. Use a 50-100W bulb in a reflector dome.
- Ceramic heat emitter – produces ambient heat to maintain air temps. Can be used overnight instead of colored bulbs.
- Under tank heater – helps heat the enclosure from below when placed under one side of the tank.
- Nighttime heat sources may be needed if temps drop below 65°F.
Always use a thermostat to regulate heating elements and prevent dangerous temperature spikes!
UVB Lighting
UVB light is essential for bearded dragons to produce vitamin D3, which aids calcium absorption and bone health. The two UVB options are:
- Fluorescent tube bulbs – longer lasting and preferred. Place bulb over mesh top within 12 inches of basking area.
- Compact bulbs – higher intensity but must be replaced more frequently. Effective up to 6-8 inches from dragon.
A 10.0-14.0% UVB output bulb should run 12-14 hours a day. Replace bulbs every 6 months per manufacturer recommendations, as UVB output decreases over time.
Substrate and Furnishings
Loose particle substrates like sand can cause impaction if ingested and are not recommended. Better options include:
- Newspaper, paper towels, or reptile carpet – inexpensive and easy to replace.
- Tile, shelf liner, or vinyl flooring – allows for easy cleaning.
- Coir or moss – provides humidity but can also be ingested.
Provide plenty of hides, logs, branches, platforms and rocks for climbing and mental stimulation. Live or artificial plants add visual interest too. Include a food and water bowl as well.
With the right tank setup, temperature regulation, UVB lighting and furnishings, your bearded dragon will stay healthy and thrive!
Best Species to House with Bearded Dragons
African Fat-Tailed Geckos
African fat-tailed geckos make great tank mates for bearded dragons. They come from similar hot and arid environments and have comparable habitat needs. Both species require a basking area between 90-100°F and a cooler area around 75-85°F (The Spruce Pets).
Since they are nocturnal, African fat-tailed geckos will be most active when the bearded dragon is sleeping.
However, tank size is an important consideration. A 40 gallon tank would be a good minimum size to house one bearded dragon and one African fat-tailed gecko. Make sure to provide plenty of hides on both the cool and warm side of the enclosure so both species have enough places to feel secure and avoid confrontation.
Frogs and Toads
Small frogs and toads can potentially live with bearded dragons but this combination requires some extra care and maintenance. Aquatic frogs like African dwarf frogs would need a large water area in the tank.
Semi-aquatic frogs, like green tree frogs, still require a humid environment with ample opportunities to soak (Bearded Dragon Tank).
Toads like horned toadies (also called horned lizards) also come from desert environments and have habitat needs more aligned with bearded dragons. However, they have specialized diets consisting mainly of ants and insects which limits options for a varied diet for both species.
Most experts advise housing frogs and toads separately from bearded dragons. But if you wish to try this combination, always have a backup tank ready in case conflicts arise.
Small Fish
Contrary to popular belief, housing fish with bearded dragons is extremely risky for the fish. Despite coming from arid regions without water access, bearded dragons frequently defecate in their water bowls turning the water foul and toxic.
Ammonia and other waste products can accumulate rapidly from a combination of bearded dragon feces and excess fish food. Since fish breathe dissolved oxygen in the water, they are highly sensitive to changes in water quality.
| Fish Species | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Betta fish | High risk |
| Small goldfish | Moderate risk |
| Guppies | High risk |
All in all, fish do not make good tank companions for bearded dragons. Their specialty care needs and sensitivity to water parameters create risky and stressful housing situations.
Invertebrates
Several invertebrates or “creepy crawlies” make excellent bearded dragon tank mates. Species like hissing cockroaches, lateralis dubia roaches, discoid cockroaches, Phoenix worms and silkworms provide enrichment through hunting opportunities.
As a bonus, they can also constitute dietary sustenance for your beardie. However, only feed captive bred invertebrates from reputable breeders to prevent introducing parasites or pathogens. Rotate through invertebrates to provide diversity and gut load them with nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables.
Unsuitable Tank Mates for Bearded Dragons
Other Lizards and Snakes
Bearded dragons should not be housed with other reptile species as they may compete for resources, spread parasites and illnesses, or even see each other as prey. Snakes in particular pose a major threat, as they can easily swallow a juvenile bearded dragon whole.
Even similarly sized lizards like geckos are not recommended, as their tails are fragile and can easily be bitten off by a territorial bearded dragon.
Turtles and Tortoises
Turtles and tortoises also make poor tank mates for bearded dragons. Their care requirements differ greatly in terms of habitat setup, temperature, humidity, and diet. Turtles tend to enjoy a moist environment, while bearded dragons thrive in a dry tank.
Tortoises may also carry bacteria like Salmonella, which can make a bearded dragon sick. Keeping them together risks the health of both pets.
Birds
Small birds should never share an enclosure with bearded dragons. Reptiles often view little birds as prey and will attack them. Even if a bearded dragon does not show immediate aggression, they may still stress out delicate birds with their normal behaviors like head bobbing.
The microorganisms and potential toxins from a reptile can also cause illness in an avian companion.
Rodents
Rodents like mice, rats, hamsters, and gerbils are completely unsuitable to live with bearded dragons. As prey animals, they will be under constant stress in the presence of a predator and can even be killed and eaten.
Even if a bearded dragon is well-fed, their hunting instincts can kick in if a small mammal crosses their path. Rodents can also transmit diseases to the reptile. Overall, the two should never interact.
Spiders and Scorpions
Venomous tank mates like spiders and scorpions are a definite no-go with bearded dragons. Their toxins can be deadly if a lizard gets bitten while interacting with them. Additionally, some spiders may see a juvenile bearded dragon as prey and attack them.
There is simply no good reason to house arachnids and bearded dragons together, as neither species benefits from the arrangement.
Introducing New Tank Mates
Quarantine New Animals
When bringing a new reptile into your bearded dragon’s habitat, experts recommend quarantining the new animal for at least 30-45 days first (BeardedDragonCare101.com). This allows time to monitor the new pet for any signs of illness or parasites that could spread to your beardie.
Have the quarantine enclosure ready with appropriate heating and UVB lighting before bringing home any new critters.
Observe Interactions Closely
Once the quarantine period has passed with no issues, carefully introduce the new companion into your bearded dragon’s tank. Supervise all interactions for the first few days. Even familiar or typically compatible species can have disagreements, so be prepared to separate them if signs of aggression arise.
Pay attention to body language – puffed beards, head bobbing, biting, raised arms/legs, and darkened beard colors can all signal distress or hostility (TheBeardedDragon.org). Let the reptiles work out initial dominance issues if no injuries occur.
But have a backup terrarium ready in case a tank mate needs to be removed.
Have Backup Enclosures Ready
Even if carefully selected, cohabitation attempts sometimes fail. One survey found that nearly 30% of attempted reptile pairings did not work out long-term (Herpetological Review, 2021). So starting the introduction process with backup enclosures on hand is wise.
Have at least one extra, adequately sized habitat available in case your pets do not get along. Also be prepared to tweak any environmental factors that could cause competition or stress, like overcrowding or disputes over prime basking spots or hides.
With proper precautions and planning ahead of time, adding new tank mates to a bearded dragon’s home can be done successfully. But patience and close observation is key when blending reptiles together.
Creating a Multi-Species Enclosure
Tank Size and Layout
When housing multiple species together, larger enclosures are always better. For a multi-species habitat, the minimum recommended size is a 120-gallon tank. This provides enough room for multiple basking spots, hiding areas, and feeding stations.
The tank should also be tall enough to create different microclimates and activity levels. A layout with lots of branches, rocks, logs, and plants helps provide visual barriers and territory markers.
Basking Areas
Each species needs access to a warm basking area with appropriate temperatures. Create multiple basking spots at one end of the tank using overhead heat lamps or ceramic heat emitters. For bearded dragons, aim for a basking temperature around 100-110°F.
Uromastyx and other desert dwellers prefer slightly warmer basking temps up to 130°F. Strategically place basking areas so animals can thermoregulate properly without conflict.
Hiding Places
Visual barriers and hiding spots are essential to reduce stress and hostility between inhabitants. Provide a variety of snug hides, tunnels, and sheltered areas throughout the enclosure. Cork bark, log piles, and artificial rock crevices all make excellent reptile hiding spaces.
Each animal should have access to at least one enclosed hide on both the cool and warm end of the habitat.
Feeding Stations
Offer multiple feeding dishes to minimize food aggression and allow shy eaters access. Scatter feed insects across a large area rather than dumping them in one spot. For veggies and greens, use small, spread-out plates to prevent territorial animals from guarding food piles.
Separate feeding stations by visual barriers or in different tank levels when possible. Never feed two dominant pets together in close proximity.
When housing multi-species together, regularly observe all inhabitants for signs of aggression or stress. Separate bullying animals if necessary. With careful planning and proper precautions, a shared reptile habitat can safely enrich the lives of compatible bearded dragon tank mates.
Conclusion
When choosing potential tank mates for a bearded dragon, safety and health should always be the top priorities. Thorough research, proper introductions, and close monitoring can help house bearded dragons successfully with certain frogs, geckos, fish, and invertebrates.
With the right tank setup and compatible species selections, a multi-animal bearded dragon habitat can thrive.
