For reptile lovers looking to expand your collection, a common question arises: what lizards can live together in the same enclosure? While some species thrive in communities, improper pairing of lizards can lead to stress, illness and even death.
Careful consideration of size, temperament, habitat needs and compatibility is required to ensure a safe, enriching cohabitation.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: bearded dragons, leopard geckos, green anoles and African fat-tailed geckos are generally suitable for cohabitation when properly introduced. Avoid housing different species with highly variable size, behavior and care needs.
Key Factors To Consider Before Cohabitation
When considering housing multiple lizard species together, there are several key factors that need careful evaluation first to ensure success and animal health.
Size Differences
Paying attention to relative sizes of lizard species is crucial. Very large size disparities can lead to accidental injuries or the smaller lizard not getting enough access to heat, UVB light, food, and other habitat resources.
As a general rule, house lizard species that have adult sizes within about 30% of each other for safe cohabitation.
Behavioral Temperament
Lizard personalities can vary from bold and outgoing to shy and passive. Pairing a very shy species with an extremely active or aggressive one is not ideal and can lead to excessive stress for the more docile lizard.
Choose lizards with relatively similar temperaments when possible for cohabitation success.
Habitat Preferences
Lizards have preferences when it comes to habitat parameters like temperature, humidity, UVB exposure, and more. For example, some species thrive in drier setups while others require higher humidity. Ensure any roommates have large overlapping suitable ranges for habitat variables.
Provide a thermal gradient with both a warm basking area and cooler retreat space.
Dietary Needs
While omnivorous lizards often have the most flexibility in shared living spaces, even subtle differences in diet like proportions of insects vs. vegetables can be problematic. Offer a variety of appropriately sized feeders to satisfy every species’ needs.
Common feeders like crickets, mealworms, waxworms, fruit fly cultures, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. tend to work well for a mixed community.
Parasite and Disease Transmission
Lizards harboring certain parasites or diseases can pass them to cohabitation mates with disastrous results. Have every new lizard vet checked for issues before introducing. Also practice good sanitation and quarantine principles, like thoroughly washing hands before and after contact and housing new individuals separately for a minimum 30-60 day observation period before mixing communities.
Following these cohabitation considerations and guidelines will lead to the best outcomes for any mixed lizard species enclosures. Reach out to experienced herpetoculturists or veterinarians for guidance creating a safe, healthy habitat for new roommates.
For more tips, check out sites like Reptiles Magazine and Anapsid.org.
Best Lizard Species for Cohabitation
Bearded Dragons
The docile and mellow temperament of bearded dragons make them one of the best candidates for cohabiting lizards. However, you should only house females together as males are very territorial and will fight.
A 120 gallon tank for 2-3 dragons is ideal with plenty of hiding spots and basking areas to prevent squabbles over prime real estate. Make sure any tank mates are similar in size.
Leopard Geckos
Another great choice for cohabitation is the leopard gecko. You can safely keep females together without much fuss, again avoiding housing males together. A 20 gallon tank for 3 geckos is sufficient, with individual hiding caves for each lizard to retreat to if needed.
Leopard geckos generally tolerate communal living quite well if space requirements are met.
Green Anoles
The vibrant green anole adapts well to group living situations. However, housing requirements are a bit more specialized with tall, heavily planted terrariums preferred to accommodate their arboreal nature. Make sure to provide ample foliage, sticks, and vines for climbing and lots of hiding areas.
A good rule of thumb is at least 12 inches wide and 18 inches tall per lizard.
African Fat-Tailed Geckos
Shy and reclusive, African fat-tailed geckos can make great communal tank mates given proper housing. Stick to same sex groupings and allow a minimum of 6 gallons of space per gecko. Be sure to offer multiple retreats like hides and artificial plants for individuals to duck away from each other.
Though fairly tolerant of cohabitation, space and shelter are musts for harmonious living.
When housing any lizards together, it’s critical to closely monitor them for signs of stress or aggression and be prepared to separate bullies or victims if needed. Never combine babies with adults. Research specific species requirements as needs greatly vary in terms of environment, space, food, etc.
But with careful selection of compatible species and proper setup, certain lizards can indeed thrive together!
Introducing New Tankmates
Quarantine Period
When introducing new lizards to an established enclosure, it is crucial to quarantine the new animals first. This quarantine period allows you to monitor the health of the new lizards and ensure they are not carrying any parasites or illnesses that could spread to your existing animals.
The recommended quarantine period is 30-45 days. During this time, house the new lizards separately in a sterile enclosure. Be sure to use separate equipment for the quarantined animals to prevent cross-contamination. Monitor them closely for signs of lethargy, appetite changes, or abnormal waste.
Only introduce the new lizards into the main enclosure once you’ve confirmed they are healthy.
Gradual Introduction
Once the quarantine period is complete, the next step is to gradually introduce the new lizards to the existing ones. Simply placing unfamiliar lizards together in the same enclosure can be very stressful and lead to aggression or harm.
A gradual introduction over several days allows the lizards to become accustomed to each other’s smells and presence first. Here are some tips for gradual introduction:
- Place the new lizard’s enclosure inside the existing enclosure, but keep a divider between them. This allows them to see and smell each other.
- After a couple days, allow brief, supervised interactions between the lizards, then separate them again.
- Each day, increase the interaction time while monitoring closely for signs of aggression.
- Once the lizards seem comfortable, remove the divider and allow them to fully cohabitate.
Having multiple hide areas and basking spots allows lizards that don’t get along to keep a comfortable distance. Go slowly during the introduction process to prevent territory disputes.
Ongoing Monitoring
It’s important to continue monitoring your lizards closely after the introduction period. Watch for signs of stress, appetite changes or aggression. Make sure all lizards are accessing food, water, heat and UVB lighting.
Having sufficient space and hiding areas for each lizard can greatly reduce territorial disputes. Here are some tips for ongoing monitoring when housing lizards together:
- Inspect all lizards daily for signs of injury or illness.
- Weigh lizards weekly to ensure all are maintaining healthy weights.
- Clean the enclosure frequently to prevent territorial smells from building up.
- Rearrange hide boxes and climbing items periodically to refresh the territory.
- Watch lizard interactions closely for the first few weeks after introduction.
- Separate any lizards that show overt aggression or stop eating.
With close monitoring and patience during the introduction process, many lizard species can live together successfully. Gradual introduction reduces stress and promotes a harmonious habitat. Always have a backup plan to separate any lizards that don’t get along.
Habitat Design Considerations
Tank Size
The habitat tank size is crucial for lizards to thrive. The general rule is 10 gallons of space per lizard, with extra space depending on the breeds and their adult size. For example, a leopard gecko needs a 20 gallon tank, while the larger green iguana ideally has an 8 by 4 feet enclosure.
Having enough area prevents aggression and stress. Ensure height is also sufficient for climbing and basking needs. Bearded dragons, for instance, need 2 to 3 times their length vertically for basking and exercise.
Lastly, only certain docile lizards like bearded dragons and blue-tongued skinks can cohabit peacefully given ample space.
Basking Areas
Creating proper basking zones with a thermal gradient is vital for lizards to self-regulate their body temperature. Most species require a hot spot of 95-110°F on one end provided by overhead heating and UVA/UVB lighting.
Include a flat elevated area 8-12 inches below the heat lamp for full body exposure. Multiple basking platforms might be necessary depending on the number and size of lizards. Place a hide box on the cooler end around 75-85°F for relief if needed.
Measure with thermometers at lizard level for accuracy. Also ensure 12 hours of lighting and a nighttime drop to 70-75°F to mimic natural habitat and circadian rhythms.
Hiding Places
While basking and exercise are important activities, lizards spend considerable time hidden or sleeping in a secure shelter. Thus habitat design must incorporate adequate hiding areas for each lizard above the substrate level, preferably with a minimum of two entrances.
Ideal choices are hollow cork logs, stacked flat slate, plastic reptile caves, upturned clay pots, rigid bamboo tubes, and flexible vines or foliage. Avoid small enclosed spaces that prevent escape from cage mates.
Also include visual barriers by arranging decor to create a sense of territory and limit stress from exposure.
Thermal Gradient
As ectotherms, providing a proper temperature range across the enclosure is critical for lizards to regulate metabolism and digestion. Create an efficient thermal gradient with three distinct zones: warm/basking area of 95-110°F, moderate temp of 80-85°F, and cooler area of 75-80°F.
Measure using multiple digital thermometers placed at lizard level—several inches above substrate on platforms, inside hides, etc. Habitat floor temperature may differ considerably. Maintain ambient gradient during day and night cycles with under tank heating mats, ceramic heat projectors, and nocturnal drops of 10-15°F.
Adjust heating elements and enclosure configurations until achieving an optimal top to bottom thermal diversity similar to natural habitat.
Substrate
Selecting suitable substrate at adequate depth is an important yet often overlooked aspect of habitat building. Reptile-friendly options include:
- Paper towels – easy cleanup but needs frequent changes
- Newspaper, butcher paper – cost effective though not very visually appealing
- Reptile carpet – allows digging & burrowing if kept clean
- Coconut coir, orchid bark – moisture retentive, simple bioactive base
- Sand/calci-sand – controversial yet suitable for some desert species (avoid particulate substrates for juveniles)
Aim for 3-5 inches deep, allowing burrowing enriched behaviors. Also be mindful of lizard tendencies to ingest loose substrate leading to impaction. Thus supervised feeding on a bare platform is recommended.
Potential Problems and Solutions
Aggression
Aggression is one of the most common problems when housing lizards together. Lizards are territorial by nature and can become aggressive towards other lizards invading their space. This is especially true for mature males. Fighting and biting can occur which may lead to severe injuries and stress.
Solutions include:
- Providing a large enough enclosure with plenty of hiding places and basking spots to establish separate territories.
- Introducing lizards at a young age so they grow up together.
- Monitoring for signs of aggression like puffing up, head bobbing, biting, chasing, and not intervening immediately.
- Avoiding housing mature, solitary species like bearded dragons together.
Territory Issues
Lizards are very territorial and issues can arise when housing different species together with incompatible habitat needs. For example, an arboreal lizard may become stressed and intimidated by a terrestrial species wandering its branches.
Solutions include:
- Choosing lizard species with similar habitat requirements.
- Providing a complex environment with plenty of space, hides, basking spots at different heights and temperatures.
- Observing interactions and separating any individuals that seem stressed.
- Never force unfamiliar lizards to cohabitate against their will.
Competition for Resources
When kept together, different lizard species may end up competing for limited resources like basking spots, food, water and hiding areas. The competition can lead to bullying, stress and poor health.
Solutions include:
- Having multiple food and water bowls spread out around the enclosure.
- Providing several basking areas with ideal temperatures for each species.
- Including lots of hides, branches, plants and visual barriers.
- Monitoring food and water intake of each lizard.
- Supplying more resources than needed to prevent competition.
Illness
Housing lizards together increases the risk of transmitting parasites, bacteria and viruses between them. New lizards should be quarantined and screened for illness before introducing to an existing enclosure.
Solutions include:
- Routine fecal testing for parasites.
- Disinfecting the enclosure between new introductions.
- Isolating and treating any sick lizards immediately.
- Using separate food preparation and water bowls for each lizard.
- Quarantining and vet checking new lizards prior to introduction.
Reproduction
Housing mature males and females together may lead to unwanted breeding and eggs. The eggs and offspring may be difficult to properly care for and female reptiles can develop health issues from frequent egg laying.
Solutions include:
- Keeping only same-sex groups.
- Being prepared to house and care for hatchlings if breeding does occur.
- Providing laying bins and calcium supplements for gravid females.
- Considering non-surgical sterilization methods under vet supervision.
- Monitoring male and female pairs closely during breeding seasons.
Conclusion
While cohabiting lizards can enrich their lives, improper pairings can be dangerous or even deadly. By selecting compatible species, quarantining and gradually introducing tankmates, providing ample space and resources, and monitoring for signs of stress, your lizards can safely enjoy the stimulation of a community habitat.
With some key considerations for their health and wellbeing, you can feel confident adding new lizards to create a thriving, diverse terrarium environment.
