Green anoles are known by many names but they are also known for their ability to change colors from green to brown and back again (although they are not true chameleons). They are often found running around and basking in the sun in the Southeastern United States and islands in the Caribbean as well as in terrariums across the country as pets.
Finding the Best Anole Cage for Your LizardGetting an anole lizard as a pet can be very rewarding, but it’s important to set them up for success by choosing the right housing. Anoles are active reptiles that love to climb so selecting an appropriately sized cage with ample space is key. In this article we’ll explore the factors to consider when choosing the best anole cage and review some top options on the market.
Size MattersWhen it comes to an anole cage, bigger is usually better. A minimum of a 10 gallon tank is recommended for one adult anole, but a 20 gallon or larger is ideal This gives them plenty of room to climb and explore The cage should also be tall rather than wide since anoles like to spend time off the ground. A tall cage with a secure lid reduces escape risk.
Material Considerations
Tanks made of glass or screen mesh are good choices for anoles. Glass maintains heat and humidity well and allows for easy viewing of your pet. Screen cages allow optimal light penetration and ventilation while giving you a 360 degree view.
Allow for Proper Humidity
Anoles thrive in humidity levels between 60-70%. Glass cages make it easier to maintain proper humidity. You can use a hygrometer to monitor levels. Misting the cage, using a large water dish, and adding live plants can help regulate humidity. Proper bedding like eco earth also retains moisture well.
Provide Proper Heating
In the wild, anoles experience a range of temperatures. In captivity they need a warm basking area around 90F and an ambient temperature around 80F during the day, lowering to 70F at night. Heat lights, ceramic bulbs, and under tank heaters can all be used to create a temperature gradient.
Let There Be Light
Full spectrum lighting that emits UVB rays should be provided 10-12 hours per day. This allows anoles to synthesize vitamin D3 and calcium for proper health and growth.
Furnish Their Habitat
Anoles are arboreal lizards that love to climb and explore. Be sure to include branches, vines, rocks, logs, and plants for them to traverse and hide in. Broad leaf plants are great as they collect moisture from misting.
Top Anole Cage Picks
Some excellent anole cage options include:
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Exo Terra Glass Terrarium (18x18x24 inches): A 33 gallon tank with dual doors, waterproof base, and stainless steel mesh top. Provides ample climbing space for 1-2 lizards.
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ZOO MED ReptiBreeze Open Air Cage (18x18x36 inches): A 50 gallon aluminum screen cage that is well-ventilated. Easy to clean and assemble. Good for multiple anoles.
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Exo Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit (12x12x18 inches): An all-in-one 11 gallon glass kit perfect for beginners, complete with lighting and habitat accessories. Good for one anole.
The key to finding the perfect anole cage is providing adequate space, climbing opportunities, proper lighting and heat gradients, and an enclosure that retains humidity. With the right habitat, your anole will thrive in captivity. Be sure to do your research to find a size and style that fits your specific needs.
Housing the Green Anole
Anoles can be housed in a fairly small tank or terrarium. A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a single or pair of anoles. A larger tank is, of course, better though and if you are housing multiple anoles lots of space is necessary.
You should only keep one male anole per tank. Females will get along fine as long as the tank is roomy enough, and there are plenty of basking spots and multiple places to hide. A securely fitted lid is necessary since green anoles can squeeze through very small places.
A humidity level of 60% to 70% is necessary for green anoles (use a hygrometer to monitor these levels). This can usually be achieved by misting the inside of the tank daily. Misting systems are available although they are quite expensive. If you are having a hard time maintaining the humidity level try covering part of the top of the tank and/or increasing the number of live plants in the enclosure. Misting also provides drinking water for the anoles as they often will not drink from a bowl (they will lick droplets of water off the misted plants like chameleons).
What Is an Anole?
An anole is a small tree-dwelling lizard with 250 species that is native to the Americas.
Common Names: Green anole, Carolina anole, American anole, American chameleon, red-throated anole
Scientific Name: Anolis carolinensis
Adult Size: Males reach 8 inches long (including the tail) in captivity but are larger in the wild; females are smaller
Life Expectancy: Around 4 years, although they can live up to 8 or more years if well cared for
Green Anole, The Best Pet Lizard?
FAQ
What is the best enclosure for anoles?
A 20-gallon tank can comfortably house 3-4 anoles. Full screen enclosures created for chameleons is an excellent option for this species. The larger the enclosure the better with a 2’x2’x2′ screen enclosure being ideal for companion Green anoles.
What size cage do anoles need?
For an adult anole, we recommend cage dimensions of around [24″ H x 36″ L x 24″ D].Jan 19, 2024
What do anoles need in their tank?
A substrate of peat moss and soil with or without a layer of bark (e.g. orchid bark) is an ideal substrate for anoles. Live plants help maintain humidity and provide cover.
How many anoles are in a 10-gallon tank?
A 10-gallon aquarium is sufficient for one to two anoles while a 20-gallon aquarium is ideal for three to six anoles. 2. Create multiple basking spots and cooling areas within the enclosure to minimize stress among the anoles. Do not include more than one male per enclosure.