If you’ve ever been interested in keeping a pet reptile, you may have come across a small lizard called an anole.
But what is an anole, exactly? It’s important to understand what makes these little reptiles unique before adding one to your family.
Green anoles are small lizards native to the southern United States. Bahama anoles, also known as brown anoles, are native to the Bahamas and Cuba but can now also be found throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and the southeastern U.S.
Green and brown anoles have a bright red/orange fold of skin over their throats, called a dewlap. Males expand their dewlap to show dominance and attract mates.
While anoles can become tolerant of gentle handling over time, newly homed anoles need at least one to two weeks to adjust to their surroundings before being handled.
Anoles are fast-moving lizards and can be difficult to catch. They may try to leap out of their pet parent’s hands, so they should only be handled over soft surfaces to minimize the risk of injury.
Anoles can also break off their tails as a defense mechanism to escape and run away from predators that grab them by their tails. Therefore, they should NEVER be held or restrained by their tails.
All reptiles are potential carriers of infectious diseases, including salmonella bacteria, which is zoonotic (transmittable to humans). Always wash your hands before and after handling your lizard or the habitat’s contents.
To keep a green or Bahama anole happy and healthy, have these basic supplies on hand:
Anoles thrive in tall habitats with lots of vertical space for climbing. A 10-gallon habitat can comfortably house one to two adult anoles, while three to four anoles should be housed in a 20-gallon enclosure or larger.
Anoles reach sexual maturity within 12–18 months, but they continue to grow slowly through life. Increase the size of your anole’s habitat as they grow and always provide the largest habitat possible.
All habitats should be secured with a screened lid to prevent escape and allow for proper ventilation. Fully screened or “open-air” enclosures can be used, but it will be more difficult to keep the habitat within the optimal humidity range (60–70%).
In nature, anoles spend their time perched on tall trees, looking down at their surroundings. Because of this, anoles generally feel most comfortable when their habitats are elevated at least 5 feet off the ground. Being kept too low to the ground can make these lizards feel stressed or nervous, especially when there’s plenty of activity near their cage.
Male anoles should always be housed separately because they are territorial and will fight. A single male anole can be kept in the same habitat as one to three females in a 20-gallon tank (or larger), but they may breed. Keeping each sex in separate housing is ideal if you do not wish to breed anoles.
When introducing lizards to each other, they should be monitored to ensure they are compatible. Never mix different species of reptiles in the same habitat.
Anoles need a thermal gradient in their enclosure so they can warm up and cool down as needed.
Check the temperatures of your anole’s habitat daily. Two thermometers—one in the warm area and one in the cool area—should be placed in the enclosure so that both zones can be checked at once. A digital point-and-shoot thermometer can also be used to read habitat temperatures instantly.
Anole lizards are becoming increasingly popular pets, especially for beginner reptile owners. With over 400 species, there is a wide variety to choose from. Most anoles are relatively easy to care for, inexpensive, and fun to watch in a terrarium. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about selecting and caring for a pet anole.
An Overview of Pet Anole Species
The most common anole species kept as pets are:
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Green anole (Anolis carolinensis) – This small, green lizard native to the southeastern US is the most popular pet anole. Males reach 8 inches long while females are slightly smaller. They can change color from green to brown and have a red or pink throat fan called a dewlap.
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Brown anole (Anolis sagrei) – As the name suggests this species is mostly brown or gray. Native to Cuba and the Bahamas they grow up to 8 inches long and live around 3 years in captivity.
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Knight anole (Anolis equestris) – One of the largest anole species knight anoles can reach 18 inches long. They require more specialized care than most anoles.
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Jamaican giant anole (Anolis garmani) – A large, emerald green anole from Jamaica that can reach over 25 cm long. It has a pale stripe along its side.
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Water anole (Anolis aquaticus) – A small anole from Central America that is a strong swimmer and can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes.
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Crested anole (Anolis cristatellus) – A small (3 inch long) species recognized by the crest running down the male’s tail. Their color can vary from greenish to bronze.
Housing Pet Anoles
Most anoles are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees and shrubs. Their enclosure should be taller than it is wide. A 10 gallon aquarium or reptile tank is sufficient for one or two small anoles like green anoles. Larger species need bigger enclosures – knight anoles need at least a 20 gallon “tall” tank.
The tank should be sparsely furnished with sticks, artificial foliage and hiding spots for the anole to climb on and hide in. Substrates like peat moss or orchid bark hold humidity well. A tight-fitting mesh lid is a must to contain these agile jumpers!
Temperature, Lighting and Humidity
Anoles are cold-blooded tropical animals. They require supplemental heating and full spectrum UVB lighting to remain healthy in captivity.
The temperature in the tank should range from 75-85°F in the daytime, and can drop to 65-75°F at night. Provide a basking spot heated to 85-90°F by an overhead incandescent or ceramic heat emitter. Turn off heat and lights at night.
Proper humidity is also key – most species do best at 60-70%. Provide plenty of leafy plants and mist the cage daily. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
In addition to heat and UVB lighting, anoles need a cycle of 10-12 hours of light per day.
Feeding Pet Anoles
Anoles are strictly insectivorous. Crickets, small roaches, mealworms, waxworms and other appropriately sized feeder insects should make up the bulk of their diet. Dust insects with calcium/vitamin D3 powder prior to feeding.
Feed babies and juveniles daily, older anoles can be fed every other day. Only provide 2-3 insects per feeding, each about half the width of the anole’s head. Remove uneaten insects after an hour to prevent harm to the lizard.
Some other anole feeding tips:
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Avoid insects from the wild due to pesticide risks
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Do not feed superworms or king worms – they have sharp mouthparts than can injure an anole
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Occasionally offer diced fruit like mango or berries
Pet Anole Handling and Temperament
Most anole species are quite flighty and nervous by nature. They may tolerate some gentle handling but do not really enjoy excessive interaction. Green anoles, brown anoles and crested anoles tend to be the most easygoing species.
When first getting an anole, give it 1-2 weeks to settle into its new home before attempting to handle it. Always scoop or catch the lizard gently – never grab by the tail or it may detach.
Pet anoles are very active and fun to watch but are better suited as display animals than hands-on pocket pets. With time and patience, consistent gentle handling can help calm an anole.
Common Health Issues
Providing proper housing and nutrition helps keep captive anoles healthy. Even so, you should watch for these common diseases and conditions:
Metabolic Bone Disease – Caused by improper UV lighting or diet, symptoms include weak limbs, lethargy and swollen jaws. Provide UV light and dust food with calcium supplement.
Mouth Rot – A bacterial infection seen as swelling and pus around the mouth. Requires veterinary treatment.
Parasites – protozoan or worm parasites can infect pet lizards. Get a vet check for new anoles.
Respiratory Infections – Poor husbandry and stress weaken the immune system and raise infection risks.
Burns – Basking temperatures over 90°F or a too-close heat lamp can burn anoles.
With attentive care, most pet anoles live 4-6 years or more in captivity. Their small size, low costs and simple care make them one of the best lizard pets for beginners!
Can you touch an anole?
You can handle and touch your anole, but they are delicate lizards, so be cautious and work slowly. They can become easily stressed, so unless they are comfortable with you, handle them sparingly.
When To Call a Vet
- Labored breathing, open mouth breathing, nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Weight loss, loss of appetite
- Worms in feces; runny stool
- Decreased movement, swollen limbs, broken or deformed legs
- Retained shed
- Redness, sores, or lumps on skin
- Swollen belly
- Sunken, cloudy, or any other abnormal changes to the eyes
- Trauma
Green Anole, The Best Pet Lizard?
FAQ
Are anoles good pets?
Anoles can be tamed down and do make good pets. You would need a screen lid for the tank, some Ecoearth for bedding, some vines to climb a UVB light that suppies artificial sunlight and a small light to make a basking area. You will need to mist the anole several times a day with plain water.
Do anoles like to be handled?
Anoles are friendly, but it’s important to be gentle and cautious when handling them because they can get scared easily and jump or run away.Jan 23, 2025
What is the lifespan of an anole?
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- Captivity: Can live up to 8 years with proper care.
- Wild: Average lifespan is around 4 years.
- Adult Size: About 8 inches long (including tail) in captivity.
- Also known as: American chameleon, red-throated anole
- Captivity: Can live up to 8 years with proper care.
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- Captivity: Can live up to 8 years with proper care.
- Wild: Average lifespan is around 3-5 years.
- Also known as: Bahamian anole
- Captivity: Can live up to 8 years with proper care.
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General Anole Facts:
- Diet: Anoles are insectivores and generally good eaters, their diet should include crickets, wild caught insects, and appropriate sized prey items.
- Care: Anoles are reasonably easy to care for if you can set up a proper tank.
- Territorial: Male anoles can be territorial, especially towards each other, so it’s best to house them separately or provide a large enclosure with plenty of hiding spots.
- Diet: Anoles are insectivores and generally good eaters, their diet should include crickets, wild caught insects, and appropriate sized prey items.
Does PetSmart sell anoles?
Pet Lizards – Live Chameleons, Anoles, Geckos & Bearded Dragons. PetSmart.
Are green anoles a good pet for beginners?
The green anole is fairly common and makes a good pet for first-time reptile keepers. If you’re interested in other pets like the green anole, you may want to check out these similar breeds. Otherwise, check out other types of reptiles and amphibians that can be your pet!
Are green anoles a good pet lizard?
Green anoles are a good pet lizard for beginners. They are known in the reptile world as a fairly easy going type of pet lizard that makes a good starter pet.
Do anoles make good pets?
Anoles make great pets for reptile enthusiasts, and besides the popular Green Anole, there are a handful of other Anoles that are commonly kept as pets. Read on for our list of eight Anoles that you can keep as pets! 1. Bark Anole (Anolis distichus)
How can I bond with my pet green anole?
Bonding with your pet green anole can take time and patience. One stress-free method is hand-feeding, which can take weeks or even months. Another way to build a bond is by naming your green anole. Male green anoles also bond with females by biting the back of their neck during mating.
What are the most common anole pets?
1. Green Anole The green anole (Anolis Carolinensis) is probably the most common anole pets. Males grow to around 8 inches long in captivity, while females are slightly smaller and they can live up to 8 years, so bear their lifespan in mind when committing to an anole pet.
Can you find anoles in pet stores?
Anoles can be found in pet stores, but most are wild-caught. These pet store anoles may be dehydrated and emaciated, with loose folds of skin. It’s preferable to acquire captive-bred lizards, as they tend to be less stressed and less prone to illness or disease.