From Rango to the GEICO gecko and Mushu from Mulan, the lizards portrayed in movies and TV are absolutely adorable. You'll be happy to hear they're just as cute IRL. We found the seven cutest pet lizards that make great companions, too. Even if you're not looking for a new pet, when you see these cuties, you won't be able to resist.
1. Smooth Knob-Tailed Gecko
You're probably familiar with the more common gecko varieties, but we think the smooth knob-tailed gecko is one of the cutest lizards out there. Just look at that little knobby tail! These cuties need a humid environment with several inches of very fine sand in their enclosure to burrow within. And like other geckos, they're fairly easy to care for. However, finding one might be tricky.
2. Green Anole
Well, hi! Green anoles are utterly adorable and make incredible starter lizards. They're small, they're resilient, and they have a cool pink dewlap on their neck that adds to their charm. Just know anoles prefer not to be touched too often, so they're more of a hands-off pet.
Not a fan of the green anole? There's also a brown anole variety.
3. Leopard Gecko
Yes, leopard geckos look that cute all the time. Leopard geckos earned their name from their adorable spots, but it's that goofy smile that draws us in. And good news: leos are relatively easy to care for, so they're a great choice for beginners. That said, they're still a big commitment and can live up to 15 years or more.
4. Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink
Is that a miniature crocodile?! No, but almost. It's the red-eyed crocodile skink, which is a lizard that looks an awful lot like a tiny crocodile. These little-known lizards reach around 8 inches long and have some super cute red eyeliner around their eyes. Their husbandry can be a bit challenging because they need to live in an environment of around 90 percent humidity, but if you're experienced with reptiles, this cute lizard might make the perfect pet. What do you skink?
5. Veiled Chameleon
We can't resist one cute lizard, but two? Cuteness overload. Veiled chameleons are incredibly adorable pets with numerous fascinating qualities. Their eyes can rotate 360 degrees, they have prehensile tails, and they can change the vibrancy of their color. Still, research these lizards thoroughly before bringing one home because they can become stressed easily and are notoriously tricky to keep.
6. Crested Gecko
We love the eyelashes on this lizard! Well, they're technically not eyelashes. Instead, they're spiny scales that just look like eyelashes, but we still think they're very cute. Crested geckos are one of the most popular pet lizards because they're low-maintenance and come in so many different color variations.
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7. Water Dragon
"Cute" and "friendly" are two words that describe the water dragon to a T. These bright green cuties are docile and don't mind handling, although they are arboreal, which means they're tree-dwellers and need a cage that's taller rather than wider.
Water dragons can stand and run on their hind feet!
Cute Lizards That Make Great Pets
It's always disappointing to discover an adorable species and then learn that they don't make good pets. Fortunately, these cute lizards all make excellent pets for the right household. Be sure to read up on whatever species you're interested in first so you understand what to expect. Then shop for supplies, set up your enclosure, and bring your new cutie home.
