Lizards are popular pets for many people, and there are many different species to choose from, from common house geckos to bearded dragons, which can make for exotic yet trusty companions.
But while most species of reptiles are rather small in size, there are lizards out there as big as cats and dogs – or even bigger. And yes, some of them you can own.
The largest species of lizard in the world is the Komodo dragon, which cannot be kept as a pet (for obvious reasons, like the fact that they can eat you).
Fortunately, you can still welcome some rather large reptiles into your home. As a matter of fact, some of the world’s largest lizards actually make great pets.
Several species of Monitor lizards can be kept as companion pets and are around half the size of a Komodo dragon, but less likely to eat you if they get hungry.
Other common big lizard pets include iguanas, which can reach sizes similar to that of monitor lizards, and argentine tegus, which grow the size to small dogs.
Below, a list of some of the largest lizards you can keep as a pet – ranked by size.
Largest Pet Lizards
Asian Water Monitor
Asian Water Monitors (Varanus salvator) are among the largest lizards that can be kept as pets.
Fully grown water monitors will normally reach lenghts of 5 feet, with some individuals growing up to 7 or 8 feet (2.1 to 2.4 meters), nearing the size of a Komodo dragon. Adults can weigh as much as 70 pounds (32 kilograms) or more.
These intelligent and active lizards require spacious enclosures with access to both land and water areas.
They have specific heating and humidity requirements and need a varied diet consisting of appropriately sized prey items.
Proper handling and socialization from a young age are essential for establishing a good bond with these lizards.
Nile Monitor
Nile Monitors (Varanus niloticus) are another species of monitor lizard that can grow to be quite massive in size.
These beasts can reach lengths of several feet, with some individuals reaching lengths of 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters).
Adult Nile Monitors can weigh over 20 pounds (9 kilograms). These lizards require spacious enclosures with ample climbing opportunities, basking spots, and hiding places.
They have a voracious appetite and a diverse diet that includes insects, rodents, and even small birds, they are even known to eat cats.
Due to their size and specific care requirements, they are recommended for experienced reptile keepers.
Black-throated Monitor
Black-throat Monitors (Varanus albigularis ionidesi) are large and powerful lizards. They can grow to be up to 7 feet long, with males being larger than females.
Adult Black-throat Monitors can weigh up to 40 pounds (18 kilograms) or more. These monitors require spacious enclosures with ample climbing opportunities, basking spots, and hiding places.
Due to their size and specific care needs, they are recommended for experienced reptile keepers who can provide proper husbandry and handling. Regular handling and socialization from a young age can help establish trust and reduce potential aggression.
Savannah Monitor
Savannah Monitors (Varanus exanthematicus) are large lizards that can reach impressive sizes as adults.
They typically grow to be several feet long, with some individuals reaching lengths of 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters).
Savannah Monitors have robust bodies and require spacious enclosures with proper heating and lighting. They are primarily insectivorous but can also consume other prey items like small mammals and birds.
While these animals can be captivating pets, Savannah Monitors require experienced reptile keepers who can provide the necessary care, handling, and enrichment.
Blue Iguana
The Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi) is one of the largest types of iguana and can reach lengths of up to 6.6 feet (2 meters) and weigh more than 10 kg (22 lb).
These impressive reptiles require spacious enclosures with both basking areas and hiding spots.
Blue Iguanas are herbivorous and have specific dietary needs, including a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Due to their size and specific care requirements, they are more suitable for experienced reptile keepers who can provide the necessary environment and diet.
Green Iguana
The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is a popular pet lizard known for its vibrant green coloration, stricly herbivorous diet, and massive size.
As adults, green iguanas typically reach lengths of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) and can weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms) or more.
Green Iguanas are not the easiest pet to keep. They have specific humidity and temperature requirements, and they need a spacious enclosure with areas for basking and climbing.
They are primarily herbivorous, consuming a variety of leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables.
Green Iguanas require regular handling and socialization from a young age to ensure their well-being.
Rhino Iguana
Rhinoceros Iguanas (Cyclura cornuta) are another large iguaana species that can reach impressive sizes.
As adults, they typically reach lengths of 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) and weigh between 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 14 kilograms) or more.
Rhino Iguanas are known for their robust build and distinct appearance.
They have a stocky body and prominent, horn-like protrusions on their heads, which resemble the horns of a rhinoceros, hence their name.
Despite their menacing appearance, this species of iguanas can be successfully tamed and kept as a pet, and it’s known to be more docile than green iguanas.
Argentine Black and White Tegu
The Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) is a large species of tegu lizard, and the most popular type of pet tegu.
As adults, males can grow to be 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm) in length.
The morph known as Chacoan white-headed tegu often reaches 5 feet or more. These lizards have a distinctive black and white pattern on their skin.
Argentine Black and White Tegus require spacious enclosures with both heating and cooling zones to regulate their body temperature.
They are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of insects, fruits, vegetables, and small vertebrates.
Tegu lizards can make interesting pets but need proper socialization and handling to ensure their docile nature.
Because they can live up to 20 years, adopting one is a life-long commitment.
Red Tegu
The Red tegu (Salvator rufescens) is a large species of tegu lizard native to South America. It is one of the most popular tegu species kept as pets.
Adult red tegus can grow to be 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm) in length and weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kg), but they tend to be smaller on average compared to black and white tegus.
Salvator rufescens are easily distinguished by their a reddish-brown coloration with black spots and bands.
Red tegus are extremely docile with similar care requirements to Argentine tegus, and increasingly popular as pets.
Gold Tegu
The gold tegu (Tupinambis teguixin), also known as the golden tegu or Colombian tegu, is a large species of tegu lizard native to South America.
It is one of the most popular tegu species kept as pets, but less common than Black and White tegus and Red tegus.
Adult gold tegus can grow to be 2 to 3.5 feet (60 to 105 cm) in length and weigh up to 3.5-4 kilograms (7.7-8.8 pounds). They have a golden coloration with black spots and bands.
Gold tegus require spacious enclosures with both heating and cooling zones to regulate their body temperature. They are omnivores, but require higher amounts of protein in their diet compared to other species of tegus.
Gold tegus can make interesting pets, but they need proper socialization and handling to ensure their docile nature.
They are also intelligent and curious lizards, so they require enrichment in their enclosures to keep them stimulated.
Gold tegus are more difficult to tame than other tegu species, such as the Argentine black and white tegu and the red tegu.
However, with patience and consistent handling, gold tegus can be tamed and make loving companions.
Ackie Monitor
The Ackie Monitor, also known as the Spiny-tailed Monitor or Ridge-tailed Monitor (Varanus acanthurus), is a medium-sized lizard species that can be kept as a pet.
These monitors typically reach lengths of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) as adults, with some individuals growing up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length.
Ackie Monitors have a unique appearance with their spiky scales on their tails, which gives them their name. They have a compact and agile build, making them excellent climbers.
Due to their smaller size compared to other monitor species, they are more manageable and suitable for reptile enthusiasts with limited space.
Read also: These Lizards Are Called Dragons
PetsWithScales.com is an informational website about big lizard pet care. We collect and provide information from different sources across the web on how to keep and care for reptiles as pets. The species we mainly deal with are tegus, monitor lizards, skinks and geckos. Our aim is to provide high quality information to help pet owners make better, more informed decisions about their animal’s diets, health and life.