Are you fascinated by the appearance of alligators but don’t want to deal with their large size, aggressive behavior, and legal restrictions?
If so, you might be interested in getting a pet lizard that looks like an alligator.
There are several species of lizards that have some resemblance to alligators, such as rough scales, long tails, and powerful jaws.
However, they are much smaller, more docile, and easier to care for than their crocodilian cousins.
Here are five pet lizards that look like mini alligators:
1. Northern Alligator Lizard
The northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) is a native of North America, where it lives in forested and rocky habitats.
It has a long, slender body that can reach up to 10 inches in length, including the tail.
Its scales are keeled and bumpy, giving it a rough texture.
Its color ranges from brown to gray, with dark crossbands on the back and sides.
The northern alligator lizard is a hardy and adaptable pet that can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels.
It needs a spacious enclosure with plenty of hiding places, branches, and rocks. It feeds on insects, worms, and small rodents.
The northern alligator lizard is not very friendly and may bite or drop its tail if handled roughly.
2. Caiman Lizard
The caiman lizard (Dracaena guianensis) is a native of South America, where it lives in swampy habitats near rivers and lakes. It has a long, muscular tail that helps it swim, and a thick, scaly skin that protects it from predators.
Its head is large and triangular, with a powerful jaw and sharp teeth that can crush snails and crabs, its main diet.
The caiman lizard can grow up to 4 feet in length, and weigh up to 15 pounds. It has a greenish-brown color, with black spots on the back and orange spots on the head.
The caiman lizard is a challenging pet that requires a lot of space, water, and specialized care. It needs a large enclosure with a deep pool, a basking area, and a humid hide.
It needs a high temperature of 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and a high humidity of 80 to 90 percent.
It also needs a UVB light and a calcium supplement to prevent metabolic bone disease.
The caiman lizard is intelligent and can be tamed with regular handling, but it can also be aggressive and territorial.
Caiman Lizards for Sale
3. Mexican Alligator Lizard
The Mexican alligator lizard (Abronia graminea) is a native of Mexico and Central America, where it lives in moist and cool forests.
It has a long, slender body that can reach up to 12 inches in length, including the tail.
Its scales are smooth and shiny, giving it a glossy appearance. Its color varies from green to brown, with black or red markings on the back and sides.
The Mexican alligator lizard is a beautiful and rare pet that requires a lot of attention and care. It needs a large enclosure with a lot of plants, branches, and moss.
It needs a moderate temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and a high humidity of 70 to 80 percent. It feeds on insects, worms, and small vertebrates.
The Mexican alligator lizard is very shy and secretive, and does not like to be handled.
4. Rhino Iguana
The rhino iguana (Cyclura cornuta) is a native of the Caribbean islands, where it lives in dry and rocky areas.
It has a large, heavy body that can reach up to 4 feet in length, and weigh up to 20 pounds. It has a prominent horn on its nose, and spines along its back and tail.
Its scales are rough and granular, giving it a rugged look. Its color ranges from gray to brown, with dark bands on the tail.
The rhino iguana is a powerful and impressive pet that requires a lot of space and commitment.
It needs a huge enclosure with a lot of substrate, rocks, and branches. It needs a high temperature of 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and a low humidity of 40 to 60 percent.
It also needs a UVB light and a calcium supplement to prevent metabolic bone disease. It feeds on fruits, vegetables, and occasionally insects or rodents.
The rhino iguana is intelligent and can be tamed with regular handling, but it can also be aggressive and territorial.
5. Jeweled Lacerta
The jeweled lacerta (Timon lepidus) is a native of Europe and North Africa, where it lives in grasslands and woodlands.
It has a long, slender body that can reach up to 16 inches in length, including the tail. Its scales are smooth and shiny, giving it a metallic look.
Its color varies from green to brown, with black spots and yellow or blue speckles on the back and sides.
The jeweled lacerta is a lively and colorful pet that requires a moderate level of care.
It needs a large enclosure with a lot of substrate, plants, and rocks. It needs a moderate temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and a moderate humidity of 50 to 60 percent. It feeds on insects, worms, and small vertebrates.
The jeweled lacerta is active and curious, and can be handled with care, but it can also be skittish and fast.
These are just some of the pet lizards that look like mini alligators.
If you are interested in getting one of these amazing reptiles, make sure you do your research and prepare for their specific needs and personalities.
Remember, owning a pet lizard is a big responsibility and a long-term commitment, so choose wisely and enjoy!
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.