Small Reptiles, Big Personality: Species That Stay Manageable as Pets

If you are pressed for space, or simply interested in keeping reptiles that stay small, check out this list of animals that will remain small throughout their entire lives and as a result, what would be considered a "smaller" enclosure size for other species is very spacious for them!

To clarify, the animals on this list have relatively "small" enclosure size requirements, but that does not ever mean that we should aim for minimum, of course! The recommended enclosure size that is listed alongside each animal is considerably over their minimum enclosure size.

Scorpion-Tailed Gecko (Pristurus carteri)

Recommended Enclosure: 2x2x2 Zen Habitat, 48x24x18 Zen Habitat

Temperament: Bold, Interactive, Comical

Activity: Diurnal 

If you want something tiny and underrepresented in the hobby, the scorpion-tailed gecko is a phenomenal critter to pick. 

• Named for the defensive way they curl their tail upward like a scorpion. They will wag their tail in a defensive posture or when hunting. 

• Surprisingly tolerant of handling for such a small animal.

• Thrives in hot, arid habitats with lots of rock crevices

• Can be kept communally by knowledgeable keepers, but will breed readily

These geckos are my personal favorite species to keep. They make ME feel like I'm their pet because they are always watching me, no matter what time of day.

They will sit on the lip of the door and stare out at me, follow me across the room with their eyes, chase after me, and watch intently at whatever I'm doing. They are so much fun to have around, and it surprises me that more people don't keep them!

Emerald Grass Lizard (Takydromas smaragdinus) 

Enclosure Size: 2x2x2 Zen Habitat, 2x2x4 Zen Habitat

Temperament: Active, Interactive, Inquisitive

Activity: Diurnal 

Takydromas are often overlooked, but they really shouldn't be! They are like little monitors in a tiny body!

• Grass-dwelling lizards that love dense vertical foliage

• Incredibly fast and alert

• Inquisitive with their keepers

• Insectivorous and highly visual hunters

If you like movement, color, and appreciate a species that will take advantage of all of the space you give them, this species shines! This is another little reptile that packs a huge punch in terms of personality, and is honestly WAY too bold and trusting for how small they are! 

Rankin’s Dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)

Enclosure Size: 4x2x2 Zen Habitat

Temperament: Calm, personable

Activity: Diurnal 

Though they are the largest species on this list and have the largest enclosure requirement, they stand out for being a smaller alternative option to the much more widely kept bearded dragon. Rankin’s dragons are genuinely one of the best small-bodied reptiles for people who want interaction without size. 

• Similar care principles to bearded dragons, but smaller scale

• Active mid-baskers with expressive body language

• Tolerate handling well 

• Thrive in hot, arid habitats.

They still need more space than the other animals on this list, but compared to their larger cousin, the bearded dragon, Rankin’s dragons are far more manageable, without sacrificing personality.

🐍 House Snake (Boaedon spp.)

Enclosure Size: 48x24x18 Zen Habitat

Temperament: Curious, Fairly calm as adults

Activity: Nocturnal

If you want a snake that stays modest in size but has a fun personality, house snakes are underrated gems.

• Hardy, adaptable, and usually great eaters unlike many other smaller snake species

• Excellent for naturalistic or bioactive snake setups

• More active and curious than many similarly sized species

• Minimal humidity requirements compared to tropical snakes

They’re ideal for keepers who want a snake that stays on the smaller side without having to worry too much about picky eating. 

Electric Blue Day Gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi)

Enclosure Size: 2x2x2 Zen Habitat

Temperament: Alert and Lightning Fast (non-handleable)

Activity: Diurnal

Arguably one of the most visually striking small reptiles in the world.

• Males are NEON blue

• Strictly display animals  – handling is nearly impossible due to speed and stress

• Require vertical, planted enclosures with UVB

• Best kept singly or as carefully managed pairs

This species is an incredible choice for someone who wants to have a strikingly gorgeous display animal, and who does not mind that their gecko cannot be handled.