When keeping pet reptiles like bearded dragons, a common question is what other reptiles can live together with them. There are a few key factors to consider when choosing possible reptile tank mates for a bearded dragon.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some key questions about reptiles that can live with bearded dragons:
What reptiles are safe to house with bearded dragons?
Some options include: leopard geckos, blue-tongued skinks, and certain non-aggressive snake species like ball pythons or sand boas.
What reptiles should not live with bearded dragons?
Avoid housing bearded dragons with: iguanas, chameleons, turtles/tortoises, lizards that require high humidity like chameleons, or large snakes that could prey on a bearded dragon.
Are there any benefits to housing reptiles together?
Benefits include saving space, reducing stress for more social species, and allowing you to create an interesting vivarium environment. However, cohabitation also has risks.
What are the main risks of housing reptiles together?
Risks include aggression and territorial behavior, accidental injury, stress, spreading parasites and illnesses between reptiles, and improper habitat conditions for one or both species.
Factors to Consider for Bearded Dragon Tank Mates
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting potential reptile tank mates for a bearded dragon:
Species Size
Avoid housing bearded dragons with reptiles that are much larger or smaller in size. Large differences make accidental injury more likely and increase the chance of aggression or the larger reptile considering the smaller one as prey.
Temperament and Behaviors
Choose reptiles with calm, non-aggressive temperaments. Avoid territorial species or those requiring solitary housing. Be aware of differences in activity levels and behaviors.
Habitat Requirements
Any cohabiting reptiles must have overlapping habitat needs, especially in terms of temperature and humidity. Make sure both species thrive in a shared environment.
Stress Levels
Monitor individuals for signs of stress, lack of appetite, or changes in normal behavior. Separate immediately if there are any indications one reptile is stressed by the other’s presence.
Parasites and Illness
Only house reptiles together that are captive bred and healthy to prevent exchange of parasites or diseases. Quarantine new individuals before introducing them.
Feeding
Ensure both species’ dietary needs can be met, and that individuals are able to access food without competition or aggression around feeding time.
Suitable Bearded Dragon Tank Mates
Here are some reptiles that can make good tank mates for bearded dragons if introduced properly:
Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos are calm, solitary reptiles that thrive in dry desert terrariums similar to bearded dragons. They have simple care requirements and docile temperaments. Size difference should be monitored.
| Leopard Gecko Facts | |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | 8-10 inches |
| Lifespan | 6-10 years |
| Temperature | 88-93°F |
| Humidity | 30-40% |
Blue-Tongued Skinks
These large lizards thrive in hot, tropical environments similar to bearded dragons. Look for captive bred individuals and monitor size differences. Some may be territorial.
| Blue-Tongued Skink Facts | |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | 15-24 inches |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years |
| Temperature | 90-100°F |
| Humidity | 40-60% |
Ball Pythons
These small, docile snakes make intriguing terrarium inhabitants alongside bearded dragons. Ensure proper temperatures gradients for both species are provided.
| Ball Python Facts | |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | 3-5 feet |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years |
| Temperature | 88-96°F |
| Humidity | 50-60% |
Unsuitable Tank Mates for Bearded Dragons
Here are some reptiles that should not be housed with bearded dragons:
Green Iguanas
Iguanas grow very large and can be aggressive. They have different habitat needs than bearded dragons.
Chameleons
Chameleons are solitary, stressed by cohabitation and require tall cages with high humidity – unsuitable for a bearded dragon.
Turtles and Tortoises
Turtles may prey on smaller lizards and have different habitat and diet requirements than bearded dragons.
Large Constrictor Snakes
Large snakes like Burmese pythons could potentially prey on bearded dragons. Never house lizards with any snake that could eat them.
Anoles and Small Lizards
Small lizard species can easily be injured or seen as prey by larger bearded dragons sharing an enclosure.
Introducing Tank Mates
When adding a new reptile to a bearded dragon’s enclosure, follow these tips:
Quarantine
Quarantine new individuals for at least 30-45 days to check for signs of illness before introducing them.
Clean Enclosure
Set up a brand new, clean habitat instead of using the bearded dragon’s established home which may cause territoriality.
Monitor Interactions
Observe carefully for signs of aggression or stress. Have a backup enclosure ready in case the animals must be separated.
Go Slow
Start with short supervised interactions before leaving the animals unsupervised together.
Creating a Suitable Habitat
To successfully house bearded dragons with tank mates, follow these habitat guidelines:
Enclosure Size
Provide a minimum of a 55-75 gallon tank for two reptiles. Create plenty of open space and hiding places.
Heat and Light
Create a basking spot of around 100°F for the bearded dragon. Provide a temperature gradient cooling on opposite side for the tank mate.
Substrate
Use a loose substrate the reptiles cannot ingest like reptile carpet or sand mixed with dirt. Provide digging areas.
Decor
Add branches, rocks, logs and plants for visual barriers and hiding spots to reduce stress and territorial disputes.
Feeding
Feed reptiles in separate enclosures to prevent aggression over food. Remove uneaten food to keep the habitat clean.
Signs of Stress in Cohabitation
Watch for these signs of stress if housing bearded dragons with tank mates:
- Change in normal basking and activity patterns
- Reduced appetite
- Increased hiding and retreating
- Scratches or bites from aggression
- Loss of weight
- Reluctance to move around the tank
- Attempts to escape the enclosure
Separate immediately if any signs of stress are observed in either individual.
Conclusion
While no reptile companions for bearded dragons are entirely risk-free, species like leopard geckos, blue-tongued skinks and certain non-aggressive snakes can make interesting tank mates if introduced properly. Ensure any cohabitating reptiles have similar habitat needs and monitor individuals closely for signs of aggression or stress. With careful husbandry, some reptile species can thrive together in a single well-designed vivarium habitat.