Herpeton Academy

Basiliscus plumifrons — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Basiliscus plumifrons · Basiliscus plumifrons

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-90 cm
Lifespan	7-12 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 35-38 °C
Warm zone: 26-30 °C
Cool zone: 24-26 °C
Night: 20-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Hermetia illucens is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Black soldier fly larva
BSFL
Calciworm

📌 Description

Black soldier fly larvae are soft-bodied fly larvae valued for their naturally higher calcium content compared with many traditional feeders. They are useful for small and medium insectivores, but they move less than crickets and may be refused by animals that hunt mainly by motion.

Chilobrachys fimbriatus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chilobrachys fimbriatus · Chilobrachys fimbriatus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-18 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Fruit Flies

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Drosophila melanogaster is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Fruit fly
Flightless fruit fly
Drosophila

📌 Description

Fruit flies are tiny feeders for dart frogs, small geckos, mantis nymphs, spiderlings, and other very small insectivores. Pet cultures usually use flightless or wingless strains, but they still climb, escape through poor ventilation mesh, and crash when cultures are overheated or contaminated.

Green Iguana — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Iguana iguana · Green Iguana

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-210 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 45-50 °C
Warm zone: 24-31 °C
Cool zone: 24-27 °C
Night: 23-28 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Heteroscodra maculata — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heteroscodra maculata · Heteroscodra maculata

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Hornworms

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Manduca sexta is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Hornworm
Tobacco hornworm
Manduca larva

📌 Description

Hornworms are large, soft, moisture-rich sphinx moth larvae. They are very useful for hydration support and for animals that need a soft feeder, but they grow extremely fast and become too large for many pets within days.

Hysterocrates gigas — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hysterocrates gigas · Hysterocrates gigas

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Idiothele mira — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Idiothele mira · Idiothele mira

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-10 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Lobster Roaches

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Nauphoeta cinerea is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Lobster roach
Speckled feeder roach

📌 Description

Lobster roaches are fast, productive feeder roaches for reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, and other insectivores. They breed readily and make a useful colony feeder, but unlike Dubia roaches they climb smooth surfaces and require serious escape prevention.

Mealworms

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tenebrio molitor is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Mealworm
Yellow mealworm

📌 Description

Mealworms are the larvae of a darkling beetle and are useful, quiet, easy-to-store feeders for many reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, tarantulas, and mantids. They are less active than crickets and easier to contain, but their chitin and phosphorus-heavy profile mean they should be rotated with other feeders rather than used as the only staple.

Migratory Locusts

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Locusta migratoria is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Migratory locust
Feeder locust

📌 Description

Migratory locusts are active, lean, high-movement feeders for larger insectivorous reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates. They are excellent enrichment prey, but they need more space, heat, light, and plant food than most small feeder insects.

Monocentropus balfouri — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Monocentropus balfouri · Monocentropus balfouri

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Omothymus violaceopes — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Omothymus violaceopes · Omothymus violaceopes

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-25 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Pelinobius muticus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pelinobius muticus · Pelinobius muticus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Pill Bugs

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Armadillidium vulgare is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Pill bug
Roly-poly
Common pill woodlouse

📌 Description

Pill bugs are hardy terrestrial isopods used as cleanup crew and occasional calcium-rich feeders for small insectivores. They roll into a ball when disturbed, so some predators ignore them, but they are useful in bioactive setups and easy to culture.

Psalmopoeus cambridgei — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psalmopoeus cambridgei · Psalmopoeus cambridgei

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-18 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Psalmopoeus pulcher — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psalmopoeus pulcher · Psalmopoeus pulcher

📋 At a glance


Adult size	14-17 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Psalmopoeus reduncus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psalmopoeus reduncus · Psalmopoeus reduncus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Psalmopoeus victori — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psalmopoeus victori · Psalmopoeus victori

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Red Runner Roaches

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Shelfordella lateralis is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Red runner roach
Turkestan roach
Lateralis roach

📌 Description

Red runner roaches are fast, soft-bodied feeder roaches that trigger a strong feeding response in many insectivores. They breed quickly and suit tarantulas, lizards, amphibians, and mantids, but they are escape-prone and can become pests in warm buildings.

Rough Woodlice

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Porcellio scaber is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Rough woodlouse
Rough isopod
Cleanup isopod

📌 Description

Rough woodlice are hardy cleanup-crew isopods and occasional feeders for small insectivores. They process leaf litter, shed skin, and leftover organic matter, but they need calcium, hides, and a moisture gradient to avoid die-offs.

Silkworms

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Bombyx mori is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Silkworm
Silkworm larva

📌 Description

Silkworms are soft, slow-moving moth larvae that make excellent occasional or rotation feeders for many reptiles and amphibians. They are usually easier to digest than hard beetle larvae, but they depend on clean mulberry-based food and spoil quickly when warm and dirty.

Springtails

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Folsomia candida is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Springtail
White springtail
Cleanup springtail

📌 Description

Springtails are tiny cleanup-culture invertebrates and micro-feeders for very small amphibians, hatchling geckos, mantis nymphs, and spiderlings. They help control mold and consume fine organic debris, but they need constant moisture and should be cultured cleanly.

Stromatopelma calceatum — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Stromatopelma calceatum · Stromatopelma calceatum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	14-18 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Superworms

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Zophobas atratus is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

The accepted taxonomy treats the feeder trade animal as Zophobas atratus; the trade still often uses Zophobas morio. It is a tropical American darkling beetle now distributed commercially through feeder production.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Superworm
Morio worm
Zophobas

📌 Description

Superworms are large darkling beetle larvae sold under the older trade name Zophobas morio. They are active, attractive feeders for larger insectivores, but they are fatty, strong-jawed, and too large for small or weak animals.

Tliltocatl kahlenbergi — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tliltocatl kahlenbergi · Tliltocatl kahlenbergi

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-14 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 18-21 °C
Night: 18-21 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Tliltocatl vagans — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tliltocatl vagans · Tliltocatl vagans

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 18-21 °C
Night: 18-21 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Waxworms

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Galleria mellonella is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Waxworm
Greater wax moth larva

📌 Description

Waxworms are soft, high-fat moth larvae used as occasional feeders, appetite stimulants, or treats. They are not a staple feeder for most reptiles or amphibians, but they are useful when a soft-bodied, highly palatable feeder is needed.

Asian Water Monitor

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus salvator is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Asian Water Monitor

📌 Description

The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is a large, demanding lizard kept by specialist reptile keepers. Adults usually reach 1.5-2.5 m total length, with exceptional animals larger, and may live 15-20+ years with stable long-term care.

Basiliscus plumifrons

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Basiliscus plumifrons is the accepted scientific name for the Green basilisk covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green basilisk

German common names used in the hobby:

Stirnlappenbasilisk

📌 Description

Basiliscus plumifrons is a non-venomous lizard with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: warm, humid forest edges, riverbanks, and branches above water. Adults are usually around 70-90 cm total length, and a realistic captive lifespan is 8-12 years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Black Tree Monitor

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus beccarii is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Black Tree Monitor

📌 Description

The black tree monitor (Varanus beccarii) is a large, demanding lizard kept by specialist reptile keepers. Adults usually reach 85-110 cm total length and may live 10-15+ years with stable long-term care.

Blue Tree Monitor

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus macraei is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Blue Tree Monitor

📌 Description

The blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) is a large, demanding lizard kept by specialist reptile keepers. Adults usually reach 90-110 cm total length and may live 10-15+ years with stable long-term care.

Coleonyx mitratus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Coleonyx mitratus is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Central American Banded Gecko

📌 Description

The Central American banded gecko (Coleonyx mitratus) is a small, secretive lizard kept by specialist reptile keepers. Adults usually reach 12-18 cm total length and may live 8-15 years with stable long-term care.

Coleonyx variegatus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Coleonyx variegatus is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Western Banded Gecko

📌 Description

The western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) is a small, secretive lizard kept by specialist reptile keepers. Adults usually reach 10-15 cm total length and may live 8-15 years with stable long-term care.

Emerald Tree Monitor

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus prasinus is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Emerald Tree Monitor

📌 Description

The emerald tree monitor (Varanus prasinus) is a large, demanding lizard kept by specialist reptile keepers. Adults usually reach 70-100 cm total length and may live 10-15+ years with stable long-term care.

Furcifer lateralis

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Furcifer lateralis is the accepted scientific name for the Carpet chameleon covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Carpet chameleon

German common names used in the hobby:

Teppichchamäleon

📌 Description

Furcifer lateralis is a non-venomous lizard with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: sunlit shrubs, forest edges, gardens, grassland margins, and seasonally variable vegetation. Adults are usually around 17-25 cm total length, and a realistic captive lifespan is 3-5 years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Green Iguana

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Iguana iguana is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green Iguana

📌 Description

The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large, demanding lizard kept by specialist reptile keepers. Adults usually reach 1.2-1.8 m total length, with exceptional males larger and may live 15-20+ years with stable long-term care.

Octodon degus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Octodon degus is the accepted scientific name for the degu covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Degu

German common names used in the hobby:

Degu

📌 Description

Octodon degus is a non-venomous small mammal with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: dry open scrubland with burrows, rocks, grasses, roots, and strong day-night rhythm. Adults are usually around 170-310 g adult body weight, and a realistic captive lifespan is 5-8 years, sometimes longer when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Physignathus cocincinus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Physignathus cocincinus is the accepted scientific name for the Chinese water dragon covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Chinese water dragon

German common names used in the hobby:

Grüner Wasseragame

📌 Description

Physignathus cocincinus is a non-venomous lizard with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: humid broadleaf forest beside streams, pools, and rivers, with branches over water. Adults are usually around 60-90 cm total length, and a realistic captive lifespan is 10-15 years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Python brongersmai

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Python brongersmai is the accepted scientific name for the blood python covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Blood python

German common names used in the hobby:

Blutpython

📌 Description

Python brongersmai is a non-venomous constricting snake with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: humid lowland forest, swamp margins, palm plantations, and covered ground near water. Adults are usually around 120-180 cm total length with a very heavy body, and a realistic captive lifespan is 20-25+ years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Python curtus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Python curtus is the accepted scientific name for the Sumatran short-tailed python covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Sumatran short-tailed python

German common names used in the hobby:

Sumatra-Kurzschwanzpython

📌 Description

Python curtus is a non-venomous constricting snake with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: humid lowland forest, swampy ground, plantations, and covered terrestrial shelters. Adults are usually around 120-180 cm total length with a stocky body, and a realistic captive lifespan is 20-25+ years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Trioceros jacksonii

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Trioceros jacksonii is the accepted scientific name for the Jackson’s chameleon covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Jackson’s chameleon

German common names used in the hobby:

Jackson-Chamäleon

📌 Description

Trioceros jacksonii is a non-venomous lizard with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: cooler, humid shrubland, forest edges, hedges, and planted highland areas. Adults are usually around 20-35 cm total length depending on sex and locality, and a realistic captive lifespan is 5-10 years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Banded Crickets

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Gryllodes sigillatus is the currently accepted scientific name in GBIF for this feeder cricket.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Banded cricket
Tropical house cricket

📌 Description

Banded Crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) are live feeder crickets used for insect-eating reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, mantids, and other captive insectivores. They are active prey, easy to buy in bulk, and useful for gut-loading, but they spoil quickly when kept damp, crowded, or dirty.

Dubia Roaches

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Blaptica dubia is the currently accepted scientific name for the dubia roach. GBIF lists older synonyms including Blabera claraziana and Blabera ligata.

English common names used in the hobby:

Dubia roach
Orange-spotted roach
Guyana spotted roach
Argentine wood roach

📌 Description

Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) are medium to large, live-bearing cockroaches widely cultured as feeder insects for reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, and other insect-eating animals. They are quiet, do not jump, produce less smell than neglected cricket tubs, and cannot climb clean smooth plastic or glass.

House Crickets

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Acheta domesticus is the currently accepted scientific name in GBIF for this feeder cricket.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

House cricket
Brown cricket

📌 Description

House Crickets (Acheta domesticus) are live feeder crickets used for insect-eating reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, mantids, and other captive insectivores. They are active prey, easy to buy in bulk, and useful for gut-loading, but they spoil quickly when kept damp, crowded, or dirty.

Jamaican Field Crickets

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Gryllus assimilis is the currently accepted scientific name in GBIF for this feeder cricket.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Jamaican field cricket
Silent cricket

📌 Description

Jamaican Field Crickets (Gryllus assimilis) are live feeder crickets used for insect-eating reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, mantids, and other captive insectivores. They are active prey, easy to buy in bulk, and useful for gut-loading, but they spoil quickly when kept damp, crowded, or dirty.

Ocellated Lizard

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Timon lepidus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older books, conservation documents, and some trade listings it is often found as Lacerta lepida.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Lacerta lepida
Lacerta ocellata

English common names used in the hobby:

Ocellated lizard
Jeweled lacerta
Jewelled lizard

German common names used in the hobby:

Timon lepidus — Fact Sheet

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Timon lepidus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-70 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Iberian Peninsula, southern and western France, and a small north-western Italian range
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large horizontal, escape-proof vivarium with strong ventilation
Practical adult minimum: 180 x 60 x 60 cm; larger is strongly preferred
Deep dry soil/sand/clay substrate that allows digging
Keep singly unless there is a controlled breeding plan and spare separation enclosures

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hot basking platform, cool retreat, and several tight hides
Stable rocks, cork, roots, and low branches for climbing and cover
Damp retreat or humid pocket to support shedding
Heavy decor must be supported securely so digging cannot collapse it

💡 Lighting

Bright visible light and strong UVB are required for normal behaviour and calcium metabolism
Ferguson zone 3-4; aim for UVI 3-5 at basking height, with shaded areas close to zero
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible night light
Use a separate heat source if the basking surface is not warm enough

🌡️ Temperature

Basking surface: 38-45 °C

Two-Spotted Crickets

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Gryllus bimaculatus is the currently accepted scientific name in GBIF for this feeder cricket.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Two-spotted cricket
Black cricket
Mediterranean field cricket

📌 Description

Two-Spotted Crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus) are live feeder crickets used for insect-eating reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, mantids, and other captive insectivores. They are active prey, easy to buy in bulk, and useful for gut-loading, but they spoil quickly when kept damp, crowded, or dirty.

Acrantophis dumerili

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Acrantophis dumerili is the accepted scientific name for Dumeril’s boa. In trade, keep it separate from other Madagascan boas and prefer animals with clear origin documents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Dumeril’s boa

📌 Description

Acrantophis dumerili is a non-venomous snake kept for observation and careful handling. Adults usually reach 150-240 cm, with a realistic captive lifespan of 20-30 years. Correct heat, secure hides, escape-proof construction, and suitable prey size matter more than decorative complexity.

Ambystoma maculatum

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ambystoma maculatum is the accepted scientific name and is stable in current use. In trade it may appear as the spotted salamander, but that common name does not change the taxonomy used here.

English common names used in the hobby:

Spotted salamander

📌 Description

Ambystoma maculatum is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 15-25 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 10-20 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Ambystoma mavortium

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ambystoma mavortium is now treated separately from Ambystoma tigrinum in many modern sources. Older tiger salamander material may group these forms together, so origin and accurate identification matter.

English common names used in the hobby:

Barred tiger salamander

📌 Description

Ambystoma mavortium is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 18-30 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 10-20 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Boaedon fuliginosus

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Boaedon fuliginosus is used here for the brown African house snake, but the house-snake group has been revised repeatedly. Many animals in the hobby are sold as African house snakes without precise species or locality confirmation.

English common names used in the hobby:

Brown African house snake
African house snake

Older names and trade labels to know:

Corallus hortulana

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Corallus hortulana is the accepted name for the Amazon tree boa. Older sources may use Corallus hortulanus, and trade labels can blur different Amazon tree boa localities.

English common names used in the hobby:

Amazon tree boa

📌 Description

Corallus hortulana is a non-venomous snake kept for observation and careful handling. Adults usually reach 120-180 cm, with a realistic captive lifespan of 15-20+ years. Correct heat, secure hides, escape-proof construction, and suitable prey size matter more than decorative complexity.

Cynops orientalis

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Cynops orientalis is the accepted scientific name for the Chinese fire-bellied newt. In older pet trade it was often imported under broad common names, so it should not be confused with the Japanese Cynops pyrrhogaster.

English common names used in the hobby:

Chinese fire-bellied newt

📌 Description

Cynops orientalis is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 6-10 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 10-15 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Cynops pyrrhogaster

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Cynops pyrrhogaster is the accepted scientific name for the Japanese fire-bellied newt. Regional Japanese forms are discussed in the hobby, so avoid mixing locality lines for breeding.

English common names used in the hobby:

Japanese fire-bellied newt

📌 Description

Cynops pyrrhogaster is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 9-14 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 10-20 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Elaphe climacophora

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Elaphe climacophora is the currently used scientific name for the Japanese rat snake. In trade, white Iwakuni animals should be treated as a distinct protected locality form rather than ordinary locality stock.

English common names used in the hobby:

Japanese rat snake
Aodai-sho

Older names and trade labels to know:

Japanese ratsnake
Iwakuni white snake

📌 Description

Elaphe climacophora is a non-venomous snake kept for observation, breeding projects, or experienced naturalistic display. Adults usually reach 100-160 cm, occasionally larger females, and a realistic captive lifespan is 15-20+ years. Good care is built around secure housing, measured heat, appropriate humidity, correct prey size, and a layout that lets the animal hide and thermoregulate without constant exposure. Handling should be calm and brief. Large or defensive animals require a safety plan, and powerful adults should never be managed casually or by children.

Elaphe schrenckii

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Elaphe schrenckii is the accepted name for Schrenck’s or Amur rat snake. Trade listings may also use Russian rat snake, so Latin-name confirmation is useful.

English common names used in the hobby:

Russian rat snake

📌 Description

Elaphe schrenckii is a non-venomous snake kept for observation and careful handling. Adults usually reach 140-200 cm, with a realistic captive lifespan of 15-25 years. Correct heat, secure hides, escape-proof construction, and suitable prey size matter more than decorative complexity.

Epicrates cenchria

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Epicrates cenchria is the Brazilian rainbow boa. Rainbow boa taxonomy and trade names have shifted, so this page should not be read as covering every snake sold as a rainbow boa.

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian rainbow boa

📌 Description

Epicrates cenchria is a non-venomous snake kept for observation and careful handling. Adults usually reach 150-210 cm, with a realistic captive lifespan of 20-30 years. Correct heat, secure hides, escape-proof construction, and suitable prey size matter more than decorative complexity.

Eryx colubrinus

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Eryx colubrinus is the accepted name followed here for the Kenyan sand boa. Older hobby material may list the species as Gongylophis colubrinus.

English common names used in the hobby:

Kenyan sand boa

📌 Description

Eryx colubrinus is a non-venomous snake kept for observation and careful handling. Adults usually reach 45-90 cm, with a realistic captive lifespan of 15-25 years. Correct heat, secure hides, escape-proof construction, and suitable prey size matter more than decorative complexity.

Eunectes murinus

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Eunectes murinus is the green anaconda. Keep records carefully because anacondas are large boids, legally sensitive, and sometimes confused in trade with other Eunectes species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green anaconda
Common anaconda

Older names and trade labels to know:

Boa murina

📌 Description

Eunectes murinus is a very large, specialist snake kept for observation, breeding projects, or experienced naturalistic display. Adults usually reach males 250-350 cm; females commonly 400-600+ cm, and a realistic captive lifespan is 20-30+ years. Good care is built around secure housing, measured heat, appropriate humidity, correct prey size, and a layout that lets the animal hide and thermoregulate without constant exposure. Handling should be calm and brief. Large or defensive animals require a safety plan, and powerful adults should never be managed casually or by children.

Grammostola pulchra

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Grammostola pulchra is the Brazilian black tarantula. The name has been used loosely in the hobby, so exact identity and breeder records matter when buying or breeding.

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian black tarantula

📌 Description

Grammostola pulchra is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 6-7 cm body, 15-18 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 15-25+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Grammostola pulchra — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Grammostola pulchra · Brazilian black tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	14-18 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies / locality	Brazilian/Uruguayan material in the hobby; exact origin is often not documented.
Origin	Southern Brazil and Uruguay; grassland, scrub, and seasonal ground retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

30 x 20 x 20 cm for one adult; 30 x 30 x 25 cm is more comfortable

Litoria caerulea

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Many hobby sources still use Litoria caerulea, while some databases, including GBIF, treat the accepted combination as Ranoidea caerulea. Both names commonly point to White’s tree frog in trade. In this article the familiar hobby name Litoria caerulea is retained in the title, while the taxonomy table follows the accepted database combination Ranoidea caerulea.

English common names used in the hobby:

Malayopython reticulatus

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Malayopython reticulatus is the accepted combination for the reticulated python; older sources often use Python reticulatus. Dwarf and super-dwarf locality labels are husbandry-critical, not decoration.

English common names used in the hobby:

Reticulated python

📌 Description

Malayopython reticulatus is a non-venomous snake kept for observation and careful handling. Adults usually reach 300-600+ cm, with a realistic captive lifespan of 20-30 years. Correct heat, secure hides, escape-proof construction, and suitable prey size matter more than decorative complexity.

Megaphobema robustum

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Megaphobema robustum is usually sold as the Colombian giant redleg. It is distinctive, but imported or old-stock animals should still be labeled with source and date.

English common names used in the hobby:

Colombian giant redleg
Colombian giant tarantula

📌 Description

Megaphobema robustum is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 7-9 cm body, 18-20 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 12-20 years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Megaphobema robustum — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Megaphobema robustum · Colombian giant redleg

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies / locality	Colombian humid-forest species; defensive threat postures are normal.
Origin	Colombia; humid forest floor, burrows, and leaf-litter retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

40 x 30 x 30 cm for one adult, with limited fall height
Starter housing: small ventilated cup for slings, upgraded to deeper juvenile boxes

Morelia bredli

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Morelia bredli is commonly sold as Bredl’s python or Centralian carpet python. Older references may treat it as Morelia spilota bredli, but this article follows species-level Morelia bredli.

English common names used in the hobby:

Bredl’s python

📌 Description

Morelia bredli is a non-venomous snake kept for observation and careful handling. Adults usually reach 180-260 cm, with a realistic captive lifespan of 20-30 years. Correct heat, secure hides, escape-proof construction, and suitable prey size matter more than decorative complexity.

Morelia spilota

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Morelia spilota is a variable carpet python complex. Subspecies and locality labels such as coastal, jungle, Darwin, Irian Jaya, and related carpet python forms should be kept identified and not mixed casually.

English common names used in the hobby:

Carpet python

📌 Description

Morelia spilota is a non-venomous snake kept for observation and careful handling. Adults usually reach 180-300 cm, with a realistic captive lifespan of 20-30 years. Correct heat, secure hides, escape-proof construction, and suitable prey size matter more than decorative complexity.

Morelia viridis

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Morelia viridis is the accepted name for the green tree python. Older hobby material may use Chondropython viridis, and locality names should be treated as provenance information.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green tree python

📌 Description

Morelia viridis is a non-venomous snake kept for observation and careful handling. Adults usually reach 120-180 cm, with a realistic captive lifespan of 15-25+ years. Correct heat, secure hides, escape-proof construction, and suitable prey size matter more than decorative complexity.

Orthriophis taeniurus

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

The beauty rat snake complex is still encountered under Orthriophis taeniurus in the hobby, while some databases place the accepted name as Elaphe taeniura. This article keeps the familiar hobby name in the title and flags the synonymy for record keeping.

English common names used in the hobby:

Beauty rat snake
Taiwan beauty snake

Older names and trade labels to know:

Phormictopus auratus

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phormictopus auratus is the Cuban bronze tarantula. Keep it separate from other Phormictopus species in records and breeding projects.

English common names used in the hobby:

Cuban bronze tarantula
Cuban gold tarantula

📌 Description

Phormictopus auratus is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 6-7 cm body, 15-18 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 10-15+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Phormictopus auratus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phormictopus auratus · Cuban bronze tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies / locality	Cuban species; often sold for colour and feeding response rather than handleability.
Origin	Cuba; warm seasonal ground habitats, scrub, forest edge, and retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

35 x 25 x 25 cm for one adult; give deeper substrate for burrowing

Phormictopus cancerides

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phormictopus cancerides is a large Caribbean tarantula. The genus contains several similar species, so precise labels are important in breeding and trade.

English common names used in the hobby:

Hispaniolan giant tarantula
Haitian brown tarantula

📌 Description

Phormictopus cancerides is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 7-8 cm body, 18-20 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 10-15+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Phormictopus cancerides — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phormictopus cancerides · Hispaniolan giant tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies / locality	Hispaniola; large fast New World species with strong feeding response.
Origin	Haiti and Dominican Republic; warm seasonal scrub, forest edge, and ground retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

35 x 25 x 25 cm minimum; 40 x 30 x 30 cm is better for large females

Pleurodeles waltl

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pleurodeles waltl is the accepted scientific name for the Iberian ribbed newt. In hobby use it may be shortened to “ribbed newt”, but that common name should refer to this Iberian species here, not every ribbed or spiny-looking newt.

English common names used in the hobby:

Iberian ribbed newt

📌 Description

Pleurodeles waltl is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 20-30 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 10-20 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Python bivittatus

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Python bivittatus is treated here as the Burmese python. Older material may place it under Python molurus bivittatus or the broader Indian python complex.

English common names used in the hobby:

Burmese python

📌 Description

Python bivittatus is a non-venomous snake kept for observation and careful handling. Adults usually reach 300-500+ cm, with a realistic captive lifespan of 20-30 years. Correct heat, secure hides, escape-proof construction, and suitable prey size matter more than decorative complexity.

Salamandra salamandra

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Salamandra salamandra is a species complex with many regional forms and subspecies names in older material. Locality matters for responsible keeping and breeding, and different locality lines should not be mixed casually.

English common names used in the hobby:

Fire salamander

📌 Description

Salamandra salamandra is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 15-25 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 15-25+ years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Theraphosa apophysis

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Theraphosa apophysis is the pinkfoot Goliath birdeater. It should be kept and bred separately from T. blondi and T. stirmi because trade confusion is common.

English common names used in the hobby:

Pinkfoot Goliath birdeater
Pinkfoot goliath tarantula

📌 Description

Theraphosa apophysis is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 10-12 cm body, 25-30 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 12-20+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Theraphosa apophysis — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Theraphosa apophysis · Pinkfoot Goliath birdeater

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-30 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies / locality	Venezuelan/Northern South American Theraphosa; spiderlings have distinctive pinkish leg tips.
Origin	Venezuela and nearby northern South America; humid forest floor and burrow systems.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

45 x 30 x 30 cm minimum; 60 x 45 x 45 cm with 15-20 cm substrate is better

Theraphosa blondi

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Theraphosa blondi is the classic Goliath birdeater. Many hobby animals labeled blondi have historically been T. stirmi or uncertain Theraphosa, so do not breed uncertain stock.

English common names used in the hobby:

Goliath birdeater

📌 Description

Theraphosa blondi is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 10-12 cm body, 25-30 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 12-20+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Theraphosa blondi — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Theraphosa blondi · Goliath birdeater

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-30 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies / locality	True T. blondi is less common than trade labels suggest; verify source carefully.
Origin	Northern South America; humid rainforest floor, burrows, and saturated forest-edge retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

45 x 30 x 30 cm minimum; 60 x 45 x 45 cm with deep substrate is strongly preferred

Theraphosa stirmi

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Theraphosa stirmi is one of the Goliath birdeaters. Trade animals have often been confused with T. blondi, so use clear labels and avoid mixing species in breeding projects.

English common names used in the hobby:

Burgundy Goliath birdeater
Goliath birdeater

📌 Description

Theraphosa stirmi is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 10-12 cm body, 25-28 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 12-20+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Theraphosa stirmi — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Theraphosa stirmi · Burgundy Goliath birdeater

📋 At a glance


Adult size	23-28 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies / locality	Northern South American humid-forest species; often confused with other Theraphosa.
Origin	Guyana, Suriname, and nearby northern South America; humid lowland forest and deep retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

45 x 30 x 30 cm minimum; 60 x 45 x 45 cm with deep substrate is better

Trachycephalus resinifictrix

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Trachycephalus resinifictrix is the accepted scientific name and is stable in current hobby use. It is often sold as the Amazon milk frog.

English common names used in the hobby:

Amazon milk frog

📌 Description

Trachycephalus resinifictrix is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 7-10 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 8-15 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Acanthoscurria geniculata — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Acanthoscurria geniculata · Brazilian whiteknee tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-22 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Brazil
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm; large species need 35-40 cm length
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; 10 cm or deeper for large adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable rocks

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Deep substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Ackie Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus acanthurus · Ackie Monitor · Ackie monitor · Spiny-tailed monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	50-70 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus acanthurus is native to northern, western and central Australia, including some offshore islands.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Acrantophis dumerili — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Acrantophis dumerili · Acrantophis dumerili · Dumeril’s boa

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-200 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Southwestern and southern Madagascar; dry forest, thorn scrub, savanna edges, and disturbed
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix I; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C

African Fat-Tailed Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hemitheconyx caudicinctus · African Fat-Tailed Gecko · African fat-tailed gecko · Fat-tail gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-25 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	The species occurs in West Africa, from Senegal through countries around the Gulf of Guinea and toward northern Cameroon.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C

Algerian Hedgehog — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Atelerix algirus · Algerian Hedgehog · Algerian hedgehog · North African hedgehog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-25 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	The species is distributed in North Africa, including Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure with solid floor, ventilation, and room for night activity
Adult minimum should allow exercise, hiding, feeding, and toileting areas
Substrate: dust-free bedding or washable liners kept dry and clean
Avoid wire floors, unsafe wheels, damp bedding, and cold rooms

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Sleeping hide, solid exercise wheel where appropriate, tunnels, feeding area, and water dish/bottle
Soft nesting material and enrichment that cannot trap feet
Easy-clean layout for frequent hygiene

💡 Lighting

No UVB required for normal keeping
Stable room day-night rhythm with darkness at night
Avoid bright night lighting
Photoperiod: normal household cycle

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-27 °C

Ambystoma maculatum — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ambystoma maculatum · Ambystoma maculatum · Spotted salamander

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-25 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Eastern North American deciduous and mixed forests with vernal pools used for breeding.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Ambystoma mavortium — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ambystoma mavortium · Ambystoma mavortium · Barred tiger salamander

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-35 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Central and western North America, especially grassland, prairie, semi-arid basins, and seasonal breeding
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Ambystoma tigrinum — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ambystoma tigrinum · Ambystoma tigrinum · Tiger salamander · Eastern tiger salamander

📋 At a glance


Adult size	17-33 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Ambystoma tigrinum is native to parts of the United States and southern Canada, with regional limits depending on the current species-complex treatment.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 18-22 °C

Argus Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus panoptes · Argus Monitor · Argus monitor · Yellow-spotted monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	100-150 cm
Lifespan	12-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus panoptes occurs across northern Australia and southern New Guinea, with named forms including the New Guinea/Torres Strait *V.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 55-65 °C

Asian Water Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus salvator · Asian Water Monitor · Asian Water Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-300 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus salvator is native to South and South-east Asia, from Sri Lanka and eastern India through mainland South-east Asia to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and nearby islands.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 45-55 °C

Axolotl — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ambystoma mexicanum · Axolotl · Axolotl · Mexican walking fish

📋 At a glance


Adult size	23-30 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Ambystoma mexicanum is native to the Xochimilco lake and canal system around Mexico City, with the wild range now extremely restricted.
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 16-18 °C

Ball Python — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Python regius · Ball Python · Ball python · Royal python

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-150 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Python regius is native to West and Central Africa, especially the savanna and forest-edge belt from Senegal and Ghana east toward Nigeria and Cameroon.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eurydactylodes agricolae · Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko · Bauer’s chameleon gecko · Chameleon gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Eurydactylodes agricolae is associated with New Caledonia.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Bearded Dragon — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pogona vitticeps · Bearded Dragon · Bearded dragon · Central bearded dragon

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-60 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	The species originates from eastern and central Australia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor vivarium with secure ventilation; outdoor sun only in safe supervised weather
Adult enclosure must provide usable floor space, climbing or digging structure as appropriate
Substrate should match the species: dry soil/sand/clay for arid animals, planted/drainage layers for humid arboreal animals
Avoid loose unsafe particles for juveniles, slippery floors, and cramped glass boxes

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Warm basking zone, cooler retreat, humid hide or humid zone where appropriate
Stable rocks, branches, cork, hides, and visual barriers
Water dish or misting/drinking system matched to the species

💡 Lighting

UVB required or strongly recommended for most diurnal lizards
Best: T5 HO UVB tube plus bright visible lighting and separate heat lamp
Replace UVB lamps on schedule and measure UVI when possible
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 38-45 °C

Black Tree Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus beccarii · Black Tree Monitor · Black Tree Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-120 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus beccarii is native to the Aru Islands of Indonesia and nearby New Guinea-region trade context.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 38-45 °C

Blue Tree Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus macraei · Blue Tree Monitor · Blue Tree Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-110 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus macraei is native to Batanta Island in Indonesia, making it a narrow-range island species.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 38-45 °C

Boa Constrictor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Boa constrictor · Boa Constrictor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	180-300 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Boa constrictor is native to much of tropical South America, with exact limits depending on the subspecies or regional form being discussed.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Boa Imperator — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Boa imperator · Boa Imperator

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-250 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Boa imperator is native to Mexico, Central America and northwestern South America, with strong locality variation.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Boaedon fuliginosus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Boaedon fuliginosus · Boaedon fuliginosus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-120 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Broadly associated with sub-Saharan Africa, although the exact identity of many trade animals is complicated by the African house snake species
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C

Bombina orientalis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bombina orientalis · Bombina orientalis · Oriental fire-bellied toad · Fire-bellied toad

📋 At a glance


Adult size	4-6 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Bombina orientalis is native to northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula and nearby parts of Russia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 20-24 °C

Brachypelma albiceps — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma albiceps · Mexican golden red rump tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma auratum — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma auratum · Mexican flame knee tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma boehmei — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma boehmei · Mexican fireleg tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma emilia — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma emilia · Mexican redleg tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Western Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma hamorii — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma hamorii · Mexican orange knee tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma klaasi — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma klaasi · Mexican pink tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma smithi — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma smithi · Mexican red knee tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brumation

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 What brumation is

Brumation is a seasonal slowing of metabolism, appetite, activity, digestion, and reproductive physiology in many temperate reptiles. It is often compared with mammalian hibernation, but it is not exactly the same thing. Brumating reptiles are cold-dependent animals whose body temperature and metabolic rate follow the environment; they may remain inactive for long periods, but they can also shift position, drink, or respond weakly when conditions change.

Caribena versicolor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Caribena versicolor · Antilles pinktoe tarantula · Martinique-Baumvogelspinne

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Martinique, Lesser Antilles
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix III; EU: Annex C; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Centrochelys sulcata — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Centrochelys sulcata · Sulcata Tortoise · Afrikanische Spornschildkröte

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-90 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	None commonly used in care
Origin	Sahel region of Africa
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large outdoor space essential in warm weather; adults need many m²
Indoor adults need a heated room or very large pen, not a standard terrarium
Juvenile starting enclosure: open table around 120 x 60 cm, upgraded quickly
Substrate: dry soil, sand, and clay mix with digging areas
Avoid: weak barriers, damp floors, slippery surfaces, cedar/pine, cat litter

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large shelter + basking zone + shaded areas + dry walking space
Heavy water dish, flat basking stones, edible grasses, digging soil
Strong dig-proof and push-resistant fencing outdoors

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 40-45 °C

Ceratogyrus darlingi — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ceratogyrus darlingi · Rear-horned baboon tarantula · Hornvogelspinne

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-18 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Southern Africa
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Deep fossorial enclosure, secure and escape-proof
Adult minimum: floor around 25-30 cm with major substrate depth
Substrate: packed soil/coco mix that holds burrows; 15-20 cm or deeper
Avoid shallow display boxes and frequent burrow destruction

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Started burrow under cork bark
Deep stable substrate as the main furniture
Water dish at the surface
Minimal decor so maintenance stays controlled

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Chahoua Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mniarogekko chahoua · Chahoua Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	22-30 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Mniarogekko chahoua is endemic to New Caledonia, including parts of Grande Terre and nearby islands such as Île des Pins.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 26-28 °C

Chelonoidis carbonarius — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chelonoidis carbonarius · Red-Footed Tortoise · Rotfuß-Schildkröte

📋 At a glance


Adult size	28-36 cm
Lifespan	40-60 years
Subspecies	Local forms; no simple care split
Origin	Central and northern South America
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Warm, spacious enclosure with cover, humidity, and dry walking areas
Outdoor use only in warm safe weather; heated indoor space often needed
Adult minimum: several m² or a very roomy indoor pen
Substrate: soil-rich mix that holds some moisture without becoming swampy
Avoid: cold rooms, arid boxes, dirty wet substrate, slippery floors

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Humid hide + shaded retreats + basking area + water tray
Leaf litter, cork bark, plants, visual cover, stable walking paths
Dry surface choices as well as humid retreats

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens · Green bottle blue tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Paraguana Peninsula, Venezuela
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Secure terrestrial/semi-arboreal enclosure with many web anchors
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: dry-to-moderate soil/coco layer that supports anchor points
Avoid wet stagnant conditions and maintenance that tears all webbing out

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark, angled tubes, branches, and anchor points
Water dish
Moderate substrate depth
Leave established web tunnels intact where possible

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Coleonyx mitratus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Coleonyx mitratus · Coleonyx mitratus · Central American Banded Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Coleonyx mitratus is native to southern Mexico and parts of Central America, especially Pacific-slope dry forest and seasonal woodland.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-34 °C

Coleonyx variegatus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Coleonyx variegatus · Coleonyx variegatus · Western Banded Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Coleonyx variegatus is native to the south-western United States and north-western Mexico.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Common Musk Turtle — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sternotherus odoratus · Common Musk Turtle · Common musk turtle · Stinkpot turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-14 cm
Lifespan	30-50 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Sternotherus odoratus is native to eastern and central North America, including much of the eastern United States and a limited southern Canadian range.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Corallus hortulana — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Corallus hortulana · Corallus hortulana · Amazon tree boa

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-180 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Amazon Basin and northern South America; forest, forest edge, flooded forest, and shrub
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Corn Snake — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pantherophis guttatus · Corn Snake · Corn snake · Red rat snake

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-150 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Pantherophis guttatus is native to the southeastern and eastern United States.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32 °C

Correlophus sarasinorum — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Correlophus sarasinorum · Correlophus sarasinorum · Sarasin’s giant gecko · Sarasin giant gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	22-30 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Correlophus sarasinorum is native to New Caledonia, where it occurs in humid forest habitats with plant cover, bark, branches, and regular night
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Crested Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Correlophus ciliatus · Crested Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-25 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Crested geckos are endemic to New Caledonia, especially forested areas in the southern part of Grande Terre and nearby islands.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 27-29 °C

Cynops orientalis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cynops orientalis · Cynops orientalis · Chinese fire-bellied newt

📋 At a glance


Adult size	6-10 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	China, using cool ponds, ditches, rice-field margins, and vegetated slow water.
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Cynops pyrrhogaster — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cynops pyrrhogaster · Cynops pyrrhogaster · Japanese fire-bellied newt

📋 At a glance


Adult size	9-15 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Japan, where regional forms use ponds, rice fields, ditches, and slow vegetated water.
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Cyriopagopus lividus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cyriopagopus lividus · Cobalt blue tarantula · Kobaltblaue Vogelspinne

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Southeast Asia
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Deep fossorial enclosure, secure and escape-proof
Adult minimum: floor around 25-30 cm with major substrate depth
Substrate: packed soil/coco mix that holds burrows; 15-20 cm or deeper
Avoid shallow display boxes and frequent burrow destruction

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Started burrow under cork bark
Deep stable substrate as the main furniture
Water dish at the surface
Minimal decor so maintenance stays controlled

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Davus pentaloris — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Davus pentaloris · Guatemalan tiger rump tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-10 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Southern Mexico and Guatemala
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm; large species need 35-40 cm length
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; 10 cm or deeper for large adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable rocks

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Deep substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 23-27 °C

Dendrobates auratus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dendrobates auratus · Dendrobates auratus · Green and black poison frog · Green poison frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	3-5 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Dendrobates auratus is native to Central America from Nicaragua to Panama and nearby Colombia, with introduced populations in some islands and human-moved sites.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Dendrobates azureus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dendrobates azureus · Dendrobates azureus · Blue poison frog · Azureus poison frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	4-5 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Dendrobates tinctorius ‘azureus’ is native to southern Suriname, especially the Sipaliwini region.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Dendrobates leucomelas — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dendrobates leucomelas · Dendrobates leucomelas · Yellow-banded poison frog · Bumblebee poison frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	3-5 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Dendrobates leucomelas is native to northern South America, especially Venezuela with nearby Guyana and Brazil.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Dyeing Poison Frog — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dendrobates tinctorius · Dyeing Poison Frog · Dyeing poison frog · Dyeing dart frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	4-6 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Dendrobates tinctorius is native to the eastern Guiana Shield, including French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana and adjacent northern Brazil.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Eastern River Cooter — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pseudemys concinna concinna · Eastern River Cooter · Eastern river cooter · River cooter

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-40 cm
Lifespan	30-40 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Pseudemys concinna concinna is native to rivers and connected waters of the eastern and southeastern United States.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Elaphe climacophora — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Elaphe climacophora · Elaphe climacophora

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-200 cm
Lifespan	12-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Japan, including main islands and nearby island populations; temperate forests, forest edge, farms, stone walls, river margins, and cool seasonal
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 28-30 °C

Elaphe schrenckii — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Elaphe schrenckii · Elaphe schrenckii · Russian rat snake

📋 At a glance


Adult size	140-200 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Northeastern China, Korea, Mongolia, and the Russian Far East; forests, river valleys, farms, rocky areas, and cool temperate
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Electric Blue Day Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lygodactylus williamsi · Electric Blue Day Gecko · Electric blue day gecko · Turquoise dwarf gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	7-9 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Lygodactylus williamsi is associated with a very small area of Tanzania, strongly associated with screw-pine vegetation.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix I; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Emerald Tree Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus prasinus · Emerald Tree Monitor · Emerald Tree Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	75-100 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus prasinus is native to New Guinea and nearby islands, including Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 38-45 °C

Epicrates cenchria — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Epicrates cenchria · Epicrates cenchria · Brazilian rainbow boa

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-200 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Amazon Basin and surrounding tropical South America; humid forests, forest edges, and areas near
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-31 °C

Eryx colubrinus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eryx colubrinus · Eryx colubrinus · Kenyan sand boa

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-90 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	East and northeast Africa; dry savanna, semi-desert, sandy soils, and rodent burrows.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Eunectes murinus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eunectes murinus · Eunectes murinus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	300-550 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Northern and central South America, especially Amazon and Orinoco drainage wetlands, seasonally flooded forest, marshes, swamps, and slow water
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C

Florida Red-Bellied Cooter — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pseudemys nelsoni · Florida Red-Bellied Cooter · Florida red-bellied cooter · Florida redbelly turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-35 cm
Lifespan	30-40 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Pseudemys nelsoni is native to Florida and adjacent parts of the southeastern United States.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-27 °C

Four-Toed Hedgehog — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Atelerix albiventris · Four-Toed Hedgehog · Four-toed hedgehog · White-bellied hedgehog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-23 cm
Lifespan	4-8 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Atelerix albiventris is native to parts of central and western Africa, where it occurs in warm habitats such as dry grassland, open scrub, and lightly wooded
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure with solid floor, ventilation, and room for night activity
Adult minimum should allow exercise, hiding, feeding, and toileting areas
Substrate: dust-free bedding or washable liners kept dry and clean
Avoid wire floors, unsafe wheels, damp bedding, and cold rooms

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Sleeping hide, solid exercise wheel where appropriate, tunnels, feeding area, and water dish/bottle
Soft nesting material and enrichment that cannot trap feet
Easy-clean layout for frequent hygiene

💡 Lighting

No UVB required for normal keeping
Stable room day-night rhythm with darkness at night
Avoid bright night lighting
Photoperiod: normal household cycle

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-27 °C

Furcifer lateralis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Furcifer lateralis · Furcifer lateralis · Carpet chameleon · Teppichchamäleon

📋 At a glance


Adult size	17-25 cm
Lifespan	2-5 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Furcifer lateralis is native to open, shrubby, and forest-edge habitats across much of Madagascar.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Tall, well-ventilated enclosure; screen or hybrid setups often work best
Adult enclosure should provide vertical movement, dense cover, and easy access to basking and UVB
Use live plants and branches; keep drainage under control
Avoid glass boxes with stagnant air, loose substrate ingestion risk, and constant handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Dense plant cover, horizontal basking branch, shaded retreat, and drinking surfaces
Branches of varied diameter secured firmly
Drainage layer or removable floor protection under misting

💡 Lighting

UVB essential with a linear T5 HO tube
Bright plant-safe visible lighting helps activity and plant growth
Separate basking lamp controlled by distance and measurement
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 28-31 °C

Gargoyle Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rhacodactylus auriculatus · Gargoyle Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-25 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Rhacodactylus auriculatus is endemic to New Caledonia, mainly in the southern part of Grande Terre.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 27-29 °C

Giant Day Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phelsuma grandis · Giant Day Gecko · Giant day gecko · Madagascar giant day gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-30 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Phelsuma grandis is native to Madagascar and is associated with warm, humid habitats with trees, vertical structure, and regular
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-33 °C

Grammostola pulchripes — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Grammostola pulchripes · Chaco golden knee tarantula · Chaco-Goldknievogelspinne

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-22 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Chaco region of Paraguay and Argentina
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Grammostola rosea — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Grammostola rosea · Chilean rose tarantula · Rote Chile-Vogelspinne

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Chile and nearby dry regions
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 20-26 °C

Hainan Cave Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Goniurosaurus hainanensis · Hainan Cave Gecko · Hainan cave gecko · Hainan eyelid gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Goniurosaurus hainanensis is endemic to Hainan Island in southern China.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 27-28 °C

Harpactira pulchripes — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Harpactira pulchripes · Golden blue leg baboon tarantula · Goldblaue Bein-Vogelspinne

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Southern Africa
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Deep fossorial enclosure, secure and escape-proof
Adult minimum: floor around 25-30 cm with major substrate depth
Substrate: packed soil/coco mix that holds burrows; 15-20 cm or deeper
Avoid shallow display boxes and frequent burrow destruction

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Started burrow under cork bark
Deep stable substrate as the main furniture
Water dish at the surface
Minimal decor so maintenance stays controlled

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Hyla cinerea — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hyla cinerea · Hyla cinerea · Green tree frog · American green tree frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	4-7 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Hyla cinerea is native to the southeastern United States.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Indian Star Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Geochelone elegans · Indian Star Tortoise · Indian star tortoise · Star tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-30 cm
Lifespan	40-80 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Geochelone elegans occurs in parts of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, where it uses warm habitats that are seasonally dry but not cold and where shelter and grazing plants are
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix I; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoor enclosure preferred for suitable weather; indoor tortoise table or large pen for juveniles/cold season
Adult space should be measured in square meters, not small terrariums
Substrate: soil/sand/clay mix that allows walking, digging, and moisture gradient
Avoid glass tanks for adults, slippery floors, cedar/pine, and cat litter

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Basking area, cool retreat, shaded hides, edible plants, and humid hide for juveniles
Flat stones, roots, and terrain variation without sharp edges
Shallow water dish easy to enter and exit

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

King’s Rock Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus kingorum · King’s Rock Monitor · King’s rock monitor · Kingorum monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	35-45 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus kingorum is a small rock monitor from northwestern Australia, especially the eastern Kimberley of Western Australia and adjacent northwestern Northern Territory.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 48-58 °C

Klemmer’s Day Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phelsuma klemmeri · Klemmer’s Day Gecko · Klemmer’s day gecko · Neon day gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-10 cm
Lifespan	8-12 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Phelsuma klemmeri is associated with northwestern Madagascar, especially bamboo-rich humid forest fragments.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Kuhl’s Flying Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Gekko kuhli · Kuhl’s Flying Gecko · Kuhl’s flying gecko · Kuhl’s parachute gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	8-12 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Gekko kuhli is associated with Southeast Asian tropical forests, including parts of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and nearby islands.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Lasiodora parahybana — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lasiodora parahybana · Brazilian salmon pink birdeater

📋 At a glance


Adult size	22-28 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Brazil
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm; large species need 35-40 cm length
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; 10 cm or deeper for large adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable rocks

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Deep substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Leachianus Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rhacodactylus leachianus · Leachianus Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	30-43 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Rhacodactylus leachianus is endemic to New Caledonia, including Grande Terre and several surrounding islands.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-28 °C

Leopard Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eublepharis macularius · Leopard Gecko · Leopard gecko · Leopardgecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-28 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	The species occurs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwestern India, parts of Iran, and nearby regions.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 34-36 °C

Lepidodactylus lugubris — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lepidodactylus lugubris · Lepidodactylus lugubris · Mourning gecko · Common smooth-scaled gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-10 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Lepidodactylus lugubris is associated with Indo-Pacific islands and many introduced tropical populations worldwide.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-34 °C

Litoria caerulea — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Litoria caerulea · Litoria caerulea · White’s tree frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-12 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Northern and eastern Australia and southern New Guinea, using woodland, savanna edges, human structures, and seasonal
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Madagascar Ground Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Paroedura picta · Madagascar Ground Gecko · Madagascar ground gecko · Ocelot gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-16 cm
Lifespan	6-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Paroedura picta is associated with dry and seasonally humid regions of Madagascar.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Malayopython reticulatus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Malayopython reticulatus · Malayopython reticulatus · Reticulated python

📋 At a glance


Adult size	300-600 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia and the Philippines; forests, river edges, plantations, villages, and wet
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C

Mangrove Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus indicus · Mangrove Monitor · Mangrove monitor · Pacific monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	100-130 cm
Lifespan	12-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus indicus belongs to a complicated western Pacific monitor group.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 45-55 °C

Marginated Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Testudo marginata · Marginated Tortoise · Marginated tortoise · Breitrandschildkröte

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-35 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	The marginated tortoise is a Mediterranean species naturally found mainly in Greece and parts of the Balkans, as well as in some island populations.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoor enclosure preferred for suitable weather; indoor tortoise table or large pen for juveniles/cold season
Adult space should be measured in square meters, not small terrariums
Substrate: soil/sand/clay mix that allows walking, digging, and moisture gradient
Avoid glass tanks for adults, slippery floors, cedar/pine, and cat litter

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Basking area, cool retreat, shaded hides, edible plants, and humid hide for juveniles
Flat stones, roots, and terrain variation without sharp edges
Shallow water dish easy to enter and exit

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Milk Snake — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lampropeltis triangulum · Milk Snake · Milk snake · Milchschlange

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-120 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Lampropeltis triangulum is native to a broad part of North and Central America, with many regional forms and former subspecies names in older literature.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Mississippi Map Turtle — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Graptemys kohnii · Mississippi Map Turtle · Mississippi map turtle · False map turtle (Mississippi form)

📋 At a glance


Adult size	9-25 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Graptemys kohnii is native to the Mississippi River system and associated large rivers in the central United States.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix III; EU: Annex C; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Morelia bredli — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Morelia bredli · Morelia bredli · Bredl’s python

📋 At a glance


Adult size	180-250 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Central Australia, especially rocky ranges and arid woodland around the MacDonnell
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C

Morelia spilota — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Morelia spilota · Morelia spilota · Carpet python

📋 At a glance


Adult size	180-250 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands; forest edges, woodland, rocky areas, buildings, and arboreal retreats depending on
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C

Morelia spilota cheynei — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Morelia spilota cheynei · Morelia spilota cheynei

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-210 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Morelia spilota cheynei is native to the rainforests and wet forest edges of northeastern Queensland, Australia.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C

Morelia viridis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Morelia viridis · Morelia viridis · Green tree python

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-180 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	New Guinea, nearby Indonesian islands, and Cape York Peninsula; humid forests and edge habitats with strong arboreal
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-31 °C

Nhandu chromatus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nhandu chromatus · Brazilian red and white tarantula · Brasilianische Riesenvogelspinne

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-20 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Brazil
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm; large species need 35-40 cm length
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; 10 cm or deeper for large adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable rocks

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Deep substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Nile Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus niloticus · Nile Monitor · Nile monitor · Nilwaran

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-220 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus niloticus is widespread through much of sub-Saharan Africa and reaches the Nile system, but it is absent from the driest desert regions.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Octodon degus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Octodon degus · Octodon degus · Degu · Degu

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-31 cm
Lifespan	5-9 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Octodon degus is native to dry scrub, matorral, rocky slopes, and agricultural edges in central Chile.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure with solid floor, ventilation, and room for night activity
Adult minimum should allow exercise, hiding, feeding, and toileting areas
Substrate: dust-free bedding or washable liners kept dry and clean
Avoid wire floors, unsafe wheels, damp bedding, and cold rooms

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Sleeping hide, solid exercise wheel where appropriate, tunnels, feeding area, and water dish/bottle
Soft nesting material and enrichment that cannot trap feet
Easy-clean layout for frequent hygiene

💡 Lighting

No UVB required for normal keeping
Stable room day-night rhythm with darkness at night
Avoid bright night lighting
Photoperiod: normal household cycle

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-27 °C

Oophaga pumilio — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Oophaga pumilio · Oophaga pumilio · Strawberry poison frog · Strawberry dart frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	2-3 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Oophaga pumilio is native to eastern Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, with many highly localized colour forms.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Orthriophis taeniurus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Orthriophis taeniurus · Orthriophis taeniurus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	180-270 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	East and Southeast Asia from southern China and Taiwan through parts of mainland Southeast Asia; forest edge, rocky slopes, agricultural margins, and human-modified
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Pacman Frog — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ceratophrys cranwelli · Pacman Frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Ceratophrys cranwelli is native to the Gran Chaco region of South America, especially Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and adjacent Brazil.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C

Panther Chameleon — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Furcifer pardalis · Panther Chameleon · Panther chameleon · Pantherchamaeleon

📋 At a glance


Adult size	30-55 cm
Lifespan	4-8 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Furcifer pardalis is native to Madagascar, especially warm humid and subhumid lowland and coastal regions, with well-known localities such as Ambilobe, Nosy Be, Sambava and Tamatave.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Tall, well-ventilated enclosure; screen or hybrid setups often work best
Adult enclosure should provide vertical movement, dense cover, and easy access to basking and UVB
Use live plants and branches; keep drainage under control
Avoid glass boxes with stagnant air, loose substrate ingestion risk, and constant handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Dense plant cover, horizontal basking branch, shaded retreat, and drinking surfaces
Branches of varied diameter secured firmly
Drainage layer or removable floor protection under misting

💡 Lighting

UVB essential with a linear T5 HO tube
Bright plant-safe visible lighting helps activity and plant growth
Separate basking lamp controlled by distance and measurement
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-32 °C

Phelsuma laticauda — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phelsuma laticauda · Phelsuma laticauda · Gold dust day gecko · Gold dust gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Phelsuma laticauda is associated with northern Madagascar and nearby islands, with introduced populations in several tropical regions.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-29 °C

Physignathus cocincinus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Physignathus cocincinus · Physignathus cocincinus · Chinese water dragon · Grüner Wasseragame

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-90 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Physignathus cocincinus is native to tropical forests and stream margins in southern China and mainland Southeast Asia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor vivarium with secure ventilation; outdoor sun only in safe supervised weather
Adult enclosure must provide usable floor space, climbing or digging structure as appropriate
Substrate should match the species: dry soil/sand/clay for arid animals, planted/drainage layers for humid arboreal animals
Avoid loose unsafe particles for juveniles, slippery floors, and cramped glass boxes

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Warm basking zone, cooler retreat, humid hide or humid zone where appropriate
Stable rocks, branches, cork, hides, and visual barriers
Water dish or misting/drinking system matched to the species

💡 Lighting

UVB required or strongly recommended for most diurnal lizards
Best: T5 HO UVB tube plus bright visible lighting and separate heat lamp
Replace UVB lamps on schedule and measure UVI when possible
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Pleurodeles waltl — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pleurodeles waltl · Pleurodeles waltl · Iberian ribbed newt

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-30 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Iberian Peninsula and northwestern Morocco, using ponds, reservoirs, slow water, and temporary
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Poecilotheria fasciata — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria fasciata · Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula · Ceylon-Baumvogelspinne

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Sri Lanka
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Poecilotheria formosa — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria formosa · Salem ornamental tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	India
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica · Rameshwaram ornamental tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	India
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Poecilotheria metallica — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria metallica · Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	India
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Poecilotheria miranda — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria miranda · Bengal spotted ornamental tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	India
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Psalmopoeus irminia — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psalmopoeus irminia · Sun tiger tarantula · Venezuelanische Suntiger

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Venezuela
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Pterinochilus murinus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pterinochilus murinus · Orange baboon tarantula

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	East Africa
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Secure terrestrial/semi-arboreal enclosure with many web anchors
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: dry-to-moderate soil/coco layer that supports anchor points
Avoid wet stagnant conditions and maintenance that tears all webbing out

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark, angled tubes, branches, and anchor points
Water dish
Moderate substrate depth
Leave established web tunnels intact where possible

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Python bivittatus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Python bivittatus · Python bivittatus · Burmese python

📋 At a glance


Adult size	300-500 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Mainland Southeast Asia; wetlands, grasslands, forest edges, farms, and areas near
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C

Python brongersmai — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Python brongersmai · Python brongersmai · Blood python · Blutpython

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-180 cm
Lifespan	20-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Python brongersmai is native to lowland rainforest, swamp forest, and plantations in parts of Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and nearby areas.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Python curtus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Python curtus · Python curtus · Sumatran short-tailed python · Sumatra-Kurzschwanzpython

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-180 cm
Lifespan	20-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Python curtus is native to lowland rainforest, swamp forest, and disturbed wet habitats on Sumatra.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Pyxicephalus adspersus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pyxicephalus adspersus · Pyxicephalus adspersus · African bullfrog · Pixie frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-24 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Pyxicephalus adspersus is native to southern and eastern Africa in seasonal grassland, savanna and scrub regions.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-30 °C

Red-Bellied Short-Necked Turtle — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Emydura subglobosa · Red-Bellied Short-Necked Turtle · Red-bellied short-necked turtle · Pink-bellied side-necked turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-26 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Emydura subglobosa is native to southern New Guinea and northern Australia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Red-Eyed Tree Frog — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Agalychnis callidryas · Red-Eyed Tree Frog · Red-eyed tree frog · Red-eyed leaf frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	5-8 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Agalychnis callidryas is native to lowland and premontane Central America from southern Mexico through Panama, with populations extending into northwestern Colombia.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Reeves's Turtle — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mauremys reevesii · Reeves’s Turtle · Reeves’s turtle · Chinese three-keeled pond turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-23 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Mauremys reevesii is native to eastern Asia, including China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix III; EU: Annex C; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Salamandra salamandra — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Salamandra salamandra · Salamandra salamandra · Fire salamander

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-25 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Central and southern Europe, with regional forms tied to cool forests, springs, streams, and damp
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Savannah Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus exanthematicus · Savannah Monitor · Savannah monitor · Bosc’s monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-120 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus exanthematicus occurs across the savanna belt of West and Central Africa.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Stigmochelys pardalis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Stigmochelys pardalis · Leopard Tortoise · Leopardschildkröte

📋 At a glance


Adult size	35-60 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	Usually kept as one care species
Origin	Eastern and southern Africa
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoor summer enclosure strongly recommended; adults need major floor space
Indoor adult minimum: very large heated pen; 200 x 100 cm is only a bare minimum
Juveniles: open tortoise table, upgraded as they grow
Substrate: dry soil/sand mix with some digging depth
Avoid: small glass tanks, damp substrate, weak UVB, slippery floors

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hot basking zone + dry cool zone + hides + shade
Flat stones, dry grasses, edible weeds, visual barriers
Outdoor grass enclosure is ideal in warm weather

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 45-50 °C

Testudo graeca — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Testudo graeca · Greek Tortoise · Maurische Landschildkröte

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-28 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	Variable species complex; origin matters
Origin	Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoors preferred during warm months; direct sun, space, shade, secure shelter
Outdoor minimum for one adult: several m²; more is always better
Indoor: open tortoise table for juveniles, quarantine, or cold periods
Substrate: soil, sand, and clay mix that allows digging without staying wet
Avoid: closed glass tanks, cedar/pine shavings, cat litter, slippery floors

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Sunny basking zone + cool shaded zone + dry shelter + slightly humid hide
Low shrubs, edible weeds, flat stones, roots, visual barriers
Dig-proof outdoor edges; no climbable corners or loose gaps

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Testudo horsfieldii — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Testudo horsfieldii · Russian Tortoise · Vierzehenschildkröte

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-25 cm
Lifespan	40-80 years
Subspecies	Regional forms; often sold by locality poorly
Origin	Central Asia
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoors preferred in warm, dry weather; this species needs space and digging depth
Outdoor minimum for one adult: several m² with buried or dig-proof edges
Indoor: wide open tortoise table or large pen, not a tall glass terrarium
Substrate: dry mineral soil, sand, and clay mix suitable for burrowing
Avoid: damp closed tanks, cedar/pine, cat litter, smooth floors, weak barriers

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Deep digging zone + basking area + shaded retreat + dry shelter
Uneven ground, low mounds, flat stones, roots, edible weeds
Outdoor walls must stop climbing, squeezing, and digging under

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Tliltocatl albopilosus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tliltocatl albopilosus · Curly hair tarantula · Kraushaar-Vogelspinne

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Central America
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm; large species need 35-40 cm length
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; 10 cm or deeper for large adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable rocks

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Deep substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Tokay Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Gekko gecko · Tokay Gecko · Tokay gecko · Tokeh

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-35 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Tokay geckos are widespread across parts of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, southern China, mainland Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and nearby regions.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-38 °C

Tortoise Feeding

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 What tortoise feeding should achieve

Good tortoise feeding is not about finding one perfect salad. It is about building a repeatable system that gives the animal fiber, calcium, water, trace nutrients, exercise, and normal browsing behavior without excess sugar, excess protein, or fast growth.

Most commonly kept tortoises are herbivores, but they are not all the same kind of herbivore. A Hermann’s tortoise browsing Mediterranean weeds, a sulcata grazing coarse grasses, and a red-footed tortoise eating fallen fruit, fungi, leaves, and occasional animal matter in humid forest-edge habitats have different feeding priorities. The first rule is always species identity.

Trachycephalus resinifictrix — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Trachycephalus resinifictrix · Trachycephalus resinifictrix · Amazon milk frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-12 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Amazon Basin forests of northern South America, where it uses tree holes and water-filled
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Trioceros jacksonii — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Trioceros jacksonii · Trioceros jacksonii · Jackson’s chameleon · Jackson-Chamäleon

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-35 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Trioceros jacksonii is native to montane and foothill habitats in East Africa, especially Kenya and northern Tanzania.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Tall, well-ventilated enclosure; screen or hybrid setups often work best
Adult enclosure should provide vertical movement, dense cover, and easy access to basking and UVB
Use live plants and branches; keep drainage under control
Avoid glass boxes with stagnant air, loose substrate ingestion risk, and constant handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Dense plant cover, horizontal basking branch, shaded retreat, and drinking surfaces
Branches of varied diameter secured firmly
Drainage layer or removable floor protection under misting

💡 Lighting

UVB essential with a linear T5 HO tube
Bright plant-safe visible lighting helps activity and plant growth
Separate basking lamp controlled by distance and measurement
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 26-29 °C

UVB Lighting for Reptiles

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Why UVB matters

UVB is part of natural sunlight. In many reptiles, UVB exposure allows the skin to produce vitamin D3, which then helps the animal absorb and use calcium. Without enough usable UVB, and without enough dietary calcium, reptiles can develop metabolic bone disease, weak bones, soft or deformed shells, poor muscle function, egg-laying problems, and long-term growth issues.

UVB is not the whole story. A reptile also needs correct heat, visible light, diet, hydration, and space. An animal cannot use calcium properly if it is too cold to digest. A strong lamp over a barren enclosure is also not good care. The goal is not “as much UVB as possible”; the goal is a safe light gradient that lets the reptile choose exposure.

Varanus glauerti — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus glauerti · Varanus glauerti · Kimberley rock monitor · Glauert’s monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	70-100 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus glauerti is endemic to the Kimberley region of northwestern Australia and nearby parts of the Northern Territory, including rocky escarpments, gorges and sandstone outcrops.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Varanus kordensis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus kordensis · Varanus kordensis · Biak tree monitor · Kordo tree monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	80-100 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus kordensis is an island tree monitor from Biak and nearby islands off northwestern New Guinea, Indonesia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 38-45 °C

Varanus ornatus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus ornatus · Varanus ornatus · Ornate monitor · Bindenwaran

📋 At a glance


Adult size	140-200 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus ornatus is associated with humid forests, swamp forest, river systems and wetland margins in West and Central Africa.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Varanus pilbarensis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus pilbarensis · Varanus pilbarensis · Pilbara rock monitor · Pilbara-Felsenwaran

📋 At a glance


Adult size	40-50 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus pilbarensis is restricted to the Pilbara region of Western Australia, especially rocky ranges, boulder fields, gorges and eroded plateaus.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Western Hognose Snake — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heterodon nasicus · Western Hognose Snake · Western hognose snake · Plains hognose snake

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-90 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Heterodon nasicus is native to central North America, from southern Canada through the central United States into northern Mexico.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32 °C

Yemen Chameleon — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chamaeleo calyptratus · Yemen Chameleon · Veiled chameleon · Yemen chameleon

📋 At a glance


Adult size	30-60 cm
Lifespan	4-8 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Chamaeleo calyptratus is native to Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia on the Arabian Peninsula.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Tall, well-ventilated enclosure; screen or hybrid setups often work best
Adult enclosure should provide vertical movement, dense cover, and easy access to basking and UVB
Use live plants and branches; keep drainage under control
Avoid glass boxes with stagnant air, loose substrate ingestion risk, and constant handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Dense plant cover, horizontal basking branch, shaded retreat, and drinking surfaces
Branches of varied diameter secured firmly
Drainage layer or removable floor protection under misting

💡 Lighting

UVB essential with a linear T5 HO tube
Bright plant-safe visible lighting helps activity and plant growth
Separate basking lamp controlled by distance and measurement
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-32 °C

Common Musk Turtle

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Sternotherus odoratus is the common musk turtle. The older combination Kinosternon odoratum may appear in older references.

English common names used in the hobby:

Common musk turtle
Stinkpot turtle

German common names used in the hobby:

Gewöhnliche Moschusschildkröte
Stinktopf-Moschusschildkröte

📌 Description

The common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) is a small bottom-walking turtle that often prefers cover over constant open swimming. Adults reach about 10-14 cm and may live 30 years or more with good long-term care.

Eastern River Cooter

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pseudemys concinna concinna is the nominate subspecies of Pseudemys concinna. Many sources discuss it simply as Pseudemys concinna.

English common names used in the hobby:

Eastern river cooter
River cooter

German common names used in the hobby:

Flussschmuckschildkröte
Hieroglyphen-Schmuckschildkröte

📌 Description

The eastern river cooter (Pseudemys concinna concinna) is a large, active river turtle that needs powerful filtration and much more space than a beginner aquarium. Adults reach about 25-40 cm, with females usually larger and may live 30 years or more with good long-term care.

Florida Red-Bellied Cooter

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pseudemys nelsoni is the Florida red-bellied cooter. It is often traded under broad cooter or red-bellied turtle names, so Latin-name identification matters.

English common names used in the hobby:

Florida red-bellied cooter
Florida redbelly turtle

German common names used in the hobby:

Florida-Rotbauch-Schmuckschildkröte

📌 Description

The florida red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys nelsoni) is a large, strong basking turtle that quickly outgrows small aquariums. Adults reach about 25-37 cm, with females usually larger and may live 30 years or more with good long-term care.

Mississippi Map Turtle

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Graptemys kohnii is treated here as the Mississippi map turtle. Many references discuss it as Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii rather than a full species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mississippi map turtle
False map turtle (Mississippi form)

German common names used in the hobby:

Mississippi-Höckerschildkröte
Mississippi-Landkarten-Höckerschildkröte

📌 Description

The mississippi map turtle (Graptemys kohnii) is an active basking turtle that is sensitive to poor water quality and cramped aquariums. Adults reach about males about 9-13 cm, females often 15-25 cm and may live 25 years or more with good long-term care.

Red-Bellied Short-Necked Turtle

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Emydura subglobosa is the accepted spelling for the red-bellied short-necked turtle. The misspelling Emydura sublobosa is sometimes seen in trade.

English common names used in the hobby:

Red-bellied short-necked turtle
Pink-bellied side-necked turtle

German common names used in the hobby:

Rotbauch-Spitzkopfschildkröte
Rotbauch-Kurzhalsschildkröte

📌 Description

The red-bellied short-necked turtle (Emydura subglobosa) is a tropical aquatic side-necked turtle that needs warm clean water all year. Adults reach about 20-26 cm and may live 25 years or more with good long-term care.

Reeves's Turtle

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Mauremys reevesii is the current name for Reeves’s turtle. Chinemys reevesii is a common older combination in books and trade lists.

English common names used in the hobby:

Reeves’s turtle
Chinese three-keeled pond turtle

German common names used in the hobby:

Chinesische Dreikielschildkröte
Reeves-Schildkröte

📌 Description

The reeves’s turtle (Mauremys reevesii) is a hardy but messy semi-aquatic turtle that needs clean water and a secure basking site. Adults reach about 15-23 cm and may live 20-30 years or more with good long-term care.

Argus Monitor

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus panoptes is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Argus monitor
Yellow-spotted monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Arguswaran
Gelbfleckenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus panoptes is a monitor lizard that reaches about 120-160 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Arugula

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Arugula is a familiar leafy plant from shops and gardens and can be a useful supplement in the diet of herbivorous reptiles. It is not a complete staple on its own, but it is practical when wild plants are limited.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Eruca vesicaria is an annual plant in the Brassicaceae family, also known as rocket or salad rocket.

Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Eurydactylodes agricolae is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Bauer’s chameleon gecko
Chameleon gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Bauers Chamäleongecko
Chamäleongecko

📌 Description

Eurydactylodes agricolae is a small gecko reaching about 10-13 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Calendula

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Calendula is a familiar garden plant with bright orange or yellow flowers and is a useful edible-flower supplement for herbivorous reptiles. It is best used for variety rather than as a main food plant.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Calendula officinalis is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family, commonly grown in gardens.

Identified by:

Orange or yellow daisy-like flower heads
Soft slightly sticky leaves
Aromatic green stems and foliage

It is mainly cultivated but may self-seed in gardens and mild climates.

Chickweed

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chickweed is a soft, moisture-rich wild plant that many reptiles accept readily. It is useful in mixed feeding, especially for adding variety and palatability, but it should not replace tougher high-fiber weeds as the main base of the diet.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Stellaria media is a low-growing annual in the Caryophyllaceae family.

Identified by:

Small opposite leaves
Thin creeping or sprawling stems
Tiny white star-like flowers
A single line of fine hairs running along the stem

It grows in gardens, cultivated ground, pots, lawns, and disturbed damp places, especially in cooler weather.

Chicory

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chicory is one of Europe’s most widespread wild plants, recognized by its distinctive bright blue flowers. Its leaves and flowers are suitable for regular use in the diet of herbivorous reptiles; the characteristic bitterness of the Cichorium genus is entirely natural and safe.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Cichorium intybus is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family.

Clover

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Clover is one of the most widespread plants in temperate grasslands and a natural component of the environment of many herbivorous reptiles. It is rich in vitamins and minerals but should be fed in moderation due to its higher protein content.

🌿 Description and Distribution

The genus Trifolium includes many species, the most common in Europe being:

Trifolium repens — white clover; with white to pale pink spherical flower heads
Trifolium pratense — red clover; with larger, pink-red flower heads
Trifolium dubium — lesser trefoil; with small yellow flowers

All three species are safe for reptile feeding. Found in meadows, pastures, gardens, and verges. Flowers from spring through autumn.

Dandelion

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dandelion is one of the most recognizable wild plants in temperate climates and one of the most valuable food sources for herbivorous reptiles. Its leaves, flowers, and buds are rich in calcium, vitamin A, and fiber, with a favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Taraxacum officinale agg. is a widely distributed herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. It represents a group of closely related species grouped under a collective name, with practically indistinguishable nutritional characteristics.

Electric Blue Day Gecko

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lygodactylus williamsi is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Electric blue day gecko
Turquoise dwarf gecko
William’s dwarf gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Himmelblauer Zwergtaggecko
Williams-Zwerggecko

📌 Description

Lygodactylus williamsi is a small gecko reaching about 6-8 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Endive

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Endive is a cultivated plant from the Cichorium genus, closely related to wild chicory. Available year-round from shops, it is particularly valuable as a winter food for herbivorous reptiles when wild plants are not accessible.

🌿 Description and Varieties

Cichorium endivia comes in two main types:

Curly endive / Frisée (var. crispum) — with densely frilled, deeply cut leaves; more bitter; stronger flavour
Broad-leaf endive / Escarole (var. latifolium) — with wider, softer leaves; less bitter; more readily accepted by reptiles

Both types are suitable for feeding. Leaves are light green with paler, nearly white midribs; inner leaves are more blanched due to shading during cultivation.

Field Bindweed

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Field bindweed is a common climbing or trailing wild plant that can be used in moderate amounts for herbivorous reptiles. The key issue is identification: it should only be collected when the plant is confidently recognized.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Convolvulus arvensis is a perennial vine-like plant in the Convolvulaceae family.

Identified by:

Slender twining or creeping stems
Arrow-shaped leaves
Funnel-shaped white to pale pink flowers
Strong spreading root system

It occurs in field margins, gardens, dry grassland, disturbed ground, and agricultural land.

King’s Rock Monitor

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus kingorum is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

King’s rock monitor
Kingorum monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Kings Felsenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus kingorum is a monitor lizard that reaches about 35-45 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Klemmer’s Day Gecko

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phelsuma klemmeri is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Klemmer’s day gecko
Neon day gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Klemmer-Taggecko
Neon-Taggecko

📌 Description

Phelsuma klemmeri is a small gecko reaching about 8-10 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Kuhl’s Flying Gecko

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Gekko kuhli is the currently accepted scientific name. Older hobby material may list it as Ptychozoon kuhli.

English common names used in the hobby:

Kuhl’s flying gecko
Kuhl’s parachute gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Kuhls Faltengecko
Fluggecko

📌 Description

Gekko kuhli is a small gecko reaching about 15-20 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Lepidodactylus lugubris

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lepidodactylus lugubris is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mourning gecko
Common smooth-scaled gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Jungferngecko
Trauergecko

📌 Description

Lepidodactylus lugubris is a small gecko reaching about 8-10 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Madagascar Ground Gecko

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Paroedura picta is the currently accepted scientific name. Older hobby material may list it as Paroedura pictus.

English common names used in the hobby:

Madagascar ground gecko
Ocelot gecko
Panther gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Madagaskar-Großkopfgecko
Panthergecko

📌 Description

Paroedura picta is a small gecko reaching about 12-15 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Mallow

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mallow is a widely distributed herbaceous plant with palatable leaves and flowers, rich in mucilage, calcium, and fiber. It is suitable for regular inclusion in the diet of herbivorous reptiles and particularly beneficial for the digestive tract.

🌿 Description and Distribution

The genus Malva includes several common species:

Malva sylvestris — common mallow; the largest species, with pink-purple flowers with dark veins
Malva neglecta — dwarf mallow; smaller, with pale pink to white flowers
Malva moschata — musk mallow; with more deeply cut leaves and pink flowers

All species are suitable for reptile feeding. They grow in gardens, roadsides, waste ground, and disturbed areas. Leaves are available from spring through autumn.

Mangrove Monitor

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus indicus is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mangrove monitor
Pacific monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Mangrovenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus indicus is a monitor lizard that reaches about 90-120 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Nasturtium

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nasturtium is a well-known garden plant with edible leaves and flowers. It can be a useful supplementary food for herbivorous reptiles, especially as a home-grown source of safe flowers and tender greens.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Tropaeolum majus is a trailing or climbing annual commonly grown in gardens and containers.

Identified by:

Round shield-like leaves
Bright orange, red, or yellow flowers with a spur
Creeping or climbing growth habit

It is mainly cultivated rather than truly wild, though it may self-seed in suitable conditions.

Nile Monitor

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus niloticus is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Nile monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Nilwaran

📌 Description

Varanus niloticus is a monitor lizard that reaches about 150-220 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Phelsuma laticauda

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phelsuma laticauda is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Gold dust day gecko
Gold dust gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Goldstaub-Taggecko

📌 Description

Phelsuma laticauda is a small gecko reaching about 11-13 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Plantain

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Plantain is one of the most widespread and easily recognized wild plants in temperate climates. Its leaves are rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamins, making it a valuable dietary addition for herbivorous reptiles.

🌿 Description and Distribution

The genus Plantago includes many species, the most common in Europe being:

Plantago major — broadleaf plantain, with wide, oval leaves and prominent veins
Plantago lanceolata — ribwort plantain, with elongated, lance-shaped leaves
Plantago media — hoary plantain

All are suitable for reptile feeding and occur in meadows, roadsides, lawns, and disturbed ground. They flower from spring to autumn; leaves are available almost year-round.

Savannah Monitor

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus exanthematicus is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Savannah monitor
Bosc’s monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Steppenwaran
Savannenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus exanthematicus is a monitor lizard that reaches about 90-120 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Shepherd's Purse

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Shepherd’s purse is a widespread wild weed and a familiar food item in the natural environment of many herbivorous reptiles. It is best used as part of a varied diet rather than as a single major staple.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Capsella bursa-pastoris is an annual or short-lived biennial plant in the Brassicaceae family.

Identified by:

Basal rosette of toothed leaves
Slender upright stems with small white flowers
Distinctive heart-shaped seed pods

It grows in gardens, disturbed ground, field margins, paths, and waste places, often from autumn to spring and again in cooler parts of the year.

Testudo hermanni — Fact Sheet

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Testudo hermanni · Hermann’s Tortoise · Griechische Landschildkröte

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-25 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	T. h. hermanni (west), T. h. boettgeri (east)
Origin	Southern Europe, Balkans
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoors preferred — best option during the warm season; direct sun, space, natural plants
Outdoor minimum for one adult: several m², fully escape-proof (dig-proof base, no climbable corners)
Indoor (juveniles, quarantine, cold season): open tortoise table, not a closed glass terrarium
Substrate: mix of soil, sand, and clay — must allow digging, must not hold excessive moisture
Avoid: cedar/pine shavings, cat litter, smooth/slippery surfaces

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Dry grassy area + digging soil + shaded retreats + edible wild plants
Flat stones and roots (no sharp edges)
Humid hide or slightly moist corner (especially for juveniles)

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32–35 °C

Varanus glauerti

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus glauerti is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Kimberley rock monitor
Glauert’s monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Kimberley-Felsenwaran
Glauerts Waran

📌 Description

Varanus glauerti is a monitor lizard that reaches about 60-80 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Varanus kordensis

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus kordensis is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Biak tree monitor
Kordo tree monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Biak-Baumwaran

📌 Description

Varanus kordensis is a monitor lizard that reaches about 70-90 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Varanus ornatus

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus ornatus is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Ornate monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Bindenwaran
Ornatenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus ornatus is a monitor lizard that reaches about 120-180 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Varanus pilbarensis

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus pilbarensis is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Pilbara rock monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Pilbara-Felsenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus pilbarensis is a monitor lizard that reaches about 40-55 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Ackie Monitor

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus acanthurus is the currently accepted scientific name. The species is well established under this name in modern keeping, though hobby listings often distinguish regional forms and subspecies.

English common names used in the hobby:

Ackie monitor
Spiny-tailed monitor
Ridge-tailed monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Stachelwaran
Ackie-Waran

📌 Description

Varanus acanthurus is a small but highly active Australian monitor lizard. Adults commonly reach around 50-70 cm total length, remain much more manageable than giant monitors, and are valued for intelligence, bold feeding behavior, and heavy use of the enclosure.

Ambystoma tigrinum

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ambystoma tigrinum is the accepted scientific name for the eastern tiger salamander. In older hobby material and older literature, keepers may also encounter a broader tiger salamander complex that included forms now treated separately, especially Ambystoma mavortium.

English common names used in the hobby:

Tiger salamander
Eastern tiger salamander

German common names used in the hobby:

Bombina orientalis

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Bombina orientalis is the currently accepted scientific name and is stable in current hobby use.

English common names used in the hobby:

Oriental fire-bellied toad
Fire-bellied toad

German common names used in the hobby:

Chinesische Rotbauchunke

📌 Description

Bombina orientalis is a small semi-aquatic amphibian recognized by its green-and-black dorsal pattern and vivid orange to red belly. Adults usually reach around 4-6 cm and are active, alert, and often visible by day, which is one reason the species has long been popular in the hobby.

Caribena versicolor

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Caribena versicolor is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and much of the hobby, the species was widely known as Avicularia versicolor.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

Avicularia versicolor -> Caribena versicolor (genus transfer, Mendoza & Francke 2017)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Avicularia versicolor (Walckenaer, 1837)

This is a genus-level transfer rather than a change in the species identity; old Avicularia versicolor labels in captive-bred records usually refer to the same Martinique species.

Ceratogyrus darlingi

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ceratogyrus darlingi is the currently accepted scientific name and is generally sold under that name in the hobby.

English common names used in the hobby:

Darling’s horned baboon tarantula
Rear-horned baboon tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Darings Hornvogelspinne

📌 Description

Ceratogyrus darlingi is an Old World African tarantula known for the horn-like projection on the carapace in larger specimens. It is a defensive display species with fast movement and medically significant venom, not a handling spider.

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, the species is usually sold under the same scientific name rather than under a recently changed older combination.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green bottle blue tarantula
GBB tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Gruene Blaue Schmuckvogelspinne
Green-Bottle-Blue-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is a vividly colored New World tarantula known for its metallic blue legs, green carapace, and orange abdomen. It is one of the most visually striking species in the hobby and is also famous for heavy web production.

Corn Snake

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pantherophis guttatus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the hobby, the species was often listed under older Elaphe-based combinations.

English common names used in the hobby:

Corn snake
Red rat snake

German common names used in the hobby:

Kornnatter
Rote Rattenschlange

📌 Description

The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is one of the most common pet snakes in the world. It is popular because it is usually manageable in size, typically calm when regularly acclimated to captivity, and available in many selectively bred color and pattern lines.

Correlophus sarasinorum

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Correlophus sarasinorum is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in older hobby material, the species is often encountered as Rhacodactylus sarasinorum.

English common names used in the hobby:

Sarasin’s giant gecko
Sarasin giant gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Sarasin-Riesengecko

📌 Description

Correlophus sarasinorum is a large New Caledonian gecko kept mainly as a display species. It has a sturdy body, large adhesive toe pads, and a prehensile tail, and adults commonly reach about 22-27 cm total length.

Cyriopagopus lividus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Cyriopagopus lividus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older hobby material, the species was very widely encountered as Haplopelma lividum.

The latest rename that hobbyists most often encounter is:

Haplopelma lividum -> Cyriopagopus lividus (current accepted placement)

English common names used in the hobby:

Cobalt blue tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Kobaltblaue Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Cyriopagopus lividus is a famous Old World Asian tarantula known for deep cobalt-blue legs and a strongly defensive fossorial lifestyle. It is not a handling species and spends much of its time inside the burrow.

Dendrobates auratus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Dendrobates auratus is the currently accepted scientific name and is stable in hobby and scientific use.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green and black poison frog
Green poison frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Grün-Schwarzer Pfeilgiftfrosch

📌 Description

Dendrobates auratus is a medium-sized day-active poison frog with green, mint, blue, or bronze markings on a dark background. Many captive lines are beautiful but somewhat more reserved than the boldest Dendrobates tinctorius forms, so enclosure structure has a strong effect on how visible the frogs are.

Dendrobates azureus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Dendrobates azureus remains a very common hobby name. In modern taxonomy, keepers will often see it treated within Dendrobates tinctorius as the blue Suriname form.

English common names used in the hobby:

Blue poison frog
Azureus poison frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Blauer Pfeilgiftfrosch

📌 Description

The frog traditionally known as Dendrobates azureus is one of the most recognizable dart frogs in captivity thanks to its intense blue ground color and contrasting dark spotting. It is a medium-sized poison frog that is often visible in well-structured planted terrariums.

Dendrobates leucomelas

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Dendrobates leucomelas is the currently accepted scientific name and is stable in current use.

English common names used in the hobby:

Yellow-banded poison frog
Bumblebee poison frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Gelbgebänderter Pfeilgiftfrosch

📌 Description

Dendrobates leucomelas is a lively yellow-and-black poison frog that is often recommended to keepers who want a visible daytime species for a planted display terrarium. It is active, vocal, and often somewhat more outgoing than many other dart frogs when the enclosure is set up well.

Dyeing Poison Frog

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Dendrobates tinctorius is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the hobby, hobbyists may also encounter locality-based names or older references that treated closely related forms separately.

English common names used in the hobby:

Dyeing poison frog
Dyeing dart frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Färberfrosch
Färberpfeilgiftfrosch

📌 Description

Dendrobates tinctorius is a medium-sized poison frog from the Guiana Shield, known for bold black patterning combined with yellow, white, blue, or orange depending on locality. It is one of the sturdier and more visible dart frogs in captivity and often spends time out in the open when the enclosure is well planted and secure.

Four-Toed Hedgehog

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Atelerix albiventris is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature, the species may be encountered under older hedgehog combinations such as Erinaceus albiventris.

English common names used in the hobby:

Four-toed hedgehog
White-bellied hedgehog

German common names used in the hobby:

Weissbauchigel
Vierzehenigel

📌 Description

Atelerix albiventris is a small nocturnal African hedgehog species known for a compact body, pale underside, and short defensive spines. Adults commonly weigh around 250-600 g depending on sex, condition, and bloodline.

Giant Day Gecko

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phelsuma grandis is the currently accepted scientific name. Older literature and older hobby material often listed the species as Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis.

English common names used in the hobby:

Giant day gecko
Madagascar giant day gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Madagaskar-Taggecko
Riesentaggecko

📌 Description

Phelsuma grandis is a large, bright green diurnal gecko known for red markings, adhesive toe pads, and constant daytime activity. Adults commonly reach around 25-30 cm total length.

Grammostola pulchripes

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Grammostola pulchripes is the currently accepted scientific name. In older hobby use and older care material, the species was very widely listed as Grammostola aureostriata.

The latest rename that hobbyists most often encounter is:

Grammostola aureostriata -> Grammostola pulchripes (current accepted name in modern catalogs)

English common names used in the hobby:

Chaco golden knee tarantula
Golden knee tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Grammostola rosea

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Grammostola rosea is the currently accepted scientific name. In hobby use, the species has long been mixed up with Grammostola porteri, and older listings often do not clearly separate the two.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Eurypelma rosea

English common names used in the hobby:

Chilean rose tarantula
Chile rose tarantula
Chilean rose hair tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Harpactira pulchripes

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Harpactira pulchripes is the currently accepted scientific name and is usually sold under that name in the hobby.

English common names used in the hobby:

Golden blue-legged baboon tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Goldblaue Baboon-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Harpactira pulchripes is an Old World African tarantula valued for its golden carapace, dark body, and contrasting bluish legs. It is a fast, defensive display species rather than a handling animal.

Hyla cinerea

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Hyla cinerea is the currently accepted scientific name. In modern North American references and in parts of the hobby, keepers may also encounter the combination Dryophytes cinereus.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green tree frog
American green tree frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Amerikanischer Laubfrosch
Grüner Laubfrosch

📌 Description

Hyla cinerea is a small, slim arboreal frog from the warm and humid southeastern United States. It is best known for its clear green body color, pale underside, and light stripe that often runs along the side of the body.

Indian Star Tortoise

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Geochelone elegans is the currently accepted scientific name. In hobby and conservation material, the species is widely known as the Indian star tortoise.

English common names used in the hobby:

Indian star tortoise
Star tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Indische Sternschildkrote

📌 Description

Geochelone elegans is a medium-sized Asian tortoise famous for the radiating star pattern on the shell. Adults commonly reach around 20-30 cm depending on sex and origin, and females often become larger than males.

Milk Snake

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lampropeltis triangulum is the currently accepted scientific name for the milk snake. Older hobby material may treat some regional forms differently because milk snakes and kingsnakes have a complex taxonomic history.

English common names used in the hobby:

Milk snake

German common names used in the hobby:

Milchschlange

📌 Description

Lampropeltis triangulum is a slender New World colubrid known for bold banding or blotching, active behavior, and generally manageable adult size. Depending on the form, adults commonly range from under 1 meter to around 1.5 meters.

Nhandu chromatus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Nhandu chromatus is the currently accepted scientific name in the World Spider Catalog. The name has been unstable in recent hobby discussion because the species was transferred to Vitalius in 2023 and then transferred back to Nhandu in 2026.

The rename history that keepers are most likely to encounter is:

Nhandu chromatus Schmidt, 2004 (original description)
Nhandu chromatus -> Vitalius chromatus (temporary genus transfer, Bertani 2023)
Vitalius chromatus -> Nhandu chromatus (returned to Nhandu, Sherwood et al. 2026)

Older catalog entries also list earlier material as misidentified Vitalius cristatus before Schmidt described Nhandu chromatus. For care and buying records, treat labels such as “Vitalius chromatus” as recent synonyms for the same animal, but be cautious with vague trade names because Nhandu and related Brazilian theraphosids are often confused.

Oophaga pumilio

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Oophaga pumilio is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the hobby, keepers may still encounter the older combination Dendrobates pumilio.

English common names used in the hobby:

Strawberry poison frog
Strawberry dart frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Erdbeerfröschchen
Erdbeerpfeilgiftfrosch

📌 Description

Oophaga pumilio is a very small poison frog from Central America and one of the best-known dart frogs in the hobby. It is famous for extreme color variation, with different island and mainland populations showing red, blue, orange, green, spotted, or nearly uniform forms.

Panther Chameleon

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Furcifer pardalis is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and some older trade material, the species is often encountered as Chamaeleo pardalis.

English common names used in the hobby:

Panther chameleon

German common names used in the hobby:

Pantherchamaeleon

📌 Description

The panther chameleon is one of the most famous chameleon species in captivity and is especially valued for the intense colors shown by adult males. Depending on locality and lineage, males may develop combinations of blue, red, orange, yellow, green, and turquoise, while females are usually more muted.

Psalmopoeus irminia

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Psalmopoeus irminia is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, the species is usually sold under the same name rather than under a recently changed older combination.

English common names used in the hobby:

Venezuelan sun tiger
Sun tiger tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Venezuela-Sonnentiger
Sonnentiger-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Psalmopoeus irminia is a fast, striking arboreal New World tarantula known for its dark body, orange leg markings, and bold webbed retreats. It is one of the most popular display species for keepers who want a more dramatic arboreal tarantula without moving into Old World genera.

Pyxicephalus adspersus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pyxicephalus adspersus is the currently accepted scientific name and is stable in modern hobby use.

English common names used in the hobby:

African bullfrog
Pixie frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Afrikanischer Ochsenfrosch

📌 Description

Pyxicephalus adspersus is one of the largest frogs kept in captivity. It is a heavy-bodied, ground-dwelling ambush predator from sub-Saharan Africa, recognized by its enormous head, broad mouth, thick limbs, and powerful feeding response.

Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Agalychnis callidryas is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was formerly placed in the large family Hylidae, but molecular studies have moved it to Phyllomedusidae, a separate family of waxy monkey frogs and their relatives. It is one of the most recognized amphibians in the world.

English common names used in the hobby:

Red-eyed tree frog
Red-eyed leaf frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Red-Footed Tortoise

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Chelonoidis carbonarius is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the hobby, the species is still often seen as Chelonoidis carbonaria.

English common names used in the hobby:

Red-footed tortoise
Red-foot tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Rotfuss-Schildkrote
Rotfussschildkrote

📌 Description

The red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) is a medium-sized South American tortoise known for the red, orange, or yellow scales on the legs and head. It is a popular captive species because it stays more manageable than giant tortoises and usually adapts well to warm, humid captive setups when kept correctly.

Russian Tortoise

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Testudo horsfieldii is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the pet trade, the species is still often listed as Agrionemys horsfieldii.

English common names used in the hobby:

Russian tortoise
Horsfield’s tortoise
Central Asian tortoise
Afghan tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Vierzehenschildkrote
Steppenschildkrote

📌 Description

The Russian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) is a small, active, and highly terrestrial tortoise from Central Asia. It is one of the most commonly kept tortoise species because adults stay more manageable in size than many Mediterranean or African tortoises, but it is still a long-lived animal that can live for decades with correct care.

Western Hognose Snake

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Heterodon nasicus is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Western hognose snake
Plains hognose snake

German common names used in the hobby:

Westliche Hakennasennatter
Hakennasennatter

📌 Description

The western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus) is a small, stout-bodied North American colubrid that has become very popular in captivity. It is best known for its upturned snout, bluffing behavior, and relatively manageable size.

Acanthoscurria geniculata

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Acanthoscurria geniculata is the currently accepted scientific name. Older combinations associated with the species include:

Mygale geniculata
Scurria geniculata

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian whiteknee tarantula
Giant white knee tarantula

📌 Description

Acanthoscurria geniculata is a large terrestrial New World tarantula from Brazil, recognized by its dark body and bold white banding on the legs. It is one of the most popular large display tarantulas because it grows to an impressive size, feeds strongly, and is usually visible more often than many burrowing species.

Boa Constrictor

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is a large, heavy-bodied, non-venomous snake from South America. It is famous for its muscular build, saddle pattern, heat-sensing ability, and calm but powerful presence.

Adults vary by sex, locality, and bloodline. Many males stay smaller and slimmer, while large females can become impressive animals that require substantial housing and careful handling. In captivity, boas commonly live 20-30 years or more.

Boa Imperator

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The boa imperator (Boa imperator) is a large, muscular, non-venomous constrictor from Central America and nearby regions. It is one of the most common large snakes in captivity and is often sold under hobby names such as common boa or Colombian boa, even though those labels are not always taxonomically precise.

Adults vary by sex and locality. Many males remain more moderate in size, while large females can become substantial snakes that require serious space and handling awareness. Boa imperators are usually somewhat smaller and lighter than the largest Boa constrictor animals, but they are still powerful, long-lived snakes.

Brachypelma albiceps

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma albiceps is the currently accepted scientific name. Older combinations associated with the species include:

Brachypelmides ruhnaui
Aphonopelma albiceps

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican golden red rump tarantula
Golden redrump tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma albiceps is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, known for its pale golden carapace and contrasting reddish abdomen. It is a sturdy display species that appeals to keepers who like classic Mexican tarantulas with calm, deliberate movement and a dry terrestrial setup.

Brachypelma auratum

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma auratum is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, the species is best known by its striking flame-like knee markings.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican flame knee tarantula
Flame knee tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma auratum is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, valued for its dark body and bright orange-red markings around the leg joints. It is one of the more elegant Mexican tarantulas and is often chosen by keepers who want a species with classic Brachypelma care but especially vivid contrast.

Brachypelma boehmei

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma boehmei is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican fireleg tarantula
Mexican rustleg tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma boehmei is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, famous for its dark body and vivid orange-red leg coloration. It is one of the most striking Brachypelma species in the hobby and is often chosen for display value alone.

Brachypelma emilia

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Older names and combinations associated with Brachypelma emilia include:

Mygale emilia (White, 1856)
Eurypelma emilia (White, 1856)
Brachypelma aemilia (White, 1856)
Euathlus emilia (White, 1856)

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican redleg tarantula
Mexican painted redleg

English common names:

Mexican redleg
Mexican redleg tarantula
Mexican painted redleg

German common names used in the hobby:

Brachypelma hamorii

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma hamorii is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, this species was long confused with or sold as Brachypelma smithi, so accurate identification is still important.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican orange knee tarantula
Mexican red knee tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma hamorii is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico and one of the best-known beginner-friendly display species in the hobby. It is admired for its dark body, warm orange markings on the knees, and generally calm presence.

Brachypelma klaasi

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma klaasi is the currently accepted scientific name. Older combinations associated with the species include:

Brachypelmides klaasi

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican pink tarantula
Pink beauty tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma klaasi is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, recognized for its dark body and soft pinkish tones on the carapace and leg setae. It is a large, handsome display species for keepers who appreciate heavier terrestrial tarantulas.

Brachypelma smithi

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma smithi is the currently accepted scientific name. In older hobby use, this species was often known as Brachypelma annitha, and it has also often been confused with Brachypelma hamorii, so exact identification still matters.

Older names associated with the species include:

Brachypelma annitha

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican red knee tarantula
Smith’s red knee tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma smithi is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico and one of the most famous tarantulas in the hobby. It is known for its dark body and bright reddish-orange knee markings.

Davus pentaloris

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Davus pentaloris is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Guatemalan tiger rump tarantula
Tiger rump tarantula

📌 Description

Davus pentaloris is a small to medium terrestrial New World tarantula from Central America, known for its contrasting striped pattern and active feeding behavior. It is popular with keepers who want a smaller species that still shows interesting webbing, digging, and hunting behavior.

Lasiodora parahybana

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lasiodora parahybana is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian salmon pink birdeater
Salmon pink birdeater

📌 Description

Lasiodora parahybana is a very large terrestrial New World tarantula from Brazil, famous for its fast growth, heavy body, and pinkish hairs over a dark base color. It is one of the largest tarantulas commonly kept in captivity and is often chosen by keepers who want an impressive display animal with strong feeding behavior.

Leachianus Gecko

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The leachianus gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus), often called a leachie or New Caledonian giant gecko, is the largest living gecko species. It is a nocturnal, arboreal gecko from New Caledonia with a heavy body, broad head, powerful jaws, and a loud defensive voice.

Adults vary greatly by locality. Small island forms can stay much more compact, while large Grande Terre animals may become extremely robust. Many adults reach roughly 28-36 cm, and the largest animals are impressively heavy compared with other New Caledonian geckos.

Poecilotheria fasciata

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria fasciata is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Latreille in 1804, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality simply as Ceylon.

English common names used in the hobby:

Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Sri-Lanka-Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria fasciata is an arboreal Old World tarantula from Sri Lanka, recognized for its slender build, banded pattern, and quick movement. It is one of the classic ornamental tarantulas and is kept mainly for its striking appearance and elegant arboreal behavior.

Poecilotheria formosa

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria formosa is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Pocock in 1899, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality as Kadiampatti and Mullapuram in the Salem District Sheveroy Hills.

English common names used in the hobby:

Salem ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Schmuckvogelspinne aus Salem

📌 Description

Poecilotheria formosa is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India, known for its dark body, high-contrast patterning, and elegant posture. It is a sought-after ornamental species for keepers who appreciate slender arboreal spiders with bold markings.

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica is the currently accepted scientific name. Smith described the species in 2004, and later literature lists Rameshwaram Island, India, as the type locality.

English common names used in the hobby:

Rameshwaram ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Rameshwaram-Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India, known for its striking ornamental pattern and localized distribution. It is one of the more specialized Poecilotheria species in collections and is valued for both beauty and rarity.

Poecilotheria metallica

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria metallica is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Pocock in 1899, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality as near Gooty, 257 miles from Madras.

English common names used in the hobby:

Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Gooty-Saphir-Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria metallica is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India and one of the most famous tarantulas in the hobby because of its vivid electric blue coloration. It is a highly sought-after ornamental species with very strong display appeal.

Poecilotheria miranda

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria miranda is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Pocock in 1900, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality as Bengal: Chota Nagpur.

English common names used in the hobby:

Bengal spotted ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Bengalische Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria miranda is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India, known for its bold contrasting pattern and impressive adult appearance. It is a striking ornamental species that combines large visual impact with typical fast arboreal behavior.

Pterinochilus murinus

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pterinochilus murinus is the currently accepted scientific name. Older names associated with the species include:

Pterinochilus hindei
Pterinochilus mamillatus

English common names used in the hobby:

Orange baboon tarantula
Usambara orange baboon tarantula
OBT

📌 Description

Pterinochilus murinus is a fast, defensive Old World tarantula from East Africa, known for its heavy webbing and variable orange, brown, or gray coloration. It is one of the most recognizable African hobby species and is often called simply OBT.

Tliltocatl albopilosus

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tliltocatl albopilosus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in much of the pet trade, the species was widely known as Brachypelma albopilosum.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

Brachypelma albopilosum -> Tliltocatl albopilosum (genus transfer, Mendoza & Francke 2019)
Tliltocatl albopilosum -> Tliltocatl albopilosus (current accepted spelling in modern catalogs)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

African Fat-Tailed Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Hemitheconyx caudicinctus is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

African fat-tailed gecko
Fat-tail gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Afrikanischer Fettschwanzgecko

📌 Description

The African fat-tailed gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) is a ground-dwelling eyelid gecko from West Africa. It is often compared with the leopard gecko, but it is not simply a darker, more humid version of the same animal. It tends to be more secretive, slower-moving, and more dependent on secure hides and moisture gradients.

Chahoua Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The chahoua gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua) is a nocturnal, arboreal gecko from New Caledonia. It is also called the mossy New Caledonian gecko because its mottled pattern can blend beautifully with bark, moss, and lichen.

Adults usually reach 23-28 cm and are heavier than crested geckos. They have a broad head, strong grip, prehensile tail, soft-looking camouflage, and a slower, deliberate way of moving. They can jump, but they often rely on climbing and gripping rather than frantic movement.

Crested Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal gecko from New Caledonia. It is known for the soft crest of scales above the eyes and along the body, which gives it the “eyelash” appearance that made the species so popular.

Adults usually reach 18-25 cm including the tail. Many captive adults are tailless because crested geckos can drop the tail when frightened, and unlike leopard geckos, they do not regrow it. A tailless gecko can still live normally if the wound heals cleanly.

Gargoyle Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal gecko from New Caledonia. It is named for the bony-looking bumps on the head, which give many animals a horned or gargoyle-like profile.

Adults usually reach 18-25 cm and are stockier than crested geckos. They have strong jaws, a prehensile tail, and good climbing ability, but they do not climb glass as effortlessly as day geckos. Unlike crested geckos, gargoyle geckos can regenerate the tail, although the regrown tail often looks different.

Greek Tortoise

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Testudo graeca is the currently accepted scientific name.

This name is used for a broad and variable species complex, so older locality labels and trade names may refer to regional forms rather than to a different accepted species name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Greek tortoise
Spur-thighed tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Hainan Cave Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Goniurosaurus hainanensis is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Hainan cave gecko
Hainan eyelid gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Hainan-Höhlengecko

📌 Description

The Hainan cave gecko (Goniurosaurus hainanensis) is a nocturnal eyelid gecko from Hainan Island, China. It is also sold as a Chinese cave gecko, although that name is used for several related Goniurosaurus species.

Leopard Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Eublepharis macularius is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Leopard gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Leopardgecko

📌 Description

The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a terrestrial gecko from arid and semi-arid parts of South Asia. It is one of the most common pet lizards because it stays a manageable size, feeds readily, and usually becomes calm with gentle handling.

Tokay Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Gekko gecko is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Tokay gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Tokeh
Tokee

📌 Description

The tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is a large, nocturnal, arboreal gecko from South and Southeast Asia. It is famous for its loud call, bright blue-gray body with orange or red spots, strong jaws, and bold defensive behavior.

Marginated Tortoise

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Testudo marginata is the currently accepted scientific name.

In care literature and in trade, this species is usually treated as a distinct Mediterranean Testudo without a major recent genus change.

English common names used in the hobby:

Marginated tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Breitrandschildkröte

📌 Description

The marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata) is the largest European member of the genus Testudo. It is a diurnal, active, and long-lived Mediterranean species that can live for decades when kept properly.

Sulcata Tortoise

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Centrochelys sulcata is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the pet trade, the species was often listed as Geochelone sulcata.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

Geochelone sulcata -> Centrochelys sulcata (modern tortoise taxonomy places the species in Centrochelys)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Axolotl

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ambystoma mexicanum is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Axolotl
Mexican walking fish

German common names used in the hobby:

Axolotl

📌 Description

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an aquatic salamander known for its external gills and its ability to retain larval features throughout life. Unlike most amphibians, it does not normally undergo metamorphosis and remains fully aquatic.

Ball Python

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Python regius is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Ball python
Royal python

German common names used in the hobby:

Königspython
Ballpython

📌 Description

The ball python (Python regius), also known as the royal python, is one of the most popular pet snakes in the world. The name “ball python” comes from its characteristic defensive behavior — when stressed, it curls into a tight ball and tucks its head into the center. The species is well known for its docile temperament and exceptional longevity in captivity.

Hermann's Tortoise

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Testudo hermanni is the currently accepted scientific name.

In husbandry and conservation literature, the two subspecies most often mentioned are T. h. hermanni and T. h. boettgeri.

English common names used in the hobby:

Hermann’s tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Griechische Landschildkröte

📌 Description

Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is one of the most recognizable land tortoises in Europe. It is a diurnal, active, and long-lived species that can live for decades when kept properly.

Leopard Tortoise

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Stigmochelys pardalis is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the pet trade, the species was often listed as Geochelone pardalis.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

Geochelone pardalis -> Stigmochelys pardalis (modern tortoise taxonomy separates the species from Geochelone)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Algerian Hedgehog

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Atelerix algirus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the pet trade, the species was often listed as Erinaceus algirus.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

Erinaceus algirus -> Atelerix algirus (modern hedgehog taxonomy places the species in Atelerix)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Bearded Dragon

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pogona vitticeps is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Bearded dragon
Central bearded dragon

German common names used in the hobby:

Bartagame
Zentralbartagame

📌 Description

The Bearded Dragon ( Pogona vitticeps ) is one of the most popular lizards in the terrarium trade. Its name comes from the characteristic expandable throat pouch with spikes, which darkens under stress or dominant behavior and resembles a beard.

Terrarium Plants

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Live plants are both a structural and biological element in a terrarium. They stabilize the microclimate, support humidity, provide hiding places, and encourage natural behavior. Plant choice must match the type of environment: dry, tropical, or paludarium.

🌵 Plants for dry terrariums

Suitable for desert lizards, dry-adapted snakes, and invertebrates. These plants require strong light, and the soil should be sandy and very well drained.

Recommended species:

Yemen Chameleon

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Chamaeleo calyptratus is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Veiled chameleon
Yemen chameleon

German common names used in the hobby:

Jemenchamäleon

📌 Description

The Yemen chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), also known as the “Veiled chameleon” in English, is the most common chameleon species in the pet trade. It is characterized by a high bony growth on its head, called a casque, which is particularly developed in males. Its eyes move independently of each other, allowing it to observe its surroundings in almost 360 degrees. The tail is prehensile and serves as a fifth limb for climbing.