There are many different types of pet lizards that people can choose from these days. Two of the most popular choices are the crested gecko and the bearded dragon. Both of these lizards make great pets, but there are some key differences between them that you should be aware of before making your decision. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the crested gecko and the bearded dragon to help you decide which one is right for you.
Table of Contents
Appearance
The crested gecko is a small lizard with a distinctive crest of triangular spines running down its back. They are typically brown or gray in color, with spots or bands of other colors. Adult crested geckos can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length, including their tail.
Bearded dragons are larger than crested geckos, and can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length. They are typically brown or gray, with dark bands running down their sides. Their name comes from the spines on their throat, which can be extended to look like a beard.
Both species of lizard have long tails, which they can drop if grabbed by a predator. This allows them to escape and grow a new tail.
Size
Crested geckos grow to be about 6-8 inches long, while bearded dragons grow to be about 2 feet long.
Crested geckos are therefore much smaller than bearded dragons.
Bearded dragons are typically much more active than crested geckos, and so require more space to roam around.
Crested geckos can live in smaller enclosures than bearded dragons, since they are not as active.
Lifespan
Crested geckos can live up to 20 years in captivity, while bearded dragons typically only live 10 to 15 years. However, both species can live much shorter lifespans if they are not cared for properly.
To help your crested gecko or bearded dragon live a long and healthy life, it is important to provide them with the proper diet, housing, and care. A well-cared-for crested gecko or bearded dragon can provide you with years of enjoyment.
Diet
A well-balanced diet is essential for your crested gecko or bearded dragon. These pets need a variety of foods to stay healthy and thrive. A good diet for your pet should include:
- A variety of fresh vegetables and fruits
- High-quality protein sources, such as insects, chicken, or beef
- A small amount of calcium powder to dust their food
You should also offer your pet fresh water daily. Bearded dragons and crested geckos are native to arid environments and do not typically drink a lot of water. However, they will drink if they are thirsty and having a dish of fresh water available is important.Bearded dragons are found in woodlands, scrublands, and deserts in Australia. They are also found in Indonesia and New Guinea. Crested geckos are found on the island of New Caledonia. Bearded dragons are active during the day and bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. They are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. Crested geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They eat a variety of insects, small mammals, and reptiles. Crested geckos are insectivores, meaning they eat insects.
Crested geckos are arboreal lizards that are native to the island of New Caledonia. They are also known as the eyelash gecko or the New Caledonian fan-footed gecko. Crested geckos are nocturnal lizards that spend their days sleeping in trees and their nights hunting for insects. These lizards are very shy and will usually flee if they sense danger. However, if they are cornered, they will hiss and make themselves look as big as possible in an attempt to scare off the predator.
Bearded dragons are diurnal lizards that are native to Australia. These lizards get their name from the spines that protrude from their chin and neck, which resemble a beard. Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards that eat a diet of insects, fruits, and vegetables. These lizards are very docile and are often kept as pets. When threatened, bearded dragons will puff out their beard in an attempt to intimidate the predator.
Both crested geckos and bearded dragons make excellent pets. They are both docile and easy to care for. However, there are some differences in their care. Crested geckos require a humid environment, while bearded dragons do best in a dry environment. Bearded dragons also require more UVB light than crested geckos. When choosing between a crested gecko or a bearded dragon, consider what type of environment you can provide and which lizard would be a better fit for your lifestyle.
Reproduction
Crested geckos reproduce by laying eggs. A female crestie will lay 1-4 eggs about every 2 weeks during the breeding season. The eggs are white and leathery, and about the size of a grape. Bearded dragons reproduce by laying eggs. A female beardie will lay anywhere from 6-20 eggs about every 2 weeks during the breeding season. The eggs are white and leathery, and about the size of a grape. Crested geckos and bearded dragons are both oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Oviparous animals typically have a shorter gestation period and can produce more offspring than animals that give birth to live young.
History
The crested gecko was first described by French zoologist Alain-Marie LeBreton in 1866, who gave it the name Rhacodactylus ciliatus. It was thought to be extinct until rediscovered in 1994 by German herpetologist William “Werner” Staub.
The species is endemic to New Caledonia, an archipelago located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. Crested geckos are found in a wide range of habitats, from rainforests to semi-arid areas. The crested gecko is a popular pet and is now bred in captivity. It is also used in the pet trade, as well as for research purposes.
The bearded dragon is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is native to Australia. Bearded dragons are popular pets and are also used in the pet trade. They are also used for research purposes.
Popularity
The crested gecko is one of the most popular reptiles among pet owners. They are relatively easy to care for and have a wide variety of color morphs that make them visually appealing. Bearded dragons are also popular pets, but they can be more challenging to care for than crested geckos.
Care
Crested geckos are relatively easy to care for, and make great pets for first time reptile owners. They are native to the warm, humid forests of New Caledonia, and so prefer a tropical environment. In captivity, they should be kept in an enclosure with a temperature range of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a warm side and a cool side.
They also require high humidity, so their enclosure should be misted with water daily. Crested geckos are insectivores, and so their diet should consist mostly of bugs. Live food can be offered a few times a week, but should be dusted with calcium powder to ensure that the gecko gets enough nutrients.
Crested geckos are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. During the day, they like to hide in their enclosure, so it is important to provide them with plenty of hiding spots. All in all, cresties are low-maintenance pets that are sure to bring lots of enjoyment!
Bearded dragons are also easy to care for, and make great pets for first time reptile owners. They are native to the arid, desert regions of Australia, and so prefer a dry, warm environment. In captivity, they should be kept in an enclosure with a temperature range of 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking spot that reaches 100 degrees.
They also require low humidity, so their enclosure should be misted with water only a few times a week. Bearded dragons are omnivores, and so their diet should consist of both bugs and vegetables. Live food can be offered a few times a week, but should be dusted with calcium powder to ensure that the dragon gets enough nutrients.
Bearded dragons are diurnal, so they are most active during the day. During the night, they like to sleep in their enclosure, so it is important to provide them with a hiding spot. All in all, bearded dragons are low-maintenance pets that are sure to bring lots of enjoyment!
