Introduction
These common beginner lizards are great for anyone first starting out with reptiles. However these are not a reptile that likes being handled so they are not recommended for households with younger children. They are small and don’t take up much space and they are easy to find, being at almost any pet store that carries reptiles.
Size and Longevity
Males are larger than the females, averaging at 8 inches long. The females can get up to 6 inches long. Green Anoles live for 5-8 years with proper care.
Temperature
Green Anoles need a hot spot of 90-93 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be achieved with a ceramic heat emitter or a basking bulb. The cool area should be at room temperature (60-75 degrees Fahrenheit).
Tank
Anoles are arboreal so a taller tank is better for them. A 10 gallon tank is suitable for a male-female pair or two females (never keep two males together). A 12x12x18 tank is also suitable. Add 5 gallons per anole if you wish to add more.
*NOTE* If you keep a male-female pair together, they will breed, so if you are not ready to take on the difficult task of raising baby anoles, I would recommend getting a male or only females.
Substrate
The substrate you choose for your Green Anole should be one that holds humidity well, such as, eco earth, reptisoil, or organic topsoil. You can also make a vivarium for them. Use a drainage layer, like Hydroballs, then a substrate barrier, and then some ABG soil mix. You can add moss and leaf litter to the tank as well. Once the substrate is set up, you will need to add a clean up crew (CUC) in the tank to help keep it clean, such as isopods or springtails. Afterwards, you can add your plants which can be live or fake.
Water & Humidity
A small bowl filled with fresh, clean water should be provided for them but they will mostly drink the water off the tank decor and walls when you spray the tank. Humidity should be at 60-80% which can be achieved by hand misting the tank twice a day. Live plants will help with the humidity as well.
Food
Green Anoles are insectivorous so crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms should be fed. Mealworms should be fed in moderation as the exoskeletons are difficult for anoles to digest. Waxworms and small hornworms can be given as treats. Green Anoles have also been recorded eating Pangea (fruit mix) and baby feeder guppies. Make sure to dust the food with calcium D3 (unless you use a UVB striplight), calcium without D3, and vitamin supplements.
Lights
A basking light or ceramic heat emitter is necessary but UVB lighting is not necessary. However, Green Anoles do benefit from UVB lighting and it is recommended to use a 10.0 UVB striplight.