How to Care for a Neon Blue Tail Lizard

Neon blue-tail lizards (Holaspis guentheri) can be appealing with their bright colors and ability to glide. Because they only reach about 3 to 5 inches in length, you can house them in medium-sized tanks, although they do need space and things to explore and climb on. The larger the tank, the more the lizard can exhibit natural behavior. As they are native to African forests, they need a habitat that mimics their natural environment, especially with regards to temperature and humidity. Otherwise, their care needs are straightforward.

Things You'll Need

  • 25-gallon or larger tall tank with basking light
  • Substrate
  • Heat mat
  • Branches and rocks
  • Hygrometer and thermometers
  • Plant mister
  • Small live invertebrates
  • Reptile vitamin and calcium supplement
  • Reptile-safe disinfectant
  • Cleaning cloths
  • Paper towels
  • Spare tank or pet carrier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Acquire a tank large enough for your lizards. 25 gallons is the minimum, but the larger the better. Because this is a forest-dwelling species, vertical height is more important than floor space. A tall tank for lizards is more suitable than a fish tank.

    • 2

      Position the tank out of direct sunlight. Lay a reptile heat mat under one end of the tank to use in conjunction with the basking light.

    • 3

      Add a layer of reptile substrate, reptile carpet or paper towels. Position tall branches and any other decorations, such as rocks or plants, and add a water dish.

    • 4

      Monitor the temperature and the humidity, adjusting the heat mat thermostat or misting the tank as required. The temperature should be about 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit overall and 90 degrees in the basking area. Maintain a humidity of about 60 to 80 percent. Drop the overall temperature by 5 to 10 degrees at night.

    • 5

      Introduce the lizards. Take care handling them and never hold or catch by the tails, which can break off.

    • 6

      Provide water in the dish but also mist the tank twice a day. Some neon blue tails won't drink from a dish. Misting the tank also maintains the appropriate humidity.

    • 7

      Feed the lizards small insects such as crickets, meal-worms and flies. Feed every couple of days and judge how much to feed by how much the lizards eat. If insects remain in the tank after 24 hours, feed fewer the next time. Dust the food with a calcium and vitamin supplement for reptiles twice a week as per the instructions.

    • 8

      Clean the cage completely once a week. Transfer the lizards to another tank or pet carrier. Dispose of the substrate, wipe the tank down with a reptile-safe disinfectant, rinse it thoroughly and dry with paper towels before replacing the substrate, the decorations and the lizards.