How to Care for Neon Green Tree Lizards

Neon green tree lizard is a term most likely to refer to the Chinese tree dragon (Japalura splendida), a diminutive but striking lizard widely available in the pet trade. As with most exotic pets, these lizards have specific needs and it is essential to provide an appropriate habitat. Chinese tree dragons are relatively demanding and not a reptile for beginners. Experienced hobbyists should enjoy these unusual and colorful lizards.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon or larger tank with UVB light
  • Substrate
  • Plants
  • Branches
  • Cork bark
  • Water bowl
  • Basking lamps
  • Thermometer
  • Plant mister
  • Hygrometer
  • Crickets
  • Calcium and vitamin supplement
  • Plastic box or second tank
  • Cleaning cloths
  • Reptile-safe disinfectant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay a few inches of a reptile-safe substrate, such as chemical-free potting compost or coca humus, in the tank. Add live or plastic plants, branches and a large piece of cork bark to enrich the environment and provide hiding places. Include a water bowl and install a basking lamp. All the supplies you need are available from specialist reptile stores or online.

    • 2

      Mist the tank until the substrate is slightly damp and you achieve a humidity of approximately 70 to 90 percent. Chinese tree dragons are rainforest animals and need a humid environment. A well-ventilated tank helps prevent the humidity leading to mold or infections.

    • 3

      Monitor the temperature, which should be 90 to 95 degrees under the basking lamp and at least 70 degrees elsewhere in the tank at night, rising to 80 to 85 degrees during the day.

    • 4

      Introduce the lizards. Each Chinese tree dragon needs at least 10 gallons of tank space, preferably more. This species does not tolerate overcrowding. A 20-gallon tank is just big enough for a pair.

    • 5

      Switch the light on for 10 to 14 hours a day. Light is essential not just to support plant growth but also to prevent the lizards from developing deficiencies.

    • 6

      Dust live food of a suitable size, such as crickets and mealworms, with a calcium and vitamin supplement for reptiles before feeding.

    • 7

      Remove feces, replace the water and mist the tank daily.

    • 8

      Clean the tank completely every few weeks. Place the lizards in another tank or a plastic box with plenty of air holes. Remove the accessories and plants, dispose of the substrate, wipe the tank with hot water, dry the tank, add fresh substrate and replace the accessories, plants and lizards. A reptile-safe disinfectant can be used occasionally, but rinse the tank thoroughly afterwards.