Reptile Encyclopedia — Popular Species & Care Guide

Reptiles are growing in popularity as pets with unique charm. Here are the most popular species among keepers.

Leopard Gecko

• Features: Beautiful yellow and black leopard print. A gecko with numerous morphs (varieties)
• Difficulty: Low (the ideal beginner reptile)
• Equipment needed: 30-45cm enclosure, hide, under-tank heater
• Temperament: Gentle and easily tamed. Handleable
• Diet: Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms

Bearded Dragon

• Features: Distinctive throat-darkening "beard." A lizard you can hold and enjoy
• Difficulty: Medium (requires UV lamp)
• Equipment needed: 90-120cm enclosure, UV lamp, basking lamp
• Temperament: Gentle and easily tamed. Among the easiest reptiles to keep
• Diet: Vegetables, fruit, crickets—omnivorous

Ball Python

• Features: Named for its curling habit. Extremely diverse color morphs
• Difficulty: Low to medium
• Equipment needed: 60-90cm enclosure, heating equipment, hide, water dish
• Temperament: Docile and gentle. The most beginner-friendly snake
• Diet: Frozen mice/rats about once weekly

Corn Snake

• Features: Beautiful North American snake. Extensive morphs through selective breeding
• Difficulty: Low (the ideal beginner snake)
• Equipment needed: 60cm+ enclosure, heating equipment, hide
• Temperament: Gentle and easy to handle
• Diet: Frozen mice 1-2 times weekly

Crested Gecko

• Features: Distinctive eyelash-like crests. Adorable wall-climbing gecko
• Difficulty: Low (relatively easy temperature management)
• Equipment needed: Tall enclosure, misting, driftwood and plants
• Temperament: Somewhat shy but handleable once acclimated
• Diet: Crested gecko diet (CGD). Crickets as supplement

Hermann's Tortoise

• Features: European small tortoise. May live 50+ years
• Difficulty: Medium (requires UV lamp and heating)
• Equipment needed: 90-120cm enclosure, UV lamp, basking lamp
• Temperament: Easygoing and people-friendly
• Diet: Komatsuna, dandelion, bok choy, and other greens

Veiled Chameleon

• Features: Color-changing ability and long tongue for catching insects
• Difficulty: High (needs well-ventilated enclosure and drip-water system)
• Equipment needed: Tall mesh enclosure, UV lamp, drip watering system
• Temperament: Stress-sensitive. Minimize handling

Benefits of Purchasing on Bri-Choku

On Bri-Choku, you can purchase directly from reptile breeders.

• CB individuals: Domestic captive-bred specimens adapt better and are healthier
• Rare morphs: Find uncommon color morphs unavailable in shops
• History and condition confirmed: Get individual information directly from breeders
• Expert consultation: Discuss care and equipment while purchasing