next acquisition Gila or Caiman lizard?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Gila Monster or Caiman lizard

  • Gila Monster

    Votes: 21 55.3%
  • Caiman lizard

    Votes: 17 44.7%

  • Total voters
    38
caiman lizards seem to be the only true aquatic lizards. iguanas/waterdragons/sailfins just run in when scared but the caimains are like minauture crocodilians at home in water and land
 
Thats a tuff one... I like both desert lizard species and aquatic lizards... But at the moment I'm definately feeling the caimen lizards right now. Red heads, green bodies, aquatic! Total awesomeness! But maintence wise a pain I think (I wouldn't use filters, just a stand pipe when housing those) Gila's are cool, colorful as well, and cleaning wise should be a breeze... It's up to you I guess, gila stay small compared to caimen lizards...

I'd say get both.
 
syddakyd;4157011; said:
caiman lizards seem to be the only true aquatic lizards. iguanas/waterdragons/sailfins just run in when scared but the caimains are like minauture crocodilians at home in water and land
Actually most if not all saifin dragons and water dragons like to soak at least a few minutes every day, and you would even see them diving if they have the space for it, the prob is that they indeed spend litle time in the water every day, a water basin that size takes up allot of space, its a pain to clean and there is allways safety conserns (they drown easily if for some reason the water temp drops wille they are in there).
Now gila or caiman...tuff one, I say if you can handle taking care of vipers gilas may just be your thing, actually I would rater having a gazilion gilas then having to deal with vipers. Gilas are MUCH easier to take care of then caimans, non especialized diet, low heat needs (so low electric bill) and no huge water basin to clean, go with the gila.
 
My gut reaction is the Caiman Lizard, although the two have such different housing requirements I would probably go with the one you can better provide for now.

My thoughts on the Caiman Lizard are somewhat biased since I really like them but have never kept them (I have kept Gilas). Gilas are commonly captive bred and will likely be available and cheaper and cheaper prices in years go come. The Dracaena as I understand it are just becoming somewhat commonly available as farmed babies/juveniles. While that should last I still feel now is a good time to jump on them as nobody really knows about how long these farmed babies will remain available. I say get them now while you know you can.
 
I voted for gila monster, but I think the biggest question is going to be what's going to be the easiest for you to deal with the housing requirements. From what I've read, gilas are relatively placid animals so require a very small amount of space considering their size. On the opposite side of the spectrum, a caiman lizard would require an enclosure about the size of a large walk-in closet. I think especially if you're not planning on staying where you're currently living at for many years, go with the gila whose enclosure will be much easier to transfer to a new home, and wait to get the caiman lizard until you're in a more permanent housing situation.

EDIT: And where the hell can you get your hands on a gila for $500? All the ones I've seen are in the 1700-2000 range...
 
rudukai13;4158222; said:
I voted for gila monster, but I think the biggest question is going to be what's going to be the easiest for you to deal with the housing requirements. From what I've read, gilas are relatively placid animals so require a very small amount of space considering their size. On the opposite side of the spectrum, a caiman lizard would require an enclosure about the size of a large walk-in closet. I think especially if you're not planning on staying where you're currently living at for many years, go with the gila whose enclosure will be much easier to transfer to a new home, and wait to get the caiman lizard until you're in a more permanent housing situation.

EDIT: And where the hell can you get your hands on a gila for $500? All the ones I've seen are in the 1700-2000 range...

I can set up both just as easily as the other. The caiman enclosure would cot a bit more to set up but it may be worth it since I would make a very nice paludarium. I think that I am going to go with the Gila though since I have a good connection right now and I am predicting Caiman lizards to fall in price over the next few years...
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com