Which would you prefer?

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Blue Crab of PAIN!!!!

Candiru
MFK Member
May 20, 2009
130
2
48
Buffalo NY
I'm interested in getting a pair of new lizards once the weather gets better. Right now I'm torn between two types: Two five-lined skinks (Eumeces fasciatus)
http://www.generalexotics.com/lizards-skinks-c-5_11/five-lined-skink-p-815
Or two eastern glass lizards (Ophisaurus ventralis)
http://www.generalexotics.com/lizards-other-lizards-c-5_16/eastern-glass-lizard-p-99

Right now the only cage I have immediately available is a 20 gallon. I have a blue land crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) in a 30 gallon but I plan on moving him to a 50 gallon at some point.

Also worth throwing out there: I plan on getting a pair of "rain frogs" (Breviceps adspersus) in the summer (That is when he said they'd be available)
http://www.generalexotics.com/frogs-other-frogs-c-1_4/african-burrowing-frog-adult-p-21
I point this out because if I use the 20 gallon for five-lined skinks then I'd probably end up needing another one for these frogs. On the other hand, if I got the legless lizards I'd need a new bigger tank (since the crab probably isn't going to be moving out any time soon).

I plan on buying from "Generalexotics.com" because, as far as I can tell, there have been no BAD reviews made about them that I could find. Almost ALL of the other online retailers that I came across (that have anywhere near this kind of variety) have a bit of smear associated with them.


Finally, here is my question. Which would you guys personally prefer? The legless lizards or five-lined skinks? I personally think that the legless lizards are more interested creatures, but I've also heard that they're not the most active or exciting of reptiles.

Oh yeah, and another question. Do any of you guys know any general care information? Do they prefer dry substrate or moist substrate? Do they need a UVB? Do they breed in captivity? etc.

In the future (at least a year from now) I plan on getting a baby red or Argentinian tegu and raising it into an adult. If I get very ambitious and lucky in the DISTANT future I may try to get my hands on a chinese alligator.
Thank you all for your help.
 
Oh yeah. I am of the opinion that all sentient creatures, including reptiles and amphibians, can become "bored" if left alone. That's why I want to buy them in pairs. Also, the possibility of breeding is also nice.
 
I know the skinks will breed if the conditions are right. I think the skinks would be the only thing that could live in a 20 gallon for life. They are also much easier to take care of.
 
I would personally go with the glass lizard, I just think they're cooler and more of a unique species.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Glass_Lizard

Looks like they are found in Florida and around those parts, so trying to recreate a relatively humid environment with a lightly moist substrate sounds like it would be best. I've seen a few forums talking people who have successfully bred them, although not sure it would be likely. You might be ok with keeping a pair in a 30 gallon for a little while, but it sounds like eventually they would need something larger, probably around a 50 gallon.

EDIT: Here's a care sheet -

http://www.repticzone.com/caresheets/891.html
 
Looks wise, I like the legless lizard. But if they are anything like some of the other species in the family... they are pretty secretive.
 
I have kept the five line skinks and I think they are the better option for you, specialy considering the few guys I know that have kept the american legless lizards have found them tricky and they defenetly need a bigger tank. Both species will bred in captivity but the skinks are much easier to bred. Remenbar that not all skinks combos will work and that 2 males will defenatly be better apart, so go for a copple or a trio. For habitat this guys require a semi moist wood land terraria, they also trive outdoors. Make shure you can provide a good variety of gut loaded bugs. They need a basking spot and uv ligth.
 
Blue Crab of PAIN!!!!;3885970; said:
Oh yeah. I am of the opinion that all sentient creatures, including reptiles and amphibians, can become "bored" if left alone. That's why I want to buy them in pairs. Also, the possibility of breeding is also nice.


That's an ok opinion to have, since it's your opinion...but you may want to make sure the reptiles you are interested in actually stay in groups or colonies. Nothing ruins your day like a male killing a female from trying to reproduce too much...:confused:
 
foto69man;3894724; said:
That's an ok opinion to have, since it's your opinion...but you may want to make sure the reptiles you are interested in actually stay in groups or colonies. Nothing ruins your day like a male killing a female from trying to reproduce too much...:confused:
It really depends on the species but most reps and amphibs really dont feal lonely, in many cases thats the way they most often are in the wild. Some will gladly ther each other apart...
 
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