Reptile · Lacertid
Green keel-bellied lizard care guide
Gastropholis prasina
The green keel-bellied lizard is a advanced-level lacertid from Coastal Kenya, Tanzania. Adults reach 30–35 cm and live 6–10 years in captivity. Arboreal lacertid with a prehensile tail; tall planted build.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 90 cm
- Temp 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a green keel-bellied lizard cost in Canada?
Green keel-bellied lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 30–35 cm
- Lifespan
- 6–10 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Coastal Kenya, Tanzania
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, flies
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Green keel-bellied lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Required.
What does a green keel-bellied lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, flies. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Nervous; display animal.
Health watch: Parasites in imports and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a green keel-bellied lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 90 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Green keel-bellied lizard FAQ
Is the green keel-bellied lizard good for beginners?
The green keel-bellied lizard is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Nervous; display animal.
What size enclosure does a green keel-bellied lizard need?
At least 60 × 45 × 90 cm (about 24 × 18 × 35 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a green keel-bellied lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $200–500 CAD to buy, about $790–1380 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a green keel-bellied lizard need?
Temperature: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a green keel-bellied lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, flies. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.