Green keel-bellied lizard (Gastropholis prasina)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Green keel-bellied lizard (Gastropholis prasina) (origin: Coastal forests in Kenya and Tanzania). Adult size around 30–35 cm total length (about two thirds tail). Life expectancy 6–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Green keel-bellied lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×60×100 cm.
Green keel-bellied lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Green keel-bellied lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).
Green keel-bellied lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–10 years.
Green keel-bellied lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 32–35 °C
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×60×100 cm
- Substrate
- Coconut humus or forest soil, at least 5 cm deep, densely planted with climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Insects: crickets, roaches, locusts, flies; occasionally waxworms
- Feeding interval
- Juveniles daily, adults 2–3 times a week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 30–35 cm total length (about two thirds tail)
- Life expectancy
- 6–10 years
- Origin
- Coastal forests in Kenya and Tanzania
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest
- Cohabitation
- Pair or 1.2 — one male with one or two females. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured. Females get along in a sufficiently structured enclosure, but need several basking and hiding places at different heights.
Notes
Diurnal tree dweller: the enclosure must be set up taller than wide, densely planted and with plenty of climbing branches. The species is skittish and flees upwards — a visual barrier on three sides reduces stress. Raise humidity by misting in the morning and let it dry off during the day.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
- Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
- Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
- Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) – Expert
- Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) – Intermediate
- Sawtail lizard (Holaspis guentheri) – Intermediate
- Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus boskianus) – Intermediate
- Spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Green keel-bellied lizard (Gastropholis prasina) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×60×100 cm), substrate (Coconut humus or forest soil, at least 5 cm deep, densely planted with climbing branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastropholis_prasina, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gastropholis&species=prasina
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).