Green Keeled Lizard (Gastropholis prasina)
About this product
Green Keeled Lizard (Gastropholis prasina) — 158+ sold. In stock at Morphdirect.
The Green Keeled Lizard (Gastropholis prasina) is a slender, arboreal species from East Africa, known for its vibrant green coloration and distinctive keeled scales. This lizard is for intermediate to advanced keepers seeking an active, display-oriented reptile that thrives in a vertically-oriented, humid terrarium. Since arriving on our shelves in late 2024, it has become one of our most-reordered items, with customers frequently returning for a second.
Stand-Out Features
- Vibrant Display Animal: Maintains a bright green coloration with a sleek, elongated body perfect for an arboreal setup.
- Active & Observant: Known for its alert behavior and movement throughout the day, making it an engaging terrarium inhabitant.
- Specialized Arboreal Build: Long limbs and a prehensile tail are adapted for life in the trees and dense vegetation.
- Distinctive Keeled Scales: The raised, textured scales along its back give it a unique, rough appearance and its common name.
- Established Feeder: Readily accepts appropriately sized insects like crickets and dubia roaches.
Technical Data
| Scientific Name | Gastropholis prasina |
| Common Name | Green Keeled Lizard |
| Origin | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) |
| Adult Size | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) total length |
| Primary Habitat | Arboreal / Tropical Forest |
| Diet | Insectivorous |
| Weight (measured) | 2.5 oz |
| Recommended Experience Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
Your Questions Answered
What size enclosure does this lizard need?
A tall terrarium is essential. For an adult, a minimum of 18"x18"x24" is recommended, but larger is better. The setup should include plenty of vertical branches, cork tubes, and live or artificial foliage for climbing and hiding.
What are the key husbandry parameters?
Maintain a temperature gradient with a basking spot around 85-90°F and an ambient range of 75-80°F. Night temps can drop to the low 70s. Humidity should be kept between 60-80% with daily misting. Provide UVB lighting on a 12-hour cycle.
Is this species handleable?
This is primarily a display species. While some individuals may tolerate brief, careful handling, they are fast and can be skittish. They are best appreciated as observational animals within their enclosure.
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Specs at a glance
Key attributes
| Species | Live Animal |