Deciding between Bearded dragon and Iguana is a tough decision. Therefore, in this post you will be able to take a closer look at what makes each species unique and desirable, as well as the pros and cons.

Bearded Dragon

• Average length: 16 to 24 inches
• Lifespan: 7 to 12 years
• Diet: omnivore
• Grooming Needs: moderate
• Suitable for kids: yes

Bearded Dragons Overview

Bearded dragons are prehistoric-looking reptiles native to Western Australia in the arid woodlands and shore areas.

They usually grow to about two feet, and they can puff out the underside of their throats when in danger.

The beard is also used to attract mates during the mating season. Bearded dragons have spiny scales that are not sharp and a flattened body.

They also come in various colors ranging from olive green to yellow, tan, and red.

Most Popular Types of Bearded Dragon Morphs

There are around 14 bearded dragon morphs with varying skin tones and beard sizes.

These morphs arise when two individuals of the same species but which different traits are selectively bred to increase the specific traits.

Rare bearded dragons with unique color patterns end up costing more than the classic beardies in pet shops.

Classic Bearded dragon Morph

The wild type of bearded dragons found in the wild is also known as classic or standard morphs. They have brown, yellow, or tan colors that camouflage them in sandy deserts. 

They have a broad triangular head with spikes along the spine and flanks. Some classic morphs also have dark stripes that resemble the coat of tigers and patterns of yellow, orange, and red colors.

Hypomelanistic

Hypomelanistic bearded dragons have lighter skin color and clear nails due to the production of little melanin. 

These morphs are often born with the right colors, but they grow paler over time. The mutation can also affect other bearded dragon morphs creating pastels such as blood hypo orange, yellow hypo, and hypo snow.

Leatherback

Leatherback morphs have vivid colors on the back without the usual spikes and scales. This makes their backs smoother although some do have little protrusions of scales and spikes, they don’t form a complete ridge.

Leatherback beardies are rare, making them quite expensive, and most sought-after varieties include the leatherback dunner and hypo translucent leatherback.

Microscale

Microscale morphs have few spikes on the flanks and beards that are also smaller than classic morphs. 

Silk back

Silk back bearded dragon morphs have scaleless backs with soft skins. They have vibrant colors, and they require more UVB lighting and misting due to the lack of spikes or scales.

The lack of protection makes them especially vulnerable to injuries when they engage in aggression.

Translucent Morphs

Translucent beardie morphs have semi-transparent scales and skin, which leaves the inner organs and surrounding membrane to be seen in a bluish hue.

When they are younger, they have dark eyes that turn yellowish as they mature. Some translucent morphs retain their blush tinge into maturity and end up with blue, purple, or violet hues making them more rare and expensive.

Dunner Morphs

Dunner morphs have discontinuous vertical markings instead of the standard stripes along the back. You can quickly identify them with the broader rails and more giant feet.

Their scales motley point sideways, and the spikes have a similar pattern on the beard. Young dunner morphs store their food in their throats before swallowing, and they will often segregate it, but they tend to outgrow this peculiar trait. 

Common varieties include the citrus hypo dunner, hypo translucent leatherback dunner, and hypo translucent dunner.

German Giant

German giant morphs can grow up to 30 inches long and tend to be more aggressive. Their skin is either tan or brown in color, and you will need a large tank to house one of these (more than 120 gallons).

Witblits

Witblit is a leucistic beardie morph with muted colors and no marking or patterns on their skins. They often appear grayish with muted orange or brown colors.

Paradox

Paradox morphs are rare and are easily identified by their solid off-white or gray base color with random patches and patterns often in a different color.

As they mature, the patches develop paradox shifts and end up looking like paint splashes.

Characteristics of Bearded Dragons

Personality and Character

During the day, bearded dragons tend to be active, inquisitive, and gentle to handle, making them popular pet reptiles.

Bearded dragons have social hierarchies, and they get incredibly territorial with aggression when kept together.

Males will often fight until an alpha assumes dominance, and the rest show submissiveness.

Breeding

bearded dragons have a short courtship ritual during which the male bobs his head and inflates his beard while stomping his feet.

When the female submits, he will bite her neck to assume the mating position. She can lay up to two clutches of ten to thirty eggs and store sperm in the oviduct.

The environment’s temperature determines the offspring’s sex, with high temperatures producing more males than females.

Habitat

A fully grown bearded dragon requires a 120-gallon tank and plenty of climbing branches to mimic its natural habitat in the wild. You should also provide a UVB light and heating for the basking area.

Suitability

Bearded dragons are suitable for beginners and children due to their docile nature. They are also easy to raise and maintain with minimal daily activity.

Bearded dragons also have a long lifespan and very few health complications.

How Dangerous Are They?

Bearded dragons have a docile nature, and it’s rare to get scratched or bitten by them.

Avoid keeping multiple bearded dragons in the same cage, as they will quickly get territorial and aggressive to each other and even you.

When scared, bearded dragons will choose to run away instead of attacking.

Pros of Having a Bearded Dragon as a Pet

1. Bearded dragons are some of the most docile pet reptiles, and they are pretty friendly to strangers.
2. They rarely bite, making them great pets for beginners and children as they tolerate regular handling.
3. Bearded dragons prefer to live alone, so you will not need to get them a companion.
4. They are of the ideal size for handling as they don’t weigh too much or are too small to require delicate handling.
5. Bearded dragons only produce a quiet hissing noise; otherwise, they remain silent.
6. They have a long lifespan, and with a proper diet, they will easily live for up to 15years.
7. They have fun and unique personalities.

Cons of Having a Bearded Dragon As a Pet

1. Young bearded dragons eat up to four times every day, and they require lots of tiny live bugs to feed on.
2. Bearded dragons require specific heating and lighting installations in order to survive indoors.
3. They Require daily feeding and cleaning the cage as they poop frequently, and it stinks.

Iguanas Overview

• Average length: 4 to 5 feet
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
• Diet: herbivore
• Grooming Needs: moderate
• Suitable for kids: No

Iguanas are native to South America, and several species are considered friendly pets, such as the green iguana.

They can grow up to four feet in length and weigh over 20 pounds when fed on a suitable diet of fresh leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Iguanas tend to live for long and grow over time, making it hard to handle them when they become aggressive.

Most Popular Types of Iguana Morphs

Green Iguana Morphs

Green iguana morphs are some of the most common iguana pets. When fully mature, they are around five to seven feet long.

These morphs require high humidity and temperature levels in a big cage to simulate their wild habitat.

Classic iguana morphs have very bright green skins that turn grayish and orange as they age.

Chuckwalla Morphs

Chuckwalla morphs are native to Mexico and parts of the Southwestern US, where they live on rocky islands.

These herbivores can grow to 15 inches long, thus requiring a big cage. They eat a variety of greens, fruits, and vegetables. Keep in mind that this morph is hard to tame.

Red Iguana Morphs

Red iguana morphs have a reddish hue on their tails, heads, and most of the body except the belly, which is often greenish. Some varieties can have orange to rusty brown colors.

Desert Morphs

Desert morphs are native to the sandy deserts of America and are known for their high speed.

Their peculiar style of standing on hind legs and darting off at full speed comes in handy when hunting or evading prey out in the wild.

Depending on the weather, their sin will appear whitish to reflect sunlight and keep them cooler and turn grayish during the night.

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman morphs have gray skins that can change color to a vibrant blue and are pretty rare.

They have a long lifespan, and some have lived for up to 68 years. Grand Caymans are also an endangered species.

Characteristics of Iguanas

Personality and Character

Iguanas, especially the green iguana species, have bright colors and a calm disposition that make them great pets. Iguanas tend to run and hide when threatened.

When it can’t run or whim away, it will puff up its neck and history and scare predators. It will also whip its tail and attack with its sharp claws.

Breeding

Female iguanas lay seventy eggs in a single clutch every year during the nesting season. She will often project the nest until she lays the eggs and immediately leaves.

Depending on the incubation temperature, the eggs hatch after ten to fifteen weeks. Male iguanas are the only reptiles that will put themselves in danger to protect the females.

Habitat

Iguanas need a large habitat with at least 100 gallons volume with plenty of climbing sources and wood to recreate their natural habitat.

A heated basking area should also be installed. Due to their large appetite for leaves, they often make a mess, and you should be cleaned daily, and you should mist the iguana every day.

Suitability

Iguanas are great pets for experienced pet owners who can maintain an adequate habitat and the knowledge to handle the reptiles.

Iguanas are not recommendable for beginners and kids as they can be slightly dangerous if mishandled.

How Dangerous Are They?

Iguanas will often respond defensively or offensively in various situations. They can scratch and bite deeply, making them dangerous to handle when they are feeling threatened.

Having a pet iguana requires skills to handle them when they are agitated. 

Pros of Having An Iguana As a Pet?

1. Iguanas have a large body with beautiful spikes and unique tails.
2. They are smart pets that can recognize their owners.
3. They feed on a strict herbivore diet.
4. they are easy to potty train
5. Iguanas don’t need much attention and are relatively easy to maintain.
6. Iguanas have daily routines and exciting personalities.

Cons of Having An Iguana As a Pet?

1. They take a long time to tame and bond with.
2. They require UVB lamps that will have to be replaced after every six months.
3. They can get quite aggressive and even injure you when aggravated.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Bearded Dragon vs Iguana

Diet

Bearded dragons are primarily omnivores, while iguanas are strict vegetarians.

You can get feeder insects for your bearded dragon and a mix of greens. Iguanas prefer vegetables, leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Heating Requirements

Bearded dragons are basking lizards meaning that they need to bask under a heat source similar to the sun to gain their heat.

The heat is required for digesting food and maintaining the immune system.

Keep a bearded dragon’s cage at around 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. You will also have to provide an under-tank heating pad during winter.

When exposed to low temperatures, iguanas cannot fully digest their meals or absorb essential nutrients.

Without heat, they will become weak and lethargic with compromised immune systems. An iguana’s basking spot should ideally range between 96 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The background temperature in the iguana’s cage during the day should be 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit but cooler at night at around 70 to 75 degrees F.

Lighting Requirements

Iguanas need an average of 12 hours of light every day to maintain their circadian rhythm.

Lighting is critical as they require UV light to synthesize vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption.

When your pet iguana fails to get enough sunlight and consequently calcium, they have a compromised immune system and weak bones.

If you live near the equator, your best bet is to build an outdoor cage for your iguana so that way they can enjoy the sunshine all year round.

Conversely, if you live in a cold environment with shorter days and not enough sunlight, you will need artificial lighting. Make sure that the bulb emits UVA and UVB light spectrum.

Bearded dragons require a UVB tube lamp in their enclosure and a basking halogen lamp to heat the basking area.

Ideally, the light should stay on for 1 to 14 hours daily during summer and 8 hours during winter.

Avoid covering the bulb with any plastic or glass cover as it will block the UV rays. Remember to replace the bulbs after six months.

Humidity Requirements

Bearded dragons are naturally adapted to live in low humidity conditions, so you should maintain the humidity around 25 to 40%.

You can purchase a humidity gauge to help you accurately keep track of the moisture.

Iguanas need to live in a habitat that closely mimics their natural environment in the rain forests.

Set the humidity level to between 70% and 80%. You can also supplement the humidity levels by spraying or misting the cage. This will also help during skin shedding.

Suitability for beginners and kids

Bearded dragons are suitable for beginners and kids as they have a mellow attitude and rarely scratch or bite. They are great companions and require minimal maintenance.

Iguanas are not suitable for beginners and kids due to their unpredictable nature. They tend to become quite aggressive during the breeding season, and they have sharp teeth and claws that can easily cause injuries.

Brumation

Iguanas do not brumate, unlike bearded dragons that tend to brumate during the 2 to 3 months of winter.

However, not all bearded dragon species brumate. When they do, they will take extended naps while remaining inactive.

Price

Both bearded dragons and iguanas cost around the same amount, but they will require extra cash to buy the necessary cages and tank setups.

Some species tend to cost more than others, depending on how rare they are.

Adaptability

Bearded dragons are adaptable and experience low amounts of stress after changes to their environment.

This higher level of tolerance makes them easy to tame when done correctly, and they end up becoming mellow and tolerate handling.

Iguanas hate change and tend to react badly to changes in their environment, feeding, pooping, and sleeping schedules. They can even respond to specific colors and become aggressive.

Personality

Bearded dragons have mellow personalities and tend to enjoy interactions with humans. They also move around less, and they can sit idle for a long time just enjoying the company.

Iguanas have bolder characters, and they often have dominant personalities whereby they can become dominant and temperamental or laid back.

These changes tend to flare up during the mating season. Binding and taming the iguana will shape their character, making them likable.

Ease of daily care

Bearded dragons are easy to take care of, and their daily clean-up routine involves removing uneaten food and poop from the cage.

You should also wash the water and food dishes and bathe the bearded dragon at least once a week.

If you have feeder insects for your pet beardie, you will need to take care of them and gut load them around 24 hours before feeding them to your bearded dragon.

Iguanas love regular routines that occur around the same time every day. This includes eating, sleeping, and even pooping.

This makes it much easier to potty train your iguana and establish a straightforward routine for both of you.

The daily clean-up tasks involve removing poop from the cage draining soiled water. Remember to mist the iguana at least twice every day and bathe it daily.

Cleanliness

Bearded dragons tend to poop on random spots, and you will have to pick up the poop daily before things get messy.

Iguanas tend to poop on the same spot every day, making them easier to potty train as they mostly poop in the water. However, you will need to drain the water and wash the tub every day.

Which Is the Best Pet Between Bearded Dragon and an Iguana?

When choosing between a bearded dragon or an iguana for a pet, you must consider your experience and living situation.

On the one hand, a bearded dragon is docile, but they are also hard to maintain and feed, while on the other hand, iguanas are easy to feed and maintain, but they can be hostile.

If you have children around, you should opt for a bearded dragon, but you should definitely go for it if you have the skills and courage to tame an iguana.

Cost-wise it will be cheaper to buy and maintain an iguana. Although bearded dragons aren’t that much more expensive, it’s just that you will have to account for the additional cost of procuring and maintaining feeder insects.

Both iguanas and bearded dragons will require large tanks and custom cages with UVB lamps and heating.

Wrap Up

Bearded dragons and iguanas are some of the most common reptile pets. Iguanas require experienced keepers, while bearded dragons are great for beginners.

Iguanas and bearded dragons are easy to take care of. They have very few health complications allowing them to live with your family for years with relatively low maintenance costs.