green keel-bellied lizards (gastropholis prasina)

Green Keel-Bellied Lizards

Green keel-bellied lizards (Gastropholis prasina) are brilliant, fast-moving reptiles known for their emerald scales and energetic personalities. Native to East Africa, these arboreal lizards are ideal for experienced keepers looking for a dynamic display species. For captive-bred individuals and gear, visit onestopreptileshop.com.

What Makes Green Keel-Bellied Lizards Unique?

Green keel-bellied stand out with their vivid coloration, long slender tails, and constantly alert behavior. They are active during the day and thrive in naturalistic enclosures with vertical space.

Key traits include:

• Bright green body with a bluish tint

• Long, prehensile tail for climbing

• 10–15 inches full length

• Highly active and alert

• Lives 8–10 years with proper care

This green lizard isn’t just pretty—it’s packed with energy and curious instincts, making it a favorite for bioactive enclosures.

Enclosure Setup for Green Keel-Bellied Lizards

Housing green keel-lizards requires height and environmental complexity. These reptiles love to climb, bask, and explore all levels of their enclosure.

Care tips:

• Minimum size: 18″x18″x36″ or larger

• Temps: 78–85°F ambient, 90°F basking

• Humidity: 60–80%, mist daily

• UVB lighting: essential for calcium metabolism

• Substrate: cypress mulch, coconut fiber, or a soil blend

• Enrichment: branches, vines, cork tubes, and dense foliage

As Gastropholis prasina are quick and agile, a secure enclosure with tight-fitting doors is a must.

Feeding Green Keel-Bellied

A well-fed green keel- lizard will show off bright color and bold behavior. These insectivores benefit from a varied, nutrient-rich diet.

Ideal foods:

• Crickets, dubia roaches, and silkworms

• Hornworms and mealworms as occasional treats

• Supplement with calcium and multivitamins

• Feed 4–5 times a week

Like most arboreal lizards, they prefer chasing live prey and are visually stimulated by movement.

Conclusion

Green keel-lizards are beautiful, bold, and rewarding to keep when housed correctly. With the right enclosure and diet, these East African climbers will flourish in captivity.

Find healthy, captive-bred specimens at onestopreptileshop.com, your go-to destination for exotic reptiles and expert care.