The Top “Micro” Reptiles and Amphibians to Keep as Pets!

One reason, or aspect of maintaining many species of reptiles and amphibians which make them such popular pets, among the fastest growing and most rapidly developing within the pet industry to be more precise, are their relatively small and manageable sizes, at least relative to more traditionally kept pets such as cats and dogs.  But what if we told you there were groups, genera, or even species of reptiles and amphibians which remain even smaller than the “average” pet reptile or amphibian!? Well, as a matter of fact, there are, and they can sometimes be considered the “mini” or “micro” reptiles and amphibians in their size! We’ve previously covered the top “large” reptiles to keep as pets in another article, but what if we looked at the very opposite end of the size spectrum, and examined some of the species available which are the tiniest, and which can be just as fascinating as so many of their larger counterparts! Although different species can have different ranges of sizes depending on the taxa, or groups of species, these so-called “micro” species can still nonetheless be quite diverse and fascinating groups of animals, particularly when it might come to our fascination with “all things miniature” in general, and our ability to more completely replicate entire mini-systems with these groups of particular animals! Even the smallest species, while they may often go unnoticed and undetected, can still capture the interest and attention in some other ways of people, cultures, communities, and even religions worldwide, both in positive and negative ways that few other animals can, which are all factors which make these animals especially of interest!

There can be many different species of “miniature” reptiles and amphibians, and when this includes herpetoculture, or keeping them in captivity, there are perhaps just as many different choices or options which are available, or at least when it comes to the potential of which of these animals can truly make for “good” pets. As with any and all groups of animals we’ve covered in our other lists, there can be several different advantages and disadvantages to keeping these “micro” species as pets, and also just as with anything, these animals might not be for everyone. And as always, it is preferable to locate a reputable and reliable captive-bred source for any of these animals on this list, whenever possible.

Many of these tiny animals can be very fragile and delicate, and are typically not good candidates for frequent or prolonged handling. Many require more specific or precise micro-climates or micro-habitats and setups in order to thrive as well, and can sometimes be less hardy or less versatile. Many may also require very small food items which may be difficult to locate or be not readily available, and many also can become easily lost or escape due to their small sizes. Each species has their own unique challenges and care requirements. However, for anyone who may find that even the “average” pet reptile or amphibian is too large for their liking, just not their cups of tea, or would like to explore another step in the pet and herpetocultural hobbies by attempting to even better replicate an entire “mini” ecosystem all from within their living room or bedroom, here are the top best choices for the top, or most suitable tiny, or “micro” species of reptiles and amphibians to keep as pets!

*Photo Credit: PetGude.com

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)
(*Note that there are not really any smaller, “micro”, or “miniature” species of turtles or tortoises which remain at hatchling or quarter size. Any claims to the contrary are gimmicks!)

*Photo Credit: Frog Blog Manchester

Pygmy Leaf Chameleons (Rhampholeon spp.)

*Photo Credit: Matthijs Kuijpers / Alamy Stock Photo

“Micro” Geckos* Many Different Genera Available (Paroedura, Phelsuma, Hemidactylus, Lygodactylus, Sphaerodactylus, and Gonatodes)

*DeKay’s Brownsnake, Photo Credit: Virginia Herpetological Society.
*Ringneck Snake, Photo Credit: California Herps.com/G. Nafias.

*Photo Credit: TFH Magazine

African Dwarf Frogs (Hymenochirus spp.)

*Mantella, Photo Credit: *Tundra Exotics and Josh’s Frogs.

Dart Frogs (Dendrobatidae) and Mantella Frogs (Mantellinae)