Bearded dragons have become increasingly popular pets and for good reason. These lovable reptiles are known for their friendly personalities and unique appearance. however, it’s easy to forget that some can grow to incredible sizes.
So grab your popcorn and let’s dive into these amazing creatures.
The first of our top 4 is a record-breaking beauty named Gustave. This gentle giant was found roaming through the Australian Outback and measured an impressive 2 feet 6 inches long from head to tail. He might not sound all that big, but when compared to other beardies he towers above them like a miniature dinosaur!
Finally, rounding out our list at number 4 is Toby, another gigantic dragon discovered in Australia that measures 2 feet 1 inch long. While he may seem small compared to Gustave or some of the others on this list, his size still makes him stand out amongst most other bearded dragons.
All four of these massive creatures give us insight into what happens when nature creates something truly remarkable – living proof that anything is possible.
The German Giant Bearded Dragon
German giant bearded dragons are a type of reptile that stands out in many ways among its peers and is recognized as being one of the largest species in the world.
Some individuals of the German giant bearded dragon reach up to 24 inches in length from head to tail. Their coloration often varies between shades of browns and yellows or red stripes around their sides. They have a distinctively broad body shape along with large claws and thick skin that protects them from predators.
Their diet mainly consists of insects such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, wax worms, and super worms; they also enjoy fruit like mango and blueberries on occasion.
These reptiles require plenty of light and warmth provided through UVB lighting and basking spots to stay healthy and thrive in captivity.
With proper care, these lizards can live an average life span of 8-10 years but there have been some reports of individuals living even longer than that!
The Central Bearded Dragon
Now, let’s turn our attention to the Central bearded dragon. These lizards are some of the most popular pet reptiles in Australia and around the world.
They are known for their docile behavior and bright colors that make them stand out from other species.
It is one of the larger pet lizards you can find, measuring up to 18 inches long with a lifespan of 10-12 years in captivity. Their backs are colored yellow and orange, while they also possess stripes or spots.
Additionally, their heads have several spines which give them their name; “bearded.”
As far as care requirements go, these dragons require:
- A large enclosure with plenty of climbing space
- Plenty of UVB lighting & heat lamps
- Appropriate substrates such as sand or reptile carpeting
- A diet consisting primarily of insects supplemented with vegetables
In terms of temperament, Central bearded dragons tend to be quite friendly when handled regularly and gently – however, like any wild animal, handling should always be done cautiously until trust is established between owner and lizard!
All in all, this species makes for a great addition to any home looking for a unique companion pet!
The Eastern Bearded Dragon
Eastern bearded dragons, or Pogona barbata, are among the largest bearded dragon species in the world. They grow up to 24 inches long and weigh more than one pound! It can live in a wide range of climates, from deserts to tropical rainforests, making it even more impressive than its size.
It does this by adjusting its body temperature depending on where it lives; cooler temperatures induce hibernation while warmer climes stimulate activity.
Eastern bearded dragons have an interesting diet that consists mainly of small insects like beetles, crickets and grasshoppers as well as some fruits and vegetables. In captivity they will also eat mealworms and wax worms but should always be supplemented with vitamins and minerals.
This helps them stay healthy so they can grow strong enough to fend off predators who might try to make a meal out of these gentle giants!
Despite their large size, eastern bearded dragons are docile creatures that rarely bite when handled correctly.
If you do choose to keep one as a pet, make sure you provide lots of hiding places within their enclosure so they feel secure at all times.
With proper care, these magnificent lizards can live up to 10 years which makes them excellent companions if you want something unique in your home or garden.
Mitchell’s Bearded Dragon
Mitchell’s bearded dragons are large reptiles that can grow up to 24 inches in length, making them the largest lizard in Australia, and possibly even in the world. Aside from its interesting coloration with shades of brown or white along its back and head, it also sports small spikes on its spine.
Unlike many other lizard species, these creatures are actually quite docile and easy to handle when kept as pets.
They have quite a calm demeanor for their size and don’t mind being handled by people if they’re used to it. As such, they make great companions for those looking for larger reptilian friends.
Additionally, since they’re so big, they require more space than smaller lizards do; however, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing because bigger habitats mean more opportunities for enrichment activities like climbing structures or naturalistic plants.
Mitchell’s bearded dragons prefer warm climates but aren’t too particular about humidity levels as long as it doesn’t get too low. They love basking under heat lamps during the day and tend to be active at night when temperatures drop slightly cooler.
In terms of diet, they should eat plenty of insects supplemented with vegetables every few days to ensure proper nutrition.
Conclusion
The last of the four largest bearded dragons in the world is Mitchell’s beard dragon. This little lizard has been around since 1942 and was named after the herpetologist who discovered it, George R. W. Mitchell.
Mitchell’s bearded dragon comes from Australia and New Zealand where they tend to live in dry forests and scrublands as well as rocky grassland habitats.
These amazing creatures may be small but their personalities are anything but!
With a bit of patience and understanding, these gentle giants can provide hours of pleasure for their owners through interactions such as socializing or playing games like hide-and-seek.
