When it comes to choosing the perfect reptile pet for your home, two of the most popular options are Uromastyx and Bearded Dragons. Uromastyx are lizards native to North Africa and the Middle East, while Bearded Dragons are native to Australia. Both species are highly sought after for their bright colors, intelligence, and unique personalities.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at both species, comparing and contrasting them in terms of size, diet, and other factors. We will also provide advice for potential owners on which species might be the best fit for their household.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the pros and cons of each species, helping you decide which pet is the right choice for you and your family.
What Are the Similarities Between Uromastyx and Bearded Dragon?
Both Uromastyx and Bearded Dragon are medium-sized lizards, typically measuring between 8 and 24 inches. Both species also have an omnivorous diet, consisting of vegetables, insects, and small rodents. Lastly, both species have a relatively docile temperament, making them popular pet choices.
Size
Having discussed the similarities between Uromastyx and Bearded Dragon in terms of their eating habits, let’s now take a look at the differences in their size. Uromastyx lizards are generally larger than Bearded Dragons, reaching lengths of up to 2 feet in some cases.
Uromastyx lizards tend to be much heftier than their Bearded Dragon counterparts, with some species weighing up to 2 pounds. In comparison, Bearded Dragons are smaller and slimmer, with the average length of adults ranging from 12 to 18 inches and an average weight of 300 to 350 grams.
Eating Habits
Moving on from their size, another similarity between Uromastyx and Bearded Dragons is their eating habits. Both species are herbivores, meaning they primarily feed on plant material. This includes a variety of vegetables, such as leafy greens, squash, and bell peppers, as well as some fruits, such as apples or melons.
Uromastyx and Bearded Dragons should also be offered calcium-rich foods, such as collard greens, mustard greens, and kale, as well as other high-fiber foods, such as sweet potatoes and carrots, on a weekly basis.
Temperament
A comparison between uromastyx and Bearded Dragons extends beyond size and eating habits, as their temperaments are quite distinct as well. Uromastyx is typically solitary animals, often content on their own and rarely interacting with other reptiles.
In contrast, Bearded Dragons enjoy human interaction and can be quite peaceful when handled. When feeling threatened, a Bearded Dragon will puff out the spines on their throat and arch their back in an effort to intimidate predators, while uromastyx will remain passive.
Uromastyx are known to be docile, while Bearded Dragons are known to be personable.
What Are the Differences Between Uromastyx and Bearded Dragon?
In terms of size, the Uromastyx is significantly larger than the Bearded Dragon and can grow up to 24 inches long. Additionally, the Uromastyx has a more aggressive temperament than the Bearded Dragon, and its diet consists mostly of plant food, while the Bearded Dragon’s diet is more omnivorous.
Size
Having discussed the similarities between Uromastyx and Bearded Dragon, let’s now explore the differences between the two reptiles. To start, let’s consider size; Uromastyx is significantly larger than Bearded Dragons. Uromastyx can grow up to two feet in length, while Bearded Dragons typically top out at around 16 inches.
Uromastyx also tends to be heavier than Bearded Dragons, weighing up to two pounds. Additionally, Uromastyx generally has longer tails than Bearded Dragons. All of these size discrepancies mean Uromastyx requires larger enclosures, with more space to roam and explore.
Temperament
Although uromastyx and Bearded Dragons have some similarities in temperament, there are also notable differences. Uromastyx tends to be more aggressive than their bearded dragon counterparts and are more likely to bite.
They can be skittish and defensive when threatened and may become aggressive when handled. On the other hand, bearded dragons are generally relaxed and docile, and can typically be handled without any aggression. They rarely bite and are known for having a good temper.
Diet
Now, let’s turn to the differences between uromastyx and Bearded Dragon, specifically focusing on their diets. Uromastyx are strictly herbivorous, meaning they only eat plant-based foods. Their regular diet consists of dark, leafy greens, vegetables, and the occasional fruit.
Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, tend to be omnivorous, meaning they have a balanced diet of both vegetation and protein. This could be insects, fish, and even small rodents. Therefore, when it comes to diet, these two species differ greatly in their needs and requirements.
Uromastyx vs Bearded Dragon: Physical Appearance
Moving on from the differences between Uromastyx and Bearded Dragons, the physical appearance of these two lizards is quite different. Uromastyx are known for their long and heavy bodies, with short legs and long tails.
Their skin is usually covered in bumps and spikes and comes in a variety of colors, ranging from yellow to orange to black. Their heads are also quite large, with prominent eyes and powerful jaws.
In comparison, Bearded Dragons have a much more slender frame, with long legs and a short tail. These lizards are usually brown in color, with stripes of yellow or orange along their sides and back.
They also have a unique spike protruding from their chin, which gives them their name. Bearded Dragons have large, triangular heads with large eyes and a smaller set of jaws compared to their Uromastyx counterparts.
Uromastyx vs Bearded Dragon: Behavior
The physical differences between Uromastyx and Bearded Dragons are quite striking, but what about their behavior? Let’s take a closer look.
Bearded Dragons are quite sociable and enjoy interacting with their owners. In the wild, they can be seen basking in the sun with other lizards, and this characteristic carries over into captivity as well.
They are relatively easy to handle, so they make great companions for novice keepers. Bearded Dragons are also quite adept climbers, and their ability to traverse vertical surfaces is often quite impressive.
On the other hand, Uromastyx is generally much less sociable than Bearded Dragons. In the wild, they are solitary creatures who prefer to spend their time alone. Uromastyx can become quite aggressive when stressed, so handling should be kept to a minimum.
They are also great climbers, but their ability to climb is much more limited than it is in Bearded Dragons. Uromastyx prefers to stay low to the ground, and they rarely venture very high off the ground.
Uromastyx vs Bearded Dragon: Diet
Moving beyond behavior, another key difference between Uromastyx and Bearded Dragons is their diet. Uromastyx are herbivores, meaning they feed on a variety of plant-based foods such as leafy greens and vegetables.
On the other hand, Bearded Dragons are omnivores, meaning they feed on a combination of plant-based and animal-based foods like insects, worms, and small vertebrates.
When selecting food for an Uromastyx, owners should focus on fresh, organic produce that they would eat themselves. Some of the most popular options include kale, carrots, and collard greens.
With Bearded Dragons, owners should look for a combination of plant-based and animal-based foods, including crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. It is important to monitor the size of the meals offered, as Bearded Dragons may have difficulty digesting large prey.
In addition to providing a balanced diet, owners should also provide their pets with a source of vitamins and minerals. Uromastyx needs to be dusted with calcium powder a few times a week, whereas Bearded Dragons need to be dusted with a reptile-specific multivitamin. This ensures that their pet is getting all the nutrients it needs to remain healthy.
Uromastyx vs Bearded Dragon: Enclosure
Having discussed the diet of both Uromastyx and Bearded Dragon, let’s now look at their enclosure requirements. Both lizards need an enclosure that is secure and provides the correct humidity and temperature levels. However, the two species have some distinct requirements.
The Uromastyx needs an enclosure that is well-ventilated and provides plenty of room for them to move around and climb. They also need an area where they can bask in the sun, as they are sun-loving lizards. A minimum of 30 gallons should be provided for a single Uromastyx, although larger enclosures are preferable.
In contrast, the Bearded Dragon needs an enclosure that is slightly more humid, as they prefer a more tropical environment. A minimum of 40-50 gallons should be provided for a single Bearded Dragon.
Additionally, they need plenty of branches and rocks for climbing and basking. It is also important to provide a hiding spot, as Bearded Dragons are more shy creatures than Uromastyx.
Uromastyx vs Bearded Dragon: Lighting
When it comes to lighting, uromastyx, and bearded dragons have very different needs. While bearded dragons require a significant amount of UVB exposure, uromastyx needs very little, if any, UVB lighting.
Bearded dragons should be kept under a UVB bulb for 10 to 12 hours per day, while uromastyx should have no more than 4 hours of UVB lighting. To meet the needs of the bearded dragon, a linear T5, T5 HO, or T8 HO fluorescent bulb should be used.
A combination of both a basking and UVB bulb is also recommended for bearded dragons. Uromastyx, on the other hand, should be provided with a basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter, and should never be exposed to UVB lighting.
The ambient lighting for both lizards should be provided with a full spectrum LED bulb. The LED bulb should be on a timer and should be set to about 12 hours of light per day. The addition of plants to the enclosure will also add to the overall lighting environment.
In conclusion, the lighting for uromastyx and bearded dragons is vastly different. Bearded dragons require a combination of both UVB and basking lighting, while uromastyx should only be exposed to basking lighting.
Ambient lighting should be provided for both lizards with a full spectrum LED bulb that is on a timer for 12 hours of light per day.
Uromastyx vs Bearded Dragon: Handling
Having discussed the difference in lighting requirements between uromastyx and bearded dragons, it is also important to consider differences in handling. Bearded dragons are generally considered to be one of the most docile and handleable reptile species.
They are known for having an affinity for people and often enjoy being held, petted, and spending time with their owners. On the other hand, uromastyx are known to be more flighty and skittish, making them more challenging to handle.
Uromastyx may hiss and bite when handled, and should not be handled without caution. This is not to say that uromastyx cannot be tamed, but it is a bit more challenging than with other species.
Uromastyx should only be handled when necessary, such as for medical examinations and cage cleaning. It is important to note that all reptiles can transmit salmonella, so it is important to properly sanitize your hands after handling any reptile species.
Uromastyx vs Bearded Dragon: Lifespan
In terms of lifespan, there is also a significant difference between a Uromastyx and a Bearded Dragon. While the average lifespan of a Bearded Dragon is usually between 8-12 years, Uromastyx has an average lifespan of 15-20 years, depending on the species. The Egyptian Uromastyx, for example, can live up to 25 years in captivity.
It is important to note that the lifespan is affected by a variety of factors, such as nutrition, environment, and the level of care. For example, Uromastyx requires higher temperatures than Bearded Dragons, which can be difficult to maintain in some climates.
Moreover, they need a diet of mainly plants and vegetables, which requires the owner to put in extra effort to prepare a variety of healthy meals for their pet. Lastly, Uromastyx also requires a larger enclosure than Bearded Dragons, which can take up more space in a home.
However, if these requirements are met, Uromastyx can make for a great long-term companion. With proper care and attention, they will provide many years of companionship to their owners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both uromastyx and Bearded Dragons make great pet reptiles for those who are willing to put in the effort to learn about their needs. They have many similarities but also some differences, so it’s important to consider both when choosing the best pet for your lifestyle.
Uromastyx requires a more arid setup, while Bearded Dragons need a more humid environment. Uromastyx may also be more active and less likely to bond with their human companions, while Bearded Dragons may be more docile and enjoy interaction with their owners.
Ultimately, both are fantastic pets and reward their owners with many years of enjoyment. No matter which of these two reptiles you choose, you will be sure to be rewarded with a wonderful pet!
