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Blue-Tongued Skink

Some reptiles can indeed be low-maintenance pets. While many articles suggest turtles, water turtles need large areas of clean water and live food in order to thrive. If you define low-maintenance pet as one which you can keep alive and healthy for years, forget turtles or snakes and get a blue-tongued skink. The cool-factor is high, thanks to their true-blue tongues and fancy coloration. They don't move fast, which makes it less likely they'll disappear under the fridge. And, unlike most reptiles, the blue-tongued skink does not eat live insects. You will need to keep it warm and provide a special light that simulates sunlight for the terrarium.

One important point about buying any reptile: Only by one that has been captive-bred, as opposed to imported or wild-caught. Reptiles bred in captivity tend to be healthier. Just as important, snaring reptiles or other animals in the wild can lead to endangerment of the species and destruction of habitat. Moreover, some reptile importers ship large numbers of animals in cramped, unhealthy conditions, causing many of them to die in transit.

Photo by William Warby