Reptile lifespan chart
Typical captive lifespans with good care. Individual animals can live shorter or longer.
| Species | Type | Typical lifespan | Adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axolotl | Amphibian | 10–15 years | 9–12 in (23–30 cm) |
| Pacman frog | Amphibian | 10–15 years | Males 2.5–4 in, females 4–7 in |
| White's tree frog | Amphibian | 15–20 years | 3–4.5 in (7.5–11 cm) |
| Ackie monitor | Lizard | 15–20 years | 24–28 in (60–70 cm) |
| African fat-tailed gecko | Lizard | 15–20+ years | 7–9 in (18–23 cm) |
| Argentine black and white tegu | Lizard | 15–20+ years | Males 4–4.5 ft; females 3–3.5 ft |
| Bearded dragon | Lizard | 10–15 years | 16–24 in (40–60 cm) |
| Blue-tongued skink | Lizard | 15–20+ years | 18–24 in (45–60 cm) |
| Chinese water dragon | Lizard | 10–15 years | Males up to ~3 ft; females ~2 ft (including tail) |
| Crested gecko | Lizard | 15–20 years | 7–9 in (18–23 cm) |
| Gargoyle gecko | Lizard | 15–20 years | 7–9 in (18–23 cm) total |
| Leopard gecko | Lizard | 15–20+ years | 7–10 in (18–25 cm) |
| Uromastyx | Lizard | 15–20+ years | 10–16 in for common species; Egyptian uromastyx up to ~30 in |
| Veiled chameleon | Lizard | Males 5–8 years; females 3–5 years | Males 18–24 in; females 10–14 in (including tail) |
| African house snake | Snake | 15–20 years | Males 2–3 ft; females 3–4 ft (sometimes up to 5 ft) |
| Ball python | Snake | 20–30+ years | 3–5 ft (90–150 cm) |
| Burmese python | Snake | 20–25+ years | 12–16+ ft (3.5–5 m), 100+ lb |
| California kingsnake | Snake | 15–20+ years | 3–4 ft (90–120 cm) |
| Corn snake | Snake | 15–20+ years | 3–5 ft (90–150 cm) |
| False water cobra | Snake | 15–20 years | 6–8 ft (females up to ~10 ft) |
| Kenyan sand boa | Snake | 15–20+ years | Males ~15–18 in; females 24–32 in |
| Mangrove snake | Snake | 15+ years | 5–6 ft (1.5–1.8 m), occasionally larger |
| Milk snake | Snake | 15–20 years | 2–5 ft depending on subspecies |
| Rosy boa | Snake | 25–30+ years | 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) |
| Western hognose snake | Snake | 15–20 years | Males 14–24 in, females 24–36 in |
| Radiated tortoise | Tortoise | 50–100 years | Up to ~16 in (40 cm) |
| Russian tortoise | Tortoise | 40–50+ years | 5–8 in (13–20 cm) shell |
| Sulcata tortoise | Tortoise | 70+ years | 24–30 in (60–75 cm) shell; 70–100+ lb (30–45+ kg), large males heavier |
| Red-eared slider | Turtle | 30–40+ years | Males 7–9 in, females 10–12 in shell |
The longest-lived pet reptiles
- Tortoises: radiated (50–100 years), sulcata (70+ years) and Russian (40–50+ years). Plan who will care for them after you.
- Turtles: red-eared sliders often live 30–40+ years.
- Snakes: ball pythons (20–30+ years) and rosy boas (25–30+ years).
The shortest-lived
Veiled chameleons are among the shortest-lived common pets: males 5–8 years, females 3–5 years, often less if they breed repeatedly.
How to help your reptile live longer
- Correct temperatures, every heat source on a thermostat.
- UVB for species that need it, replaced every year.
- The right diet and supplements, and no overfeeding.
- A big enough enclosure: check yours with the enclosure size checker.
- Clean water and good hygiene.
- A yearly check-up with a reptile vet, and a vet visit at the first sign of illness.
Thinking about your first reptile? See the best beginner reptiles.
FAQ
Which pet reptile lives the longest? Tortoises: radiated tortoises 50–100 years, sulcatas 70+.
How long do leopard geckos live? 15–20+ years.
How long do bearded dragons live? 10–15 years.