These are the most popular pet reptiles, according to research

Kingsnakes, of unspecified varieties, make the tenth most popular reptile pets according to Google search data. This makes sense because kingsnakes are a common sight at pet stores in the U.S. and Canada, though they may be rarer elsewhere. Natives of North America, kingsnakes of various species were once largely wild-caught but are now mostly bred in captivity. They make great pets because of their gentle nature and generally easy care requirements.

If you want to get a kingsnake, you can have your pick from a variety of species and an even greater selection of color morphs. Just be sure to research kingsnake requirements and be prepared for how large they can grow, along with how long they can live—up to 30 years!

As the most commonly traded turtle species in the world, red-eared sliders are no surprise to see on this list. Most red-eared sliders are shipped from the U.S. as babies and may be captive-bred or wild-caught. Often sold when they are no bigger than the palm of your hand, these turtles seem like cute miniatures that can live in an aquarium. Sliders grow quite fast, however, and eventually need a huge enclosure with regular maintenance in order to thrive.

Even though they remain in the top 10 globally, the research states that red-eared sliders are declining in popularity on the pet trade. This is probably a good thing, because unwanted animals released into the wild have already established invasive populations in many parts of the world. These turtles can make a good addition to a backyard pond that is properly equipped, but luckily they are becoming a less common purchase in aquarium stores.

Though currently at number eight, crested geckos are the reptiles increasing most rapidly in popularity, according to the study. This makes sense because these geckos from New Caledonia were thought to be extinct until 1994, when they were suddenly rediscovered and a few specimens were exported to Europe. They proved to do well in captivity, and they’ve since been selectively bred and distributed worldwide on the pet trade.

“Cresties” make excellent pets because of their calm and personable nature along with relatively simple care requirements. They do have their quirks, however, so you’ll want to research crested gecko care diligently before bringing one home. Once you do, you can enjoy a cute lizard companion that’s happy resting in your hand or even on your shoulder.

Once the #1 most popular pet lizard in the world, green iguanas are luckily declining in popularity nowadays. Some keepers enjoy iguanas precisely for the challenge of keeping them, but these large and often ornery lizards do not make good pets for the average enthusiast. Iguanas have also become invasive in Florida and in other parts of the world because of too many unwanted pets released into the wild.

As other lizards better suited to captivity become more widely available, green iguanas are becoming less common as pets, and this is probably for the best. If you still want to keep a green iguana, they remain fairly easy to buy. Just be sure you are prepared with all the proper space and the necessary patience that these noble lizards require.

According to Google Trends and anecdotal evidence, boas are among the most popular captive snakes worldwide. Boa constrictor is the scientific name for the “true” boas, of which there are a few subspecies including the common boa and the red-tailed boa. These are well-established on the pet trade, and boas are prevalent in movies and television that they form the quintessential image of a snake for many people around the world.

Their popularity is well deserved, as boa constrictors can make good pets if they receive adequate space and attention. They sometimes get a reputation for aggression, but a well-adjusted boa can become quite tolerant and even fond of its keeper.

There are some other snakes commonly referred to as boas that are not the same species as Boa constrictor. These include the rosy boa and Kenyan sand boa—both of which can make good pets but are not as widespread as true boas.

Small and colorful colubrids with big personalities, corn snakes are understandably a big hit in the pet trade. They are native to North America and were established in the U.S. pet trade a long time ago, but captive-bred corn snakes have now made their way into shops and homes around the world. Interestingly, these snake are especially popular in Brazil.

Corn snakes do in fact make great pets because of their small size and relatively simple care requirements. They can live in a 20-gallon tank with basic furnishings, but will also love an elaborate terrarium if you choose to provide one. These snakes are generally peaceful and inquisitive, making friendly and entertaining companions.

Many people consider leopard geckos the undisputed winners of the lizard popularity contest, but according to the Google Trends study they come in at only number four on this list of most common pet reptiles. These lovable geckos have been bred in captivity for decades, and may in fact be the closest thing we have to a “domesticated” lizard species. Today numerous color morphs have been discovered, and leopard geckos are nearly ubiquitous in reptile shops of many countries.

Affordable, widely available, and impossibly cute, these personable lizards make an excellent choice for a first reptile pet. Leopard geckos’ care requirements are relatively easy, they don’t mind being handled, and they are a lot of fun to watch.

This may come as a surprise to some, but chameleons rank number three in the study of most popular reptile searches in Google. Known as somewhat picky captives, and typically carrying a high price tag in pet stores, these lizards are not most people’s idea of the perfect reptile pet. Chameleons are certainly fun to watch as they tiptoe on branches, turn their eyes in all directions, and nab bugs with their sharp-shooting tongues, but specific care requirements and finicky habits make them somewhat difficult to keep.

Nonetheless, chameleons (of unspecified varieties) remain one of the most popular lizards in the global pet trade. That said, it’s important to consider that this study is based on terms used in Google search, and “chameleon” is used differently across the world—some people use the same word in reference to other types of lizards as well.

Number two on the list—and number one among all snakes—is the ball python. Their superlative is well deserved, as these cute little constrictors do in fact make excellent pets. They require a moderately large enclosure and some specific conditions in order to thrive, but the necessities are achievable for most keepers. Generally tolerant and personable snakes, they are easy to handle and will even enjoy lounging around the house with you.

The study notes that ball pythons likely overtook corn snakes as the most popular pet snake sometime in the 2010s and quickly rose to #2 overall. Ball pythons continue to gain popularity, but the lovable leopard gecko seems poised to overtake them for the runner-up spot in the near future.

The title of #1, however, remains safely within the claws of the undisputed ruler in this reptile popularity contest…

Did you guess it right? The single most popular reptile pet in the world is the bearded dragon! Hailing from the Outback desert of Australia, these medium-sized lizards are quite hearty, active during the day, and seem to actually enjoy the company of people. In the pet trade, you can even find them in a variety of color morphs thanks to captive breeding.

Just because these are the most popular, however, doesn’t mean that “beardies” are the best beginner reptile. Unfortunately, they are often sold as adorable baby lizards and people don’t realize how big they get or how much space they need. They do in fact make excellent pets, but you’ll want to read up on bearded dragon care before you commit to getting one.