Reptiles and Amphibians

Amphibians (Amphibia), such as frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts, although superficially similar to reptiles, are all cold-blooded animals that metamorphose from a juvenile water-breathing form, to an adult air-breathing form. Again like reptiles, most, but not all, have four limbs. However the defining characteristic of amphibians which sets them apart from the reptiles is their need to lay their eggs in water, as their fish ancestors did.

Many amphibians spend their entire life cycle in the water, seldom if ever venturing onto land, and are easily accommodated by most aquarists. Others do leave the water, but never venture very far, needing to ensure that their skin remains moist.

Reptiles are air-breathing, cold-blooded vertebrates that have skin covered in scales as opposed to hair or feathers. They are tetrapods(having or having descended from vertebrates with four limbs) and amniotes, whose embryos are surrounded by an amniotic membrane. There are more than 8,000 species in four groups or orders, Crocodilia (23 species), Sphenodontia (2 species), Squamata (scaled reptiles, 7,900 species) and Testudines (Turtles & Tortoises 300 species)

Most reptiles species are egg-laying (oviparous) although some species do have live young. These live births are ovoviviparous (egg retention), or viviparous (offspring born without use of calcified eggs). Many of the viviparous species feed their fetuses through a form of placenta similar to those of mammals. Some even provide initial care for their hatchlings

With the exception of Antarctica, reptiles are found on every continent, and vary in size from the Jaragua Sphaero at 15mm , to the massive Saltwater Crocodile at over 7 metre. Their habitat is equally varied, from the hottest, driest places on earth, to the humid steaming jungles. They are found from the tops of the tallest trees to ground level, and in some cases, even underground.

Clearly some, like all of the Crocodilians, are totally unsuitable to keep at home, either because they are too difficult to keep, or simply because they are too dangerous. However, this still leaves an amazing variety which are suitable as pets, and you will find some of the best in our 1st floor reptile section.