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The Australian inland bearded dragon is now the fastest growing pet in the land of the free - now numbering in the millions.
After dogs and cats, lizards are the most popular domestic pet.
And of these reptilian companions, the 60cm Australian inland bearded dragon has now become the most popular lizard.
A change in licensing laws has allowed for the export of the cold-blooded creatures and for them to be kept as pets not only by Australians, but by foreigners.
Apparently the bearded dragon has a keen sense of humour, which may be why Americans like them, because they are often regarded as not having one.
They also have very bright colours, so, unlike dogs and cats, they don't have to be dressed up in ridiculous clothing. They can also change colours for different occasions, such as all-black for dinner parties.
They are also cold-blooded, which means they sleep a lot, and they are unlikely to get shot by a neighbour for incessant barking.
Anthony Stimson, a wildlife expert and organiser of The Wild Australia Expo at Darling Harbour next week, said the bearded dragon makes a great pet and has now become the third most popular pet in the US.
"With their bright colours and surprisingly comical nature, the Australian bearded dragon is low maintenance, low cost and incredible to watch with their ability to change colour from shades of greys and yellows to vibrant iridescent reds," he said.
"They make a fantastic pet and if they are treated right they ... act just as they would in their native habitat."
"With a change in licensing laws, Australia is now starting to catch up with the US in terms of reptile keeping and The Wild Australia Expo will demonstrate how responsibly caring for reptiles helps people develop a better understanding of nature and ecosystems generally," he said.
"Keeping reptiles promotes active participation in the conservation of a much maligned fauna."
The inland bearded dragon, pogona vitticeps, is among the tamest lizards, with an outgoing personality and interesting social behaviour, herpetologists say.
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