A dragon has arrived in the biology department! But have no fear, this bearded dragon, naturally found in the desert regions of Australia, does not breathe fire and grows to only 16 to 20 inches.

The idea to get a bearded dragon originated when a former Sea World employee donated a large aquarium to Hoban. Since the science department's only lizards are the tiny anoles, the tank provides an opportunity for a larger reptile. Teacher Amie Mancine said the bearded dragon was chosen because of its gentle demeanor.

"The bearded dragon is not aggressive," Mancine said. "It's an omnivore, so it gives us more feeding options."

Teacher Judy Mohan said gentleness is a requirement for a classroom pet.

"The whole point of having animals is to have something kids can handle," Mohan said.

Junior Jennifer Weber, a member of the biology club, described what went into the decision.

"Some suggested iguanas, and we already have anoles," she said, "but a bearded dragon turned out to be the best option. Mr. [Matt] Bryant has some, so he was our consultant for a while."

The lizard will eventually be placed in the large tank, but while it is still young, it will live in a smaller tank.

The biology club took on preparing the bearded dragon's habitat and will be involved with taking care of it.

"It won't be allowed to be handled while it's an infant," Mancine said. "The club will be responsible for it for a while. We have to work with it when it's young to make sure it can be handled and will eat what we want it to."

The bearded dragon is still nameless, as the club hasn't met since the lizard's arrival.

"I was going to have the biology club name the lizard because the kids helped set it up," Mohan said. "That encourages more ownership."

Though the dragon has only been at Hoban a little over a week, Weber already likes the little critter.

"It's cute," she said. "I don't know if you can describe reptiles as cute, but I like them."