Big-scaled dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis)

Short answers

Big-scaled dwarf gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 30×30×30 cm.

Big-scaled dwarf gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–29 °C, at night 21–23 °C.

Big-scaled dwarf gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not essential (weak UVB is possible).

Big-scaled dwarf gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–8 years.

Big-scaled dwarf gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–29 °C

Night temperature

21–23 °C

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

Not essential (weak UVB is possible)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 30×30×30 cm

Substrate

Humus with a layer of leaf litter, dense planting

Feeding

Food

The smallest insects (springtails, fruit flies, micro crickets)

Feeding interval

Every 2 days

Key facts

Adult size

3–4 cm

Life expectancy

5–8 years

Origin

Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Protection status

Captive-bred animals only

Brumation

No

Cohabitation

Pair housing or a group with one male is possible. The reason: as with most dwarf geckos in this genus, several males fight over territory and basking spots until one is injured or permanently cornered. Females usually tolerate each other but need their own warm spots and hides; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

Tiny — the feeder animals are the real issue: without an ongoing springtail and Drosophila culture it does not work. The enclosure has to be absolutely escape-proof.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Big-scaled dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Ocellated gecko (Sphaerodactylus argus) – Intermediate
• Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus) – Intermediate
• Ashy gecko (Sphaerodactylus elegans) – Intermediate
• Nichols' dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus nicholsi) – Intermediate
• Torre's dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus torrei) – Intermediate
• Angolan dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus angularis) – Intermediate
• Ocellated gecko (Gonatodes ocellatus) – Intermediate
• Bridled forest gecko (Gonatodes humeralis) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Big-scaled dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 30×30×30 cm), substrate (Humus with a layer of leaf litter, dense planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.