Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus boskianus)

Short answers

Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×60×60 cm (a pair); 160×80×80 cm for a group.

Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 30–35 °C (cooler zone 20–25 °C), basking spot ~40 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (desert-grade UVB).

Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: ~6–10 years.

Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

30–35 °C (cooler zone 20–25 °C)

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

~40 °C

Humidity

40–50 % (by day), 70–80 % at night

UVB

Essential (desert-grade UVB)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×60×60 cm (a pair); 160×80×80 cm for a group

Substrate

Sand, at least 8–15 cm deep, flat stones, roots and bark

Feeding

Food

Insects (crickets, locusts, flies, roaches, worms)

Feeding interval

Adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

~18–22 cm total length

Life expectancy

~6–10 years

Origin

North Africa and the Middle East (rocky deserts, dry steppe)

Protection status

—

Brumation

A winter rest of ~8 weeks (day 15–20 °C, night 10–12 °C)

Cohabitation

Keep as a pair (1.1) for the least stress; one male with 2-3 females (1.2 or 1.3) also works in a large, well-structured enclosure with sight barriers - but never two males together. The genus Acanthodactylus is known as markedly aggressive, with rivals continually fighting over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently driven off; females usually get along but need their own warm spots and hides.

Notes

A quick, warmth-loving desert lizard; high temperatures, strong UV, deep dry sand and a night drop are needed. Very fast – take care when opening the enclosure.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus boskianus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Dumeril's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus dumerilii) – Intermediate
• Spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus) – Intermediate
• Spotted fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus maculatus) – Intermediate
• Golden fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus aureus) – Intermediate
• Long-footed fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus longipes) – Intermediate
• Leopard fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus pardalis) – Intermediate
• Schreiber's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus schreiberi) – Intermediate
• Nidua fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus scutellatus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus boskianus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×60 cm (a pair); 160×80×80 cm for a group), substrate (Sand, at least 8–15 cm deep, flat stones, roots and bark), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.