Cape dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus capensis)

Short answers

Cape dwarf gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×45 cm.

Cape dwarf gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 19–22 °C.

Cape dwarf gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).

Cape dwarf gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–8 years.

Cape dwarf gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

19–22 °C

Basking spot

32 °C

Humidity

55–70 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×45 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, cork bark, thin branches, planting

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies, micro crickets

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

6–8 cm total length

Life expectancy

5–8 years

Origin

Southern Africa

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

Keeping them in pairs (one male, one female) is the least stressful option. A harem of one male and two females also works in a slightly larger enclosure – the drawback: the females compete for basking and feeding spots, so offer several of them. Never keep two males together.

Notes

Plainly grey-brown, but very robust and easy to breed. A good starting point if the colourful Lygodactylus seem too tricky.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Cape dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus capensis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Angolan dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus angularis) – Intermediate
• Chobe dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus chobiensis) – Intermediate
• Conrau's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus conraui) – Intermediate
• Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus luteopicturatus) – Beginner
• Electric blue gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi) – Intermediate
• Kim Howell's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus kimhowelli) – Intermediate
• Mombasa dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus mombasicus) – Intermediate
• Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus picturatus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Cape dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus capensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×45 cm), substrate (Coco humus, cork bark, thin branches, 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.