Chobe dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus chobiensis)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Chobe dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus chobiensis) (origin: Southern Africa). Adult size around 6–7 cm. Life expectancy 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Chobe dwarf gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×45 cm for a pair.
Chobe dwarf gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–29 °C, basking spot Small basking spot 30–33 °C, at night 19–22 °C.
Chobe dwarf gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential for the diurnal species (UVB 5.0).
Chobe dwarf gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–8 years.
Chobe 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
- 19–22 °C
- Basking spot
- Small basking spot 30–33 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %, mist in the morning
- UVB
- Essential for the diurnal species (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×45 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with live plants, plus thin branches and bamboo
Feeding
- Food
- Small insects such as firebrats, fruit flies and micro crickets, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 3–4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 6–7 cm
- Life expectancy
- 5–8 years
- Origin
- Southern Africa
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them in pairs (one male, one female) is the least stressful option. In related dwarf day geckos one male with two females also works in a larger enclosure – the drawback: competition for basking and feeding spots. Never keep two males together.
Notes
A very small species from drier bushland, so mist less.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Chobe dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus chobiensis) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Angolan dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus angularis) – Intermediate
- Conrau's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus conraui) – Intermediate
- Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus luteopicturatus) – Beginner
- Electric blue gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi) – Intermediate
- Cape dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus capensis) – Beginner
- Kim Howell's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus kimhowelli) – Intermediate
- Mombasa dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus mombasicus) – Intermediate
- Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus picturatus) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Chobe dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus chobiensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×45 cm for a pair), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants, plus thin branches and bamboo), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: http://www.dwarfgeckos.com/lygodactylus/l_p/lygodactylus_picturatus.php, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okavango_dwarf_gecko, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Lygodactylus&species=chobiensis, https://reptilesmagazine.com/essential-care-for-the-electric-blue-day-gecko/
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).