Common giant ground gecko (Chondrodactylus angulifer)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Common giant ground gecko (Chondrodactylus angulifer) (origin: Namibia, South Africa – desert). Adult size around 12–15 cm. Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Common giant ground gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×40 cm.
Common giant ground gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 34 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Common giant ground gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Common giant ground gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Common giant ground gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 34 °C
- Humidity
- 30–45 %
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×40×40 cm
- Substrate
- Deep sand they can dig in
Feeding
- Food
- Insects
- Feeding interval
- adults 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 12–15 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- Namibia, South Africa – desert
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- In pairs; males strictly kept apart — they are strongly territorial and fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently gives way. One male with several females, however, works reliably. Several heat and hiding spots matter so lower-ranking animals can retreat, and feed separately once the animals differ in size.
Notes
A ground-dwelling desert gecko without adhesive lamellae; it runs high on its legs. It buries itself by day.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
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- Northland green gecko (Naultinus grayii) – Experts
- Turnip-tailed gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda) – Intermediate
- Texas banded gecko (Coleonyx brevis) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Common giant ground gecko (Chondrodactylus angulifer) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm), substrate (Deep sand they can dig in), 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: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondrodactylus_angulifer, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Chondrodactylus&species=angulifer
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).