Conrau's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus conraui)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Conrau's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus conraui) (origin: West Africa – rainforest). Adult size around 6–8 cm total length. Life expectancy 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Conrau's dwarf gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×45 cm.
Conrau's dwarf gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.
Conrau's dwarf gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).
Conrau's dwarf gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–8 years.
Conrau's dwarf gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×45 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, bamboo, dense planting
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies, springtails, micro crickets
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 6–8 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 5–8 years
- Origin
- West Africa – rainforest
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them in pairs (one male, one female) is the least stressful option; about 25×40×40 cm is enough for a pair. Several females with one male are possible in related Lygodactylus – the drawback: competition for basking and feeding spots, so set up a larger enclosure. Never keep two males together.
Notes
To be kept more humid than the East African dwarf day geckos. Very small and fast – the terrarium ventilation must be fine-meshed, or the young escape.
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Related species
- Angolan dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus angularis) – Intermediate
- Chobe dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus chobiensis) – 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 Conrau's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus conraui) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×45 cm), substrate (Coco humus, bamboo, 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.
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_cf_c/lygodactylus_cf_conraui.php, http://www.dwarfgeckos.com/lygodactylus/l_p/lygodactylus_picturatus.php, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Lygodactylus&species=conraui, 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).