Geyr's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx geyri)

Short answers

Geyr's spiny-tailed lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 130×90×70 cm for one animal or a pair (1997 expert report: 5 × 4 × 3 times snout–vent length, valid for up to two animals).

Geyr's spiny-tailed lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–35 °C, basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Geyr's spiny-tailed lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (desert-grade UVB, 10–12 %).

Geyr's spiny-tailed lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–25 years.

Geyr's spiny-tailed lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–35 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

45–50 °C

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

Essential (desert-grade UVB, 10–12 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 130×90×70 cm for one animal or a pair (1997 expert report: 5 × 4 × 3 times snout–vent length, valid for up to two animals)

Substrate

A sand-loam mix they can dig in, 20–30 cm

Feeding

Food

Mostly plant-based (wild herbs, seeds); juveniles take some insects

Feeding interval

Green food daily; adults take almost no animal food

Key facts

Adult size

35–38 cm total length

Life expectancy

15–25 years

Origin

Niger, Mali, Algeria (the Sahara)

Protection status

Annex B (CITES II) – registration required

Brumation

A winter rest of ~2–3 months

Cohabitation

Keeping them singly is the least stressful option; uromastyx live as loners in the wild. This is considered the most tolerant uromastyx species: a pair, or one male with two to three females, often works in a large enclosure, but not always; females may suppress each other, especially during the breeding season and gravidity. Males do not tolerate each other: they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. When kept together, every animal needs its own basking and hiding spots; if sizes differ, feed separately and have a way to separate them ready.

Notes

One of the most colourful and well-bred Uromastyx. Adults are mainly plant-eating – too much animal food leads to obesity.

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Related species

• Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) – Intermediate to expert
• Bent's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx benti) – Intermediate
• Indian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx hardwickii) – Intermediate
• Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx loricata) – Intermediate
• Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx shobraki) – Intermediate
• Macfadyen's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx macfadyeni) – Intermediate
• Mali spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx dispar maliensis) – Intermediate
• Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx acanthinura) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Geyr's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx geyri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 130×90×70 cm for one animal or a pair (1997 expert report: 5 × 4 × 3 times snout–vent length, valid for up to two animals)), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, 20–30 cm), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.