Helmethead gecko (Tarentola chazaliae)

Short answers

Helmethead gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×40×40 cm.

Helmethead gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Helmethead gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Weak UVB recommended.

Helmethead gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Helmethead gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–30 °C

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

32 °C

Humidity

50–65 % (fog at night matters)

UVB

Weak UVB recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×40×40 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam with stone slabs and roots

Feeding

Food

Small insects

Feeding interval

adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

8–10 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

The coast of Morocco and the Western Sahara – fog desert

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

In pairs or as a harem (1.2), males always kept apart — they are aggressive towards each other and fight over territory. Females generally get along but need their own hiding spots.

Notes

A fog-desert species: dry and warm by day, cool and damp at night. Evening misting replaces the coastal fog and is decisive for shedding and water uptake.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Helmethead gecko (Tarentola chazaliae) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Boettger's wall gecko (Tarentola boettgeri) – Beginner
• Eastern Canary gecko (Tarentola angustimentalis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• La Gomera wall gecko (Tarentola gomerensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Tenerife wall gecko (Tarentola delalandii) – Beginner
• Moorish gecko (Tarentola mauritanica) – Beginner
• White-spotted wall gecko (Tarentola annularis) – Beginner
• Arabian short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Bastard's big-headed gecko (Paroedura bastardi) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Helmethead gecko (Tarentola chazaliae) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×40 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with stone slabs and roots), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.