Reptoria

Kristin's spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus krisalys)

Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Kristin's spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus krisalys) (origin: Queensland: the interior from the north-west (Mount Isa) to near the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria). Adult size around 10–12 cm total length (snout–vent up to 7 cm). Life expectancy 6–15 years (figures for the genus vary). The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

How big does the enclosure for Kristin's spiny-tailed gecko need to be?

From 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair or trio (1.2) from 60×45×60 cm – height matters more than floor space.

What temperature does Kristin's spiny-tailed gecko need?

Daytime 25–32 °C (warmest at the top), basking spot 32 °C in the upper area, at night 18–22 °C.

Does Kristin's spiny-tailed gecko need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVI 2–3 in the upper area).

How long does Kristin's spiny-tailed gecko live?

Life expectancy: 6–15 years (figures for the genus vary).

Is Kristin's spiny-tailed gecko suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
25–32 °C (warmest at the top)
Night temperature
18–22 °C
Basking spot
32 °C in the upper area
Humidity
Dry, 30–50 %; mist lightly in the evening, heavily once or twice a week
UVB
Recommended (UVI 2–3 in the upper area)

Enclosure

Minimum size
from 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair or trio (1.2) from 60×45×60 cm – height matters more than floor space
Substrate
Sand or sand-loam 1–3 cm, densely furnished with thin branches, twigs and dry grass tussocks

Feeding

Food
Insects: house crickets, field crickets, roaches, flies
Feeding interval
Adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
10–12 cm total length (snout–vent up to 7 cm)
Life expectancy
6–15 years (figures for the genus vary)
Origin
Queensland: the interior from the north-west (Mount Isa) to near the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria
Protection status
EU Annex C (CITES III, Australia); export from Australia prohibited – captive-bred only
Brumation
Cooler period of 6–8 weeks: 24–27 °C by day, around 18 °C at night, shorter lighting and less frequent misting
Cohabitation
Kept singly or as a pair/trio (1.2): single keeping is the least stressful, because no male harasses the females and there is no competition for food. Many keepers do, however, keep one male with one or two females without problems if there are enough branches and perches. Never keep two males together – they fight. Feed separately if the animals differ in size.

Notes

A tree dweller with a deep blue mouth and uniformly coloured tail spines. Needs dense, fine branches, UVB and misting in the evening for drinking.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Kristin's spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus krisalys) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair or trio (1.2) from 60×45×60 cm – height matters more than floor space), substrate (Sand or sand-loam 1–3 cm, densely furnished with thin branches, twigs and dry grass tussocks), 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: 28 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Reptile Database: Strophurus krisalys – baumbewohnend, SVL bis 70 mm, tiefblaues Maul, einfarbige Schwanzstacheln, NW-Queensland, genetisch nahe S. williamsi – https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Strophurus&species=krisalys, Sadlier, O'Meally & Shea 2005, Mem. Qld Mus. 51(2): 573–582 – Erstbeschreibung, Inland-Queensland bis Golf von Carpentaria – https://publications.australian.museum/a-new-species-of-spiny-tailed-gecko-squamata-diplodactylidae-strophurus-from-inland-queensland/, Wikipedia EN: Strophurus krisalys – Stacheln über den Augen, blaues Maul, Wald/Savanne/Buschland – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strophurus_krisalys, Creature Care Cards: Strophurus sp. – 45×45×60 cm, Männchen kämpfen, Weibchen legen ohne Männchen, Sekret, 10–15 Jahre – https://www.creaturecarecards.com/spinytailed.html, Exotics Keeper: Introduction to Spiny-Tailed Geckos – 60×45×60 cm, 28–32/19–22 °C, Winter −5 °C, Sprühen, UVI 2–3 – https://exoticskeeper.com/blog/introduction-to-spiny-tailed-geckos-strophurus/

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).