Long-footed fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus longipes)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Long-footed fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus longipes) (origin: The Sahara). Adult size around 17–21 cm. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Long-footed fringe-fingered lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×50 cm for a group.
Long-footed fringe-fingered lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot Basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Long-footed fringe-fingered lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12.0, extremely sun-hungry species).
Long-footed fringe-fingered lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–8 years.
Long-footed fringe-fingered lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 45–50 °C
- Humidity
- 25–40 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12.0, extremely sun-hungry species)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×50 cm for a group
- Substrate
- Deep sand they can dig in, with a few stones and dry twigs
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, house crickets, roaches and mealworms, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 3–4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 17–21 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–8 years
- Origin
- The Sahara
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 8–10 weeks at 10–15 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keep as a pair (1.1) for the least stress; one male with 2-3 females (1.2 or 1.3) also works in a large, well-structured enclosure with sight barriers - but never two males together. The genus Acanthodactylus is known as markedly aggressive, with rivals continually fighting over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently driven off; females usually get along but need their own warm spots and hides.
Notes
Strikingly long toes with fringes — it runs over loose sand on them.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Long-footed fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus longipes) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus boskianus) – Intermediate
- Dumeril's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus dumerilii) – Intermediate
- Spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus) – Intermediate
- Spotted fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus maculatus) – Intermediate
- Golden fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus aureus) – Intermediate
- Leopard fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus pardalis) – Intermediate
- Schreiber's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus schreiberi) – Intermediate
- Nidua fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus scutellatus) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Long-footed fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus longipes) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×50 cm for a group), substrate (Deep sand they can dig in, with a few stones and dry twigs), 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/Acanthodactylus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Acanthodactylus&species=longipes
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).