Moroccan glass lizard (Ophisaurus koellikeri)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Moroccan glass lizard (Ophisaurus koellikeri) (origin: Morocco, Algeria – the Atlas Mountains). Adult size around 40–55 cm total length. Life expectancy 12–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Moroccan glass lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×40 cm.
Moroccan glass lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot 36 °C, at night 13–18 °C.
Moroccan glass lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Moroccan glass lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–20 years.
Moroccan glass lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 13–18 °C
- Basking spot
- 36 °C
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×40 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam with leaf litter, tussocks of grass, flat stones
Feeding
- Food
- Earthworms, slugs, house crickets, crickets
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 40–55 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 12–20 years
- Origin
- Morocco, Algeria – the Atlas Mountains
- Protection status
- Protected in Morocco – only captive-bred animals with proof of origin
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 6–12 °C
- Cohabitation
- Single housing. There are no data on housing the Moroccan glass lizard together; as a precaution, what is documented for the genus and the related eastern glass lizard applies: care sheets advise against keeping animals together. A pair for breeding is possible; the drawback is that stress and food rivalry are hard to spot.
Notes
A legless lizard with a lateral fold, often mistaken for a snake. From the Atlas Mountains – it needs a distinct, cool winter rest. The tail breaks easily: do not hold on to it.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Eastern glass lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis) – Intermediate
- Slender glass lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus) – Intermediate
- Madrean alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Intermediate
- Asian glass lizard (Dopasia gracilis) – Intermediate
- Slow worm (Anguis fragilis) – Intermediate
- Hart's glass lizard (Dopasia harti) – Intermediate
- Italian slow worm (Anguis veronensis) – Intermediate
- California legless lizard (Anniella pulchra) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Moroccan glass lizard (Ophisaurus koellikeri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×40 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with leaf litter, tussocks of grass, flat stones), 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: 7 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Pseudopus apodus Inkubationswerte als Anguinae-Gattungswert (ResearchGate) – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357706345_Artificial_incubation_and_mold_treatment_of_European_Glass_Lizard_Pseudopus_apodus_eggs_in_a_home-made_incubator, Ophisaurus attenuatus ~53 Tage als Verwandtenwert (Animal Diversity Web) – https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ophisaurus_attenuatus/, https://dubiaroaches.com/blogs/lizard-care/eastern-glass-lizard-care-sheet, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koelliker%27s_glass_lizard, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophisaurus
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).