Petrie's short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus petrii)
Geckos · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Petrie's short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus petrii) (origin: North Africa and the Middle East). Adult size around 7–9 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Petrie's short-fingered gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×40 cm for a pair.
Petrie's short-fingered gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–33 °C, basking spot Basking spot 35–40 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Petrie's short-fingered gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0), weaker for nocturnal species.
Petrie's short-fingered gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Petrie's short-fingered gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 35–40 °C
- Humidity
- 30–50 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0), weaker for nocturnal species
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×40×40 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix they can dig in, plus stone slabs and roots
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, roaches and house crickets, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 7–9 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- North Africa and the Middle East
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 6–8 weeks at 16–20 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keeping in pairs (1.1) or as a small harem (1.2) is possible; males must never be housed together. Several males fight over territory and basking spots until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females usually get along but need their own basking and hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.
Notes
A small sand species, nocturnal. Completely buried by day.
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Related species
- Arabian short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Elegant gecko (Stenodactylus stenodactylus) – Beginner to intermediate
- Slevin's short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus slevini) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Doria's short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus doriae) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Bastard's big-headed gecko (Paroedura bastardi) – Beginner
- Common barking gecko (Ptenopus garrulus) – Intermediate
- Boettger's wall gecko (Tarentola boettgeri) – Beginner
- Bibron's thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus bibronii) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Petrie's short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus petrii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm for a pair), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, plus 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.
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/Stenodactylus_petrii, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Stenodactylus&species=petrii
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).