Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus)

Short answers

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

30×30×45 cm for a pair.

Reef gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–29 °C, basking spot Small basking spot 30–33 °C, at night 19–22 °C.

Reef gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential for the diurnal species (UVB 5.0).

Reef gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–8 years.

Reef gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–29 °C

Night temperature

19–22 °C

Basking spot

Small basking spot 30–33 °C

Humidity

60–75 %, mist in the morning

UVB

Essential for the diurnal species (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×45 cm for a pair

Substrate

Forest-floor substrate with live plants, plus thin branches and bamboo

Feeding

Food

Small insects such as firebrats, fruit flies and micro crickets, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

5–6 cm

Life expectancy

5–8 years

Origin

Florida, Cuba, the Bahamas

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

No winter rest

Cohabitation

In pairs; never keep males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.

Notes

Also in gardens and on walls. Undemanding for the genus.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Ocellated gecko (Sphaerodactylus argus) – Intermediate
• Big-scaled dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis) – Intermediate
• Ashy gecko (Sphaerodactylus elegans) – Intermediate
• Nichols' dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus nicholsi) – Intermediate
• Torre's dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus torrei) – Intermediate
• Angolan dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus angularis) – Intermediate
• Ocellated gecko (Gonatodes ocellatus) – Intermediate
• Bridled forest gecko (Gonatodes humeralis) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×45 cm for a pair), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants, plus thin branches and bamboo), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.