Slender ground gecko (Paroedura gracilis)
Geckos · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Slender ground gecko (Paroedura gracilis) (origin: Eastern Madagascar). Adult size around 10–13 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Slender ground gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×40 cm for a pair.
Slender ground gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–33 °C, basking spot Basking spot 35–40 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Slender ground gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0), weaker for nocturnal species.
Slender ground gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Slender ground 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
- 60–80 % (tagsüber Richtung 45–50 % absinkend, abends kräftig sprühen)
- 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
- 10–13 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Eastern Madagascar
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 6–8 weeks at 16–20 °C
- Cohabitation
- In pairs or as a harem (1.2); never two males together, they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently gives way. Females generally get along but need their own heat and hiding spots; feed separately if they differ in size.
Notes
A rainforest species — unlike its relatives it needs permanently high humidity, not dryness.
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Related species
- Bastard's big-headed gecko (Paroedura bastardi) – Beginner
- Masobe gecko (Paroedura masobe) – Expert
- Androy ground gecko (Paroedura androyensis) – Beginner
- Stumpff's ground gecko (Paroedura stumpffi) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Ocelot gecko (Paroedura picta) – Beginner
- Arabian short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Common barking gecko (Ptenopus garrulus) – Intermediate
- Boettger's wall gecko (Tarentola boettgeri) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Slender ground gecko (Paroedura gracilis) 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: http://www.wildherps.com/species/P.gracilis.html, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Paroedura&species=gracilis, https://reptilesmagazine.com/how-to-care-for-the-madagascar-ground-gecko/, https://exoticskeeper.com/blog/captive-care-of-malagasy-ground-geckos/
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).