Slevin's short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus slevini)

Short answers

Slevin's short-fingered gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×40 cm for a pair.

Slevin'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.

Slevin's short-fingered gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0), weaker for nocturnal species.

Slevin's short-fingered gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Slevin'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

8–10 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

The Arabian Peninsula

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 dweller of gravel and sand flats. Undemanding as long as it stays dry.

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Related species

• Arabian short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Elegant gecko (Stenodactylus stenodactylus) – Beginner to intermediate
• Petrie's short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus petrii) – 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Slevin's short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus slevini) 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.