Smooth knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus laevissimus)

Short answers

Smooth knob-tailed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×40×30 cm.

Smooth knob-tailed gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 34 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Smooth knob-tailed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not essential.

Smooth knob-tailed gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Smooth knob-tailed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

34 °C

Humidity

30–45 %, a humid hide

UVB

Not essential

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×40×30 cm

Substrate

Deep, fine sand with a loam content, diggable

Feeding

Food

Insects

Feeding interval

adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

8–11 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Central Australia – sandy desert

Protection status

Captive-bred animals only

Brumation

A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

Keeping animals singly is the least stressful option. In related Nephrurus species a pair or one male with several females also works in a larger enclosure with several hides – the drawback: competition for food, separate feeding is necessary. Never keep two males together.

Notes

A ground-dwelling knob-tailed gecko with a small knob at the tail tip. It needs a damp hide for shedding, and otherwise dry conditions.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Smooth knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus laevissimus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Delean's knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus deleani) – Intermediate
• Banded knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus cinctus) – Intermediate
• Banded knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus wheeleri) – Intermediate
• Rough knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus asper) – Intermediate
• Smooth knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus levis) – Intermediate
• Starred knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus stellatus) – Intermediate
• Centralian knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus amyae) – Intermediate
• Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) – Beginner to intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Smooth knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus laevissimus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×30 cm), substrate (Deep, fine sand with a loam content, diggable), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.