Steudner's pygmy gecko (Tropiocolotes steudneri)

Short answers

Steudner's pygmy gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×20×20 cm.

Steudner's pygmy gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–33 °C, basking spot 34 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Steudner's pygmy gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).

Steudner's pygmy gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 4–7 years.

Steudner's pygmy gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–33 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

34 °C

Humidity

25–40 %

UVB

Recommended (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×20×20 cm

Substrate

Fine sand, flat stones, small pieces of cork

Feeding

Food

Small house crickets, firebrats, fruit flies

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

4–6 cm total length

Life expectancy

4–7 years

Origin

North Africa, the Middle East – desert

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

Pair or 1,2 trio housing works well - the species is considered naturally sociable with comparatively low aggression. Two males still never go together, fighting over territory and basking spots until one is injured or permanently cornered. Multiple warm spots and hides are important so lower-ranking animals can retreat.

Notes

The smallest desert gecko in captivity, wafer-thin and almost translucent. Very sensitive to moisture – waterlogging is lethal. Keepable only with very fine food.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Angolan dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus angularis) – Intermediate
• Ocellated gecko (Sphaerodactylus argus) – Intermediate
• Ocellated gecko (Gonatodes ocellatus) – Intermediate
• Bridled forest gecko (Gonatodes humeralis) – Beginner
• Chobe dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus chobiensis) – Intermediate
• Conrau's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus conraui) – Intermediate
• Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus) – Intermediate
• Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus luteopicturatus) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Steudner's pygmy gecko (Tropiocolotes steudneri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×20×20 cm), substrate (Fine sand, flat stones, small pieces of cork), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.