Western spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus spinigerus)

Short answers

Western spiny-tailed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×40×60 cm.

Western spiny-tailed gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 35 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Western spiny-tailed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).

Western spiny-tailed gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Western spiny-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

35 °C

Humidity

40–55 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×40×60 cm

Substrate

Sand, thin twigs and tussocks of grass to cling to

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, flies

Feeding interval

2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

10–13 cm total length

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

South-western Australia

Protection status

Export from Australia is prohibited – only European captive-bred animals

Brumation

A cooler dry spell of 8–10 weeks

Cohabitation

Keeping as a pair or a small harem (1.2) is possible. Two males do not work together - they fight over territory and basking spots until one is seriously injured or ends up permanently cornered. One male with several females, however, works reliably. Several basking and hiding spots matter so subordinate animals can retreat, and feed separately once animals differ in size.

Notes

By day it clings visibly to thin twigs – furnish with plenty of fine branches rather than thick roots. When threatened it can spray a sticky, foul-smelling secretion from its tail; protect your eyes.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Western spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus spinigerus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Jewelled gecko (Strophurus elderi) – Intermediate
• Northern spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus ciliaris) – Intermediate
• Southern spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus intermedius) – Intermediate
• Golden-tailed gecko (Strophurus taenicauda) – Intermediate
• Kristin's spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus krisalys) – Intermediate
• Eastern spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus williamsi) – Intermediate
• Western shield spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus wellingtonae) – Intermediate
• Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) – Beginner to intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Western spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus spinigerus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×60 cm), substrate (Sand, thin twigs and tussocks of grass to cling to), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.