Description: From arid, rocky scrubland areas in North Africa. Maximum size from 5" to 7". Quite attractive, mottled gray to brown with variable spots on a cream to light tan background. As a bonus, this gecko is active day and night. The feet are unusual having the toes spread out in a fan shape tipped with round adhesive toe pads. Males are very vocal, tend to be territorial and should not be kept together. Females get along better and can usually be kept together successfully, although they will squabble.

Temperature: Ideal 75°F - 80°F, cooling down 5°F - 10°F at night. A basking area must be provided (85°F – 90°F) along with an area where they can escape the heat for proper thermo-regulation. A temperature gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred.

Humidity: Low to moderate, approximately 60%. Occasional misting is beneficial.

Lighting:Provide a basking area as these geckos are from a sunny environment. Full spectrum or reptile lighting are needed to supply UV rays. Use a timer to simulate the tropics, 12 hours on / 12 hours off. Seasonal day length fluctuations are not needed but could help to stimulate breeding. A dim night light is required for viewing nocturnal activities.

Feeding: Appropriately sized crickets are fine as a staple diet but a variety of other insects should be offered. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing geckos. Clean water should be available at all times along with misting to allow them to lick up water droplets.

Habitat: Dry forest or savanna vivarium, at least 10-gallon size for a pair. Provide plenty of climbing branches, rocks, live and/or artificial plants. Bark, coco fiber, sand or gravel are all fine as a substrate and use a screen lid for good ventilation.

Breeding: Males chirp frequently and often pursue the females in an attempt to breed. The adhesive eggs are large and usually two are laid, attached to the glass or a branch higher up in the tank. Both the male and female guard them and I have observed the females apparently "sitting" on the eggs.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna