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Southwest Spiny-tailed Gecko

Species Background

Licence Category - 2

Lifespan - Up to 8 years old

Vivarium

South-west Spiny-tailed Geckos are an arboreal species which are capable climbers. Vivariums should therefore have suitable vertical climbing space as well as adequate ground space for foraging at night time. An indoor enclosure measuring a minimum of 45cms long, 45cms wide and 60cm high is appropriate for two to four adults.

Lighting and Heating

South-west Spiny-tailed Geckos dwell on branches in small trees and shrubs during the day, whereby they are exposed to relatively high amounts of UV for a gecko species. Therefore, UV lighting in combination with a heat light is beneficial and strongly recommended. A heat light and UV globe or tube should be positioned at one side of the enclosure whereby the geckos can access adequate amounts of UV-B and heat. This species occurrence in south west coastal areas of WA means that they have cooler conditions compared to the Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko, temperatures should therefore be slightly cooler. A thermal gradient should be maintained within the enclosure to achieve a hot spot of 33°C to 23°C in the cool end during daytime hours.

Furnishing

Multi-stemmed branches can be positioned beneath the heat light and UV globe/tube so that geckos can access heating and UV lighting. A water bowl should be placed in the cool end of the enclosure on top of a sand or bark substrate.

Food (In Captivity)

South-west Spiny-tailed Geckos are insectivores, feeding primarily on crickets and wood roaches in captivity. Insects should be dusted with calcium and multi-vitamin supplements so that their diet is balanced.

Essentials

  • Vivarium
  • Heat globe
  • UV globe/tube
  • Thermometer
  • Thermostat
  • Substrate
  • Water bowl
  • Branches
  • Vitamin and calcium supplements

Please note the information provided above is a species background, NOT A CARE SHEET. We recommend adequate background reading and research to be undertaken prior to purchasing this species. See recommended books below.

Recommended Books

Keeping and Breeding Australian Lizards. 2008 edited by Mike Swan

Keeping Australian Geckos. 2008 by Rob Porter

A Guide to Geckos and Pygopods in Captivity. 2012 by Dr Danny Brown

For further information please visit the Cannington or Bibra Lake store or speak to a representative in the reptile and amphibian department.