Dune Gecko (Stenodactylus petrii) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Dune Gecko
Scientific Name	Stenodactylus petrii
Origin	Middle East / North Africa (desert regions)
Adult Size	5–7 cm
Lifespan	4–6 years in captivity
Activity	Nocturnal, terrestrial / sand-dwelling

Behavior

• Small, agile, and extremely fast-moving; primarily nocturnal.

• Terrestrial; spends most of its time burrowing in loose sand.

• Can be shy; minimal handling is recommended.

• Excellent for desert terrariums; uses tail for balance and displays alert posture when hunting.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 30–40 liters for a pair

• Substrate: Fine desert sand or sand-soil mix at least 5–10 cm deep for burrowing

• Decor: Flat rocks, cork bark, shallow hides, and small branches for climbing

• Humidity: 20–35%

• Temperature:

  • Warm / basking spot: 30–33°C

  • Ambient: 24–28°C

  • Night: 20–22°C

• Lighting: Low to moderate light; UVB optional but recommended for health

• Ventilation: Good airflow; avoid high humidity

Compatibility

• Can be housed in pairs or small groups with monitoring.

• Avoid housing with larger, aggressive, or fast-moving species that may stress the geckos.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on small insects:

  • Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, small roaches, springtails

• Juveniles: feed daily

• Adults: feed every 2–3 days

• Provide small shallow water dish or mist lightly; geckos get most hydration from prey

Care Tips

• Provide deep substrate for natural burrowing and hiding.

• Spot-clean daily; remove feces and uneaten prey.

• Handle minimally; stress can negatively impact health.

• Maintain warm temperature gradient for thermoregulation.

Breeding

• Oviparous; females lay 1–2 eggs in loose sand or burrows.

• Incubation: 50–65 days at 28–30°C.

• Hatchlings are independent and require appropriately sized insects.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥30–40 L, deep sandy substrate, hides, flat rocks

• 🌡️ Temp: Warm spot 30–33°C / Ambient 24–28°C / Night 20–22°C

• 💧 Humidity: 20–35%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (small insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, terrestrial, burrower

• ⚠️ Stress: Provide deep substrate, hides, and minimal handling

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.