Tarentola mauritanica
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This is a specific care sheet for Crocodile Geckos (Tarentola mauritanica), for more in this genus see Category:Tarentola.
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Pet Reptile (Tarentola mauritanica) Care Information | |
| Regions Found: | Southern France, Greece and northern Africa |
| Natural habitat: | |
| Longevity: | |
| Years to Maturity: | 2 years |
| Adult Size: | |
| Temperament: | |
| Housing, Feeding and Climate of Tarentola mauritanica | |
| Housing Size: | 20 gallon enclosure for adults. |
| Reptile Foods: | |
| Temperature: | See below |
| Humidity: | 65% |
| Reptile Lighting: | Are there any special reptile lighting requirements? |
| Special Requirements: | |
| Breeding Tarentola mauritanica | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Tarentola mauritanica Clutch Size: |
4-8 eggs |
| Gestation Period: | |
| Incubation Temperature: | |
| Incubation Humidity: | |
| Incubation Period: | 2-2.5 months |
| Health | |
| What are the reptile health concerns? Is pet insurance recommended? Is reptile health a common problem? | |
| Recommended Pet Supplies for Tarentola mauritanica | |
nb. All of these can be purchased from an online pet store | |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
T. mauritanica is most commonly known as the Crocodile Gecko and it is native to the Mediterranean region from southern France to Greece and northern Africa. The species has recently been reported as living and breeding in California.
Crocodile Geckos are found in dry, rocky areas particularly on cliff faces and large boulders etc. They may be very common around human settlements, particularly stone walls. Whilst primarily nocturnal, they can often also be seen basking during the day. This species is also known as the Moorish Gecko and can live for around 9 years if they are properly cared for in captivity.
[edit] Description
The Crocodile Gecko is, for its size, strong and heavily built. The most distinguishing characteristics are the rows of keeled, tubercular scales along the back, flanks and tail. It has a large, pointed head. Colouration is usually grey to brown with some darker mottling. The ventral surface is an immaculate white. A flap of skin runs along the flanks and the limbs are relatively short. The undersides of the toes are equipped with adhesive toe-pads along their entire length. Juveniles are more brightly coloured with some transverse striping that fades with growth. Adult size can reach about six inches.
[edit] Preparing a home for a Crocodile Gecko
[edit] Housing size
Young crocodile geckos need to be housed in atleast a ten gallon enclosure. Adults pets need atleast a 20 gallon tank. The enclosure should be taller than it is wide so that ample space is available for the crocodile geckos to climb about and explore. Crocodile geckos are nocturnal animals and will sleep during the day. Make sure hiding spots and plants are placed on both sides of the tank. Make sure that the crocodile gecko is not housed with another male because they will fight even if no female crocodile gecko is present. A group of females can be housed together with one male if you want to breed your crocodile geckos.
[edit] Substrates
Crocodile Geckos should be kept on paper towels so it does not swallow something that can do any internal damage. The crocodile gecko can also be kept on peat moss for a more naturalistic approach. Bark is not suitable if you intend to feed your crocodile gecko crickets. If your gecko eats too much they will get sick. Sometimes it is advised to feed your gecko in a separate enclosure so you can make sure they don't eat anything harmful. Another option is calcium sand you just have to make sure they don’t swallow too much.
[edit] Hiding places
[edit] Drinking
[edit] Decor
[edit] Lighting
A basking spot should be included in the habitat. Keep the lights on for 10-12 hours of the day.
[edit] Temperature
Daytime temperature should be approximately 86ÂşF, with a basking temperature of 105ÂşF - 115ÂşF. Nighttime temperatures should remain around 70ÂşF. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage candescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, and under tank heaters or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained. There should be both cool areas and warm areas in your enclosure. If your gecko wants to cool down he can go to the cool side of the tank. If it wants to warm up they can move to the hot side of the enclosure.
[edit] Humidity
The crocodile gecko should have a humidity of around 65%. Crocodile geckos live in the jungle and need a lot of humidity. They also require a lot of humidity when they shed. A hygrometer can be used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure and additional humidity can be provided by misting the tank regularly with a misting bottle as necessary.
[edit] Feeding
They will actively hunt down and consume anything that moves. Any appropriate sized insect is fine and some adults will take the occasional pink mouse. If you raise your own insects and they are well fed and supplemented, no additional vitamin supplementation is necessary.
Crocodile geckos should be fed crickets and mealworms as a main diet. Remove any extra crickets so that they don't cause your gecko any stress. Only feed them crickets that are approximately the same size as their head. They will eventually realize that they are being fed and come out of their hiding places. There should be a small shallow water dish for your pet to drink from. You should dust the crickets with calcium every feeding time. Multi vitamins should be fed to your crocodile gecko once a week so your crocodile gecko aquires the nutrition it requires. You should change the water daily to prevent parasites and harmful bacteria from growing in the water. A small bowl of calcium should be provided in your leopard gecko’s tank so they can lick from it when they need calcium.
[edit] Maintenance
Spot clean the tank every day, sift the sand once a week and change the water every day. Make sure to totally clean the tank every 2-3 weeks.
[edit] Health
These geckos have a reputation for being amazingly resilient to parasites and diseases. They are extremely hardy. The only consistent problem seems to be when the animal is shedding and the skin on the toes can become stuck if they do not have access to sufficient damp refuge.
[edit] Breeding
These geckos should be kept in true pairs. Unfortunately, even adult animals are difficult to sex. Males are said to be more robust in body size and have a wider head than females. However, even world famous gecko expert Arthur Loveridge wrote, “externally the sexes appear indistinguishable”.
Some breeders advocate a 2-4 week cooling down period to stimulate breeding activity. Two to four clutches of two eggs each are buried in a moist section of the substrate during the spring and summer. Eggs should be incubated at about 80ÂşF in dry sand or vermiculite. Dampen the substrate in one corner of the incubation dish away from the eggs and do not allow them to get wet. The young hatch in 2-2 1/2 months, depending on temperature. Hatchlings are about three-quarters of an inch long and feed on pin head crickets, fruit flies or other appropriate sized insects within a week of hatching. This species is cannibalistic so the young should be reared separately from the adults. Communal housing of young is possible but is not recommended and you should be prepared for missing toes and tails. The young are slow to mature, taking up to 2 years.
