Defining characteristics:

• Nocturnal
• Easy to keep
• Tiny gecko
• Aggressive feeders
• Small size = less expensive setup

Name: Saurodactylus brosseti. Known as both the Morocco lizard-fingered gecko or Moroccan lizard gecko. As their name suggets, they are found primarily in Morocco.  

Recommended Enclosure Size: Despite their small size, these lizards are aggressive predators; males are very territorial, and females/juveniles may bully each other as well, so they are best kept solo or as a sexed pair. A single adult can be housed in an 8x8x8 glass enclosure, though an adult pair should be provided with at least a 12x12x12 enclosure. Because hatchlings and juveniles are very small, any accessible escape routes must be secured! Natural sand substrates work really well for this species, provided calcium-based or vitamin-based sands are avoided. Provide plenty of hiding places; slate, cork flats, live oak bark, or even everyday items like overturned flower saucers work well. Though they are fairly terrestrial, they will make use of climbing material. Rocks, driftwood, cholla wood, and cork bark can be provided. This species has been observed digging, and since they’re small and at risk of being crushed, we strongly recommend ensuring that any heavy enclosure items are securely placed and supported by the bottom of the enclosure instead of the substrate. 

Temperature: During the day, Moroccan lizard geckos should be kept at temperatures ranging from 78-82F with a basking spot of 90-95 F. A small heat source such as a heat pad or mini halogen bulb works best for this small species. Despite being a nocturnal species, UVB lighting for this species is a matter of debate. If UVB light is used, a 2.0 or 5.0 bulb should be used, and shaded areas should be provided in the enclosure. Temperatures should not fall below 68 F at night. Monitor ambient and basking temperatures using a digital thermometer.  

Humidity: Moroccan lizard geckos should be provided with a wet hide and every 2-3 days one side of their enclosure should be misted to increase humidity levels and to provide water droplets on the enclosure walls and other cage items from which the geckos can drink. The enclosure should have enough ventilation that it dries out after several hours. A shallow water dishcan be provided but is not necessary with regular misting. Live plants such as succulents will help create humid microclimates within the enclosure. Monitor ambient humidity with a digital hygrometer. 

Size:  Moroccan lizard geckos are about 2 inches as adults and only ½ to ¾ inches as hatchlings. 

Age: These geckos are at least 4 weeks old when sold by Josh’s Frogs. It is estimated that these geckos may live for up to 10 years in captivity.

Feeding: Moroccan lizard geckos sold by Josh’s Frogs are fed pinhead crickets. These juveniles can also be occasionally offered extra small black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster fruit flies, and springtails. Adults should be fed a staple of  ⅛-inch crickets, but can also be offered black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster and hydei fruit flies, dwarf white isopods, and bean beetles. All feeder insects should be gut loaded and dusted with vitamin/mineral supplements, and can be offered in a food dish.

Sexing:  These geckos are not sexually dimorphic. Females are slightly larger compared to males. Males exhibit a thicker tail base than females, but a more reliable identification is by their shiny scales between their hind legs, which can be identified by shining a light against their ventral area at different angles to see if the scales reflect light. Males also have a thicker tail base than females.

Color/Pattern:  Adults are grey to olive green bodies with white glittery dots on their body. Their tails are ringed in yellow and grey/green. There are several locales, resulting in several different color variants. The hatchlings and juveniles have a matted black body with a reddish tail. 

Social Behavior: Males are very territorial, and females or juveniles may bully one another, so this species is best kept alone or as a sexed pair. Even pairs are occasionally aggressive towards one another, especially if there is a size difference; separate if there are signs of fighting (individuals will have small wounds, looking almost like small pieces of stuck shed, around their body if being attacked by another individual).

Breeding:  A resting period for male and female with a sufficient temperature drop should be provided to incite breeding. Females will lay her eggs in the substrate and mound sand up around the edges. It’s best to leave the eggs with the parents since they don’t bother them. If you remove them though, place them individually on a bottle cap filled with sand. Place the cap in a container with a moist medium to keep humidity. Incubate at around 82 degrees. Set up hatchlings like adults.

Natural Range:  Moroccan lizard geckos (Saurodactylus brosseti) are endemic to Africa, Morocco specifically, mainly located west of the Great Atlas Mountains. 

History in the Hobby: Despite being not too difficult to keep and breed, captive bred individuals are not often readily available. We’re excited to make this micro gecko more popular and available!

Links of Interest:

Dwarf Geckos Care Sheet - An excellent resource on Saurodactylus brosseti from the Dwarf Geckos website.

Supreme Gecko Care Sheet - Another great resource from Supreme Geckos.

Still not sure if the Moroccan lizard gecko from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!