By The Crocodile Gecko, also known as Tarentola mauritanica or Moorish Gecko, is a fascinating reptile found throughout North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. These geckos are typically light brown in color with dark spots and stripes, and they can reach a length of up to 8 inches. Crocodile geckos are nocturnal animals, and they prefer to live in warm, dry environments. They are excellent climbers and feed on a variety of insects. This gecko is also known as the common wall gecko. In this comprehensive care sheet, we will cover everything you need to know about keeping a Crocodile Gecko as a pet, including their habitat, diet, health, and breeding.
Table of Contents
- Quick Facts about Crocodile Gecko
- Background Information on the Crocodile Gecko
- Crocodile Gecko Habitat
- Lifespan of Crocodile Gecko
- Crocodile Gecko Size
- Crocodile Gecko Price and Cost
- Where to Buy a Crocodile Gecko
- Crocodile Gecko Tank Setup
- Crocodile Gecko Diet
- Crocodile Gecko Temperament
- Moorish Gecko Health Issues
- Are Moorish Geckos Good Pets?
- Do Crocodile Geckos Need UVB?
- Conclusion
Quick Facts about Crocodile Gecko
- Scientific Name: Tarentola mauritanica
- Common Names: Crocodile Gecko, Moorish Gecko, Common Wall Gecko
- Adult Size: Up to 8 inches in length
- Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity
- Diet: Insectivorous
- Distribution: Mediterranean region, North Africa, and Iberian Peninsula
- Special Features: Adhesive toe-pads for climbing, rough scaly skin resembling a crocodile
Background Information on the Crocodile Gecko
The Moorish Gecko is a common lizard species throughout Europe and northern Africa’s Mediterranean regions. This gecko is also known as the “Common Wall Gecko” in certain parts of North Africa. Moorish geckos are perfectly equipped to live in a variety of environments. They are great survivors that can adapt to different surroundings and thrive in many conditions.
Distribution
The range of the crocodile gecko in North Africa encompasses places such as Tunisia and Libya and regions below:
- Morocco
- Northern Libya
- Northern Egypt
- Northwestern Sahara
- Tunisia (Northern and Central)
The eastern-most population of this gecko species is found in North Africa, which also includes a small group living in the south of Western Sahara.
In Europe, the Moorish gecko can be found in:
- Southern France
- The Italian Coast
- Southern Slovenia
- The Croatian Coast
- The Southwest of Greece
- Most of the Iberian Peninsula
Outside of their natural range in the Mediterranean basin, Moorish geckos have established themselves in other regions of the world.
In cities and towns in areas below, invasive crocodile gecko colonies can be found.
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Portugal
- Argentina
- United States
Crocodile Gecko Habitat
In the Mediterranean region, crocodile geckos are typically found in mountainous regions. They like cliffs or shrubland with lots of nooks and crannies to hide in. This sort of environment is widespread in southern France and northern Africa, where these geckos are most numerous. However, these geckos are adaptable and readily exchange one setting for another, with ample hiding spaces and food supplies.
Moorish geckos can survive in any climate, regardless of latitude or elevation. Whether it’s in Northern Africa, Southern France, the Mediterranean zone, or North America, they’re adaptable.
Because it is able to live alongside humans, the Moorish gecko will almost certainly become a cosmopolitan species like the house gecko.
Lifespan of Crocodile Gecko
In captivity, the average longevity of a crocodile gecko is ten years. A pet Moorish gecko may live for up to 15 years if cared for properly. The Moorish gecko, unlike most reptiles, has a similar natural lifespan in the wild. This is due to its excellent disguise and hiding skills. As a result, Moorish geckos are able to avoid most predators and diseases.
Crocodile Gecko Size
The average crocodile gecko is 5.9 inches long, including the tail. The Moorish gecko is medium-sized for the whole gecko family. It’s tiny, however, in comparison to other pet gecko species. The tails of Moorish geckos are as long as, if not longer than, those of other gecko species. The tail may make up one-half to even a bit more than half of the entire length.
Crocodile Gecko Price and Cost
The Moorish gecko is a low-cost animal because it is prolific in captivity. You may expect to pay between $25 and $50 per gecko, depending on the breeder. The average purchase price for a moorish gecko (crocodile gecko) is between $20 and $30.
Where to Buy a Crocodile Gecko
These geckos are popular among hobbyists and breeders because of their simplicity in breeding. This variety of breeders implies that you may purchase crocodile geckos from a number of sources.
Reptile Expos and Repticons
A local reptile expo or your nearest reptile convention (Repticon) are two of the greatest locations to search for any sort of lizard or reptile you want to purchase. Repticon is a large international conclave that attracts breeders from all over the United States. Every applicant must go through a rigorous vetting process, which includes checking references and attending seminars. At a reptile expo, you’re almost certain to spot at least one vendor selling crocodile geckos.
Private Crocodile Gecko Breeders
Your next best choice is to purchase a Moorish gecko from a private breeder. If you’re unable to locate a reptile shop in your area, check out the Internet for local reptile forums. You’ll find lots of keepers who can assist you in finding the right one. If you don’t live near a breeder, you may purchase Moorish geckos over the internet. A simple Google search will provide you with a variety of trustworthy breeders that have these geckos for sale all year.
Pet Stores Selling Crocodile Geckos
Even if you discovered a store selling crocodile geckos, avoid buying these geckos from a pet shop. Some pet retailers are unsure if their animals come from the wild or how the geckos were kept before they came there. It’s critical to know whether the gecko was captured in the wild or captive-bred, since wild geckos require particular attention. In case your wild-caught gecko has internal or external parasites, you must treat them. Geckos from Europe are particularly susceptible to endemic species of Coccidia (an internal parasite) than those originating in other countries.
If you discover a pet shop that can connect you with the gecko breeder, it’s worth considering purchasing a crocodile gecko from them.
Crocodile Gecko Tank Setup
A Crocodile Gecko tank setup does not need to be fancy, but there are some basic requirements to keep them healthy. These include a heating lamp, light, water bowl, and humidity level between 40% and 60%. Additionally, they need plenty of hiding places, with some on the warm end and some on the cool end of the tank. By following these simple requirements, you can create a healthy and happy environment for your Crocodile Gecko.
Crocodile Geckos are nocturnal lizards that come from rocky regions. As such, they will appreciate the addition of plenty of hiding places in their habitat. One way to provide this is by using non-toxic silicone to glue together slate and other similar stones to form hides. This way, you can create rocky areas and distribute them throughout the habitat, which will mimic the Crocodile Gecko’s natural behavior.
By following these simple requirements, you can create a healthy and happy environment for your Crocodile Gecko.
Crocodile Gecko Diet
The diet of the crocodile gecko should be diversified and include a variety of insects. Moorish geckos need a balanced diet with several types of feeder to stay healthy. Fortunately, there are a variety of choices on the market. The following are just some of the alternatives:
- Crickets – Choose a size that is appropriate for your gecko. Overfeeding your pet with cricket food that is too large might cause harm.
- Mealworms are high-fat. Don’t overfeed your geckos them, as they have a lot of fat.
- Young superworms are high in protein and low in fat, making them an excellent food source for crocodile geckos.
- Black Soldier Fly Larvae – Choose a tiny size that’s still soft and easy for your gecko to digest. High in protein content.
Waxworms should not be fed to your geckos. They have a considerably higher fat content than the insects listed above and cause obesity in geckos.
Always dust your crocodile gecko’s food with a high-quality calcium powder to assure that it receives enough calcium.
They also require a lot of Vitamin D, so you should consider taking a multivitamin as well.
Crocodile Gecko Temperament
Crocodile Geckos are calm, peaceful reptiles that aren’t typically thought of as pets. These geckos are non-aggressive and will not attack you. They also won’t let you touch them. Crocodile geckos have a flighty nature and will flee from any attempts to handle them.
They’re show animals rather than pets, and if you pick them up, their tails will likely be lost.
Moorish Gecko Health Issues
The Common wall gecko (Moorish gecko) has a robust physique as well as a strong immune system. This species is not susceptible to disease, but it may be affected by the same disorders that afflict geckos.
Problems Shedding
Geckos kept in conditions with too little humidity are frequently unable to shed their skins. If you’re having trouble keeping your geckos hydrated, consider increasing the humidity in their enclosure (if it’s lacking). One of the greatest things you can do for your gecko is to provide them with a humid hide. A humidity hide is a plastic container with one exit and moist substrate inside. It has greater humidity, so the gecko may go inside when shedding.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) in Moorish Gecko
Calcium is required for the formation of bone. When there isn’t enough calcium in the diet, a deficiency of bone density develops. Make sure your geckos get a varied diet and enough calcium/minerals from an early age.
The most common symptom of MBD is a thin, brittle or spongy bone. In addition to general weakness, this can lead to a lack of strength and an inability to support the body’s weight.
If your reptile has bowed legs, a flabby jaw, or brittle bones, take it to an experienced veterinarian right away. A veterinarian will explain how to treat your pet and whether the condition is curable.
Parasites in Moorish Geckos
Several internal parasites can infect these geckos, especially if they are caught in the wild. The most typical diseases are coccidiosis and worms. If your gecko has wet droppings, is thin, or isn’t eating, take it to a veterinarian.
It’s a good idea to have your veterinarian do a parasite check-up once a year so you can treat the pet if required.
Are Moorish Geckos Good Pets?
If you don’t mind a showpiece pet rather than one you can handle, Moorish geckos are wonderful pets. The requirements of a crocodile gecko are few and easy to meet. They have a low incidence of disease, are non-aggressive, require little maintenance, and thrive on a diet consisting largely of insects with some plant matter added. If you think they’re beautiful, and don’t mind having a pet that you can only look at, then the Moorish gecko is perfect for you.
Do Crocodile Geckos Need UVB?
Crocodile geckos are nocturnal and don’t require UVB lighting to survive. Some hobbyists, on the other hand, claim that even if it isn’t vital, UVB lighting may be beneficial for nocturnal reptiles. Some people believe that UV light can help with a variety of health concerns, including skin conditions and auto-immune diseases. There’s also some evidence suggesting that UVB lighting might aid in the treatment of metabolic bone disease.
Conclusion
Moorish geckos, also known as crocodile geckos, common wall gecko, and Tarentola mauritanica, are fascinating pets for those who don’t mind a showpiece rather than one they can handle. These geckos have a low incidence of disease, are non-aggressive, require little maintenance, and thrive on a diet consisting largely of insects with some plant matter added. They’re beautiful, and don’t require UVB lighting to survive.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this comprehensive guide about crocodile geckos. From their natural history and distribution to their care in captivity, we’ve covered everything you need to know to provide your Moorish gecko with a healthy and happy home.
What’s your favorite gecko species? Let us know in the comments.