Care Guide
Overview
- Common Name: Crocodile or Moorish Wall Gecko
- Scientific Name: Tarentola mauritanica
- Origin: Mediterranean regions such as Southern Europe or North Africa
- Size: 4-6 inches
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Temperament: Nocturnal, hard, and semi Arboreal
Enclosure Setup
Tank Size
- Minimum: 10-15 gallon for a single adult
- Recommended: 20 gallon vertical or tall enclosure
Substrate
- Our Mixture: Bio-active soil mix
Decor
- Vertical climbing surfaces such as branches
- Hides at varying heights
- Rock backgrounds
- Cork bark slabs
Temperature and Heating
Temperature Gradient
- Basking Spot: 85–90°F
- Daytime ambient: 75–85°F
- Night temps: Can drop to 65–72°F
Heating Equipment
- Halogen basking bulb (preferred)
- Ceramic heat emitter (if needed at night)
Humidity
- Target: 40-50% during the day with 60-70% at night and light misting
Lighting
- UVB: Recommended (Not optional for best health)
- Use 5-7% UVB tube placed over basking area
- Photoperiod: 12 hours daily
Diet
Staples
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Mealworms (in moderation)
- Small Superworms
Feeding Schedule
- Adults: 2-3 feedings per week
- Juveniles: Daily
Supplements
- Calcium:
- Without D3: 2-3x per week
- With D3: 1x per week
- Multivitamin: 1x per week
Water:
- Provide a shallow water dish at all times
Behavior and Handling
- Fast, alert, and not very handleable
- May drop tail if stressed
- Best kept as a display species
- Nocturnal hunters, are very active at night
Shedding
- Will occur regularly in healthy individuals
- Signs include dull coloration and reduced activity
To help:
- maintain a constant humidity
- provide rough surfaces
- occasional light misting
Health and Common Issues
Signs of a healthy individual
- Bright, smooth scales
- Clear eyes
- Strong feeding response
- Regular burrowing
Common Problems
- Dehydration: Wrinkled or leathery skin
- Shedding Issues: Low humidity
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Lack of calcium/UVB
- Parasites: Most prevalent in wild caught individuals
These are common health problems but if your animal is sick or having issues PLEASE CONSULT A REPTILE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Key Care Tips
- Provide lots of vertical texture, they love walls and climbing
- Rocky backgrounds can mimic their natural habitats
- Mist lightly at night
- Not recommended for handling, mostly a display species