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Moroccan lizard gecko (Saurodactylus brosseti) is endemic to Africa, specifically Morocco. They are primarily found west of the Great Atlas Mountains. 

COLORATION

Adults are grey to olive green bodies with white glittery dots on their body. Their tails are ringed in yellow and grey/green. With several locations there are several different color variants. The hatchlings and juveniles have a matted black body with a reddish tail. 

HOUSING

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.

These nocturnal, primarily terrestrial geckos live in rock outcrops and crevices. They should be provided with 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. 

During the day, Moroccan lizard geckos should be kept at temperatures ranging in the high 70’s to low 80’s, with a basking spot of 90-95F. If a heat source is provided, use a low wattage heat pad or bulb to prevent overheating. Despite being a nocturnal species, UV lighting for this species is a matter of debate. If UV 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.

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 dish can be provided but is not necessary with consistent misting. Live plants will help create humid microclimates within the enclosure.

Both temperature and humidity should be monitored with a digital thermometer/hygrometer. The hot spot can be checked with an infrared thermometer or temperature gun.

SIZE

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

DIET

The Moroccan lizard geckos are insectivores. While their small size limits what bugs they can be offered in captivity, we supply all of the insects your Morrocan lizard gecko will need. A staple diet of pinhead crickets works best for juveniles. Melanogaster fruit flies, springtails, and small white isopods can also be offered to juveniles. Adults should be fed a staple of ⅛” inch crickets, but can also be offered extra small black soldier fly larvae, dwarf white isopods, hydei and melanogaster fruit flies, and bean beetles. Feeder insects should be gut loaded and dusted with a vitamin/mineral supplement. A food dish is not necessary but will help contain insects.

SEX

These geckos are not sexually dimorphic. Females are slightly larger compared to males. Males have shiny scales vertically between their hind legs. They also have a thickened tail base.

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.

LINKS OF INTEREST

http://www.dwarfgeckos.com/other_dwarf/s_b/saurodactylus_brosseti.php - an excellent resource on Saurodactylus brosseti from the Dwarf Geckos website.

http://www.supremegecko.com/saurodactylus-brosseti - another excellent resource from Supreme Gecko.