Defining Characteristics:

• Diurnal
• Easy to keep
• Light brown gecko with orange tail
• Small size = less expensive setup

Name: Sphaerodactylus sabanus, commonly known as the Saba least gecko, got its name from the single island of Saba it is endemic to in the Caribbean.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Adults should be kept alone or in pairs in a 12x12x12 or 12x12x18 enclosure. Because this species does not grow very large, upgrading adults to a larger enclosure is usually unnecessary. Coco fiber-based substrates or sand-soil substrates work well. A bioactive substrate can be made with BioBedding, springtails, and isopods. Keep the substrate slightly moist. A layer of leaf litter should be added on top of the substrate. 

Hides should be provided; cork bark and similar items work well. Climbing materials like rocks, driftwood, cork bark, and manzanita branches can be provided. Live plants are also a welcome addition.

Temperature (°F): Keep Saba least geckos between 75-80°. A heat source is not necessary if stable temperatures are maintained. If a heat source is provided, use a low wattage heat pad or bulb to prevent overheating. Temperature should be monitored with a digital thermometer. Night temperatures should not fall below 65°F.

Ferguson Zone 1 levels of UV light should be provided for your gecko. The Exo Terra TerraSky Spot Light or VivTech First Call SurSun work well, paired with Josh's Frogs Green Gro LED Light Fixture (12 inch, 18 Watt) which is excellent for plant growth!   Be sure to offer plenty of shade in the enclosure to avoid overexposure. 

Measure UV levels with the Josh's Frogs Model 6.5R Reptile UV Index Meter!

Humidity: Keep Saba least geckos at around 55-65% humidity. Plants can be added to provide humid microclimates. Ambient humidity should be monitored with a digital hygrometer. These geckos should be lightly misted daily or every other day provide dew on enclosure walls and cage items from which they can drink, but enough ventilation should be provided to allow the enclosure to dry out after a few hours. A shallow water dish can be provided but is not necessary with regular misting.

Size: Hatchlings measure just over an inch. Adults can reach just over 2.25 inches from head to tail.

Age: Saba least geckos are at least 4 weeks old when sold by Josh’s Frogs. It is estimated that these geckos live for 10-20 years in captivity.

Feeding: Saba least geckos sold by Josh’s Frogs are fed pinhead crickets and 1/8 inch crickets. These juveniles can also occasionally be offered extra small black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster fruit flies, and springtails. Adults should be fed a staple of 1/8 inch crickets, but can also be offered black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster fruit flies, dwarf white isopods, and bean beetles.

All feeder insects should be gutloaded and dusted with vitamin/mineral supplements, and can be offered in a food dish.

Sexing: Males typically have more prominent femoral pores (small openings along the inner thighs). These pores are more noticeable in males and may be less pronounced in females. Mature males may have noticeable bulges near the vent which aren't typically present in females.

Color/Pattern: Saba least geckos have a light brown body and an orange tail. A faint pattern is present on both males and females.

Social Behavior: This species is best kept alone or in a single pair.

Breeding: A light brumation period in the winter or longer days in the summer will help incite breeding. Females lay single eggs every 3-4 weeks in a secure area, and will often make use of strategically placed egg-laying tubes. Eggs hatch after 60-100 days depending on incubation temperatures.

Natural Range: These geckos are native to the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, where it can be found on Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts, and Nevis.

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: 

• IsleExplore Saba - Saba least gecko, Sphaerodactylus sabanus

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