Defining Characteristics: 

• Small desert species
• Active climbers
• Nocturnal
• Hardy and easy to breed
• Beautiful patterning
• Do well in large groups

Name: Pachydactylus tigrinus. Its common name, the thick-toed tiger gecko, refers to the bright yellow bands across its body and its thick toe pads which allows it to climb even smooth surfaces well.

 
Recommended Enclosure Size: A 12x12x12 enclosure can house a pair or trio, with larger enclosures housing more geckos. Males can be housed with a number of females, provided there is enough space and food. This species does well even when housed in large groups. Sand as a substrate can work provided humid hides are present in the enclosure, but a substrate that holds a small amount of moisture, such as DigIt or a sand/coco fiber mixture, is preferred. Desert BioBedding with isopods (dwarf whites or dairy cows or giant canyons all work well), springtails, and succulents can be used to create a beautiful and bioactive semiarid enclosure! Hides should be provided; cork flats, slate, or even everyday items like overturned flower saucers work well. These active climbers will take full advantage of rocks, driftwood, manzanita branches, cork bark, and other climbing material. They may occasionally dig, so heavy items should be supported by the bottom of the enclosure and not by the substrate.
 
Temperature: Keep thick-toed tiger geckos at 75-85 F. Use a basking bulb to provide a basking spot of 90-95 F. Mini halogen bulbs work well for small enclosures. Do not allow ambient temperatures to rise above 100 F. Temperature should be monitored with a digital thermometer, and hot spot can be checked with an infrared thermometer or temperature gun. Night temperatures can drop to 68 F. 
 
Humidity: This species should be kept at a humidity level between 50-60% though will generally tolerate lower humidity so long as a humid hide is provided. Regardless, a humid hide is recommended, which this species will use for shedding, laying eggs, and hydrating. Ambient humidity should be monitored with a digital hygrometer. These geckos should be lightly misted daily or every other day to moisten a portion of the substrate and 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. A shallow water dish can be provided but is not necessary with regular misting.
 
Size: Thick-toed tiger geckos are at least an inch long when sold by Josh’s Frogs. Adults reach around 3-4 inches from head to tail.
 
Age: Thick-toed tiger geckos sold by Josh’s Frogs are at least 2 months old. This species can live up to 10-15 years in captivity.
 
Feeding: Thick-toed tiger geckos are insectivores and will thrive on a diet of our feeder insects. A staple of crickets works best, with other small feeder insects (dubia roaches, waxworms, small mealworms) occasionally offered. A good rule of thumb for size is to only offer insects whose length does not exceed the space in between the gecko’s eyes. Generally, hatchling thick-toed tiger geckos should be fed insects measuring around ⅛-inch, with subadults and adults being moved up to ¼-inch insects. Feeder insects should be gutloaded and dusted with a vitamin/mineral supplement. A food dish is not necessary but will minimize the number of bugs that escape and hide among the enclosure. 
 
Sexing: This species can be tricky to sex; while males exhibit hemipenal bulges at the base of the tail, these are inconspicuous and often difficult to observe. Females are generally larger than males. 
 
Color/Pattern: Thick-toed tiger geckos have a brown base color and are covered with deep or pale yellow stripes, along with pale yellow to white spotting. Their bright pattern bears a striking contrast to their typically dark body color.
 
Social Behavior: Males are territorial but can be kept with numerous females with no issues, provided enough space and food. This species does well even when kept in large groups.
 
Breeding: These species will typically readily breed without any cycling or brumation period. Females will lay pairs of eggs in the substrate (or a humid hide, if one is provided) every 3-4 weeks. Males should be removed occasionally to provide females a break from breeding.
 
Natural Range: Thick-toed tiger geckos live in dry savannas in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. 
 
History in the Hobby: Captive-bred thick-toed tiger geckos are available but not common in the hobby. Their simple care and hardy nature makes them a great beginner pet for those looking for a climbing arid species!

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