Smooth Knob Tail Gecko Care Sheet
The Smooth Knob Tail Gecko has become explosively popular among gecko enthusiasts that would like to transition to any animal that is a little more exciting and unique, as well as slightly different in care than some of the easier and more widely kept species of arid and tropical geckos that are normally kept and loved among many breeders and keepers alike.
Big heads, odd tails, huge eyes, and an endearing smile, these geckos are of great interest and can be very rewarding to keep. Like with any animal, it is important however to be familiar with what you are getting and what you need to do to make sure these amazing little reptiles live a long, happy, and healthy life with you.
What To Look For In A Smooth Knob Tail Gecko:
One of the Smooth Knob Tail Geckos most impressive traits are it's two big, beautiful eyes. Like two galaxies, they should be gorgeous and healthy. Clear and free of infection or irritation. Smooth Knob Tails should also have a strong, bulky body, and a nice plump (even through small) tail. There should be no feces caked to the vent or belly, and there should be no cuts or scale rot present.
Where Can I Find A Smooth Knob Tail Gecko:
Smooth Knob Tail Geckos are becoming more and more popular in the captive pet trade, and they're less needs for wild caught specimens. However, don't think you'll be walking into your local pet shop and find a cage full to pick from. Normally, you're best bet is to visit your next reptile expo, or find a trusted breeder in your area or even online. Even though these beautiful little geckos are being seen more often in more area's, they still can require a decent search to find a perfect specimen.
Housing:
A Smooth Knob Tail Gecko will exist decently in a 10 to 15 gallon tan, or in a rack system if you plan on keeping multiple animals. Females can be kept in groups of 2 to 3 in a 20 to 30 gallon tank, and of course as with all geckos, males should be housed separately from each other.
Heat:
Smooth Knob Tail Geckos tolerate a hot spot of about 85 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. A cool spot should be between 75 and 78 degrees. They do well with undertake heating, and should not be exposed to UVA or UVB because of their nocturnal nature.
Vitamins:
Provide these geckos with a calcium and vitamin supplement 3 to 4 times a week by dusting their meals lightly.
Diet:
Smooth Knob Tail Geckos often times do not present themselves as picky eaters, however they do have their preferences. Crickets and mealworms prove to be their favorites, and can make up the bulk of their entire diets. It is alright to offer butterworms, hornworms, waxworms, and roaches on occasion, however these should only be treats or used for breeding females and males.
Substrate:
The burrow loving Smooth Knob Tail Gecko will live well (and best) on a fine grain sand without calcium. They are an arid species, and sand is the best dry and loose substrate to use for them as long as the grains prove to be small, should the gecko ingest his or her substrate while feeding.
Hydration:
These geckos require slight humidity despite their arid origin. Mist their cage daily to once every other day, and keep a water dish with them in order to allow soaking and drinking.
Decor:
A Smooth Knob Tail Gecko only requires a hide to sleep in through the day, all else is up to you. Make sure to place only safe plants and decor in with any animal you own. Do your research if you plan on providing live plants for a vivarium, and do not crowd the tank.
Handling and Temperament:
Smooth Knob Tail Geckos will tolerate and even enjoy short periods of handling in a quiet room close to the floor. They are easily stressed in certain situations, and should under no circumstance be over-handled or exposed to too much activity while out of their cages. These animals do not mind being display animals, but will also accept touch from a gentle owner for a few minutes each day.
Conclusion:
Unique, interesting, and strange looking indeed, these fun little geckos can compliment the right enthusiast well, and although they do have needs that may not be for everyone, they are in the end becoming more and more popular in the captive pet trade, and for any gecko lover it is hard not to fall in love with their large heads, bulbous eyes, and odd tails!
