Rough Knob Tail Gecko Care Sheet
These rough, sandy geckos with their explosive personalities and bulging eyes are taking over the gecko pet trade, attracting many reptile enthusiasts alike. With so many wonderful things about them, rough knob tail geckos can make rewarding additions to your gecko collection.
Like always, it is important to do your research and find out all you can on these interesting little creatures before you commit to one, and hopefully this short little fact sheet will assist you in your search!
What To Look For In A Rough Knob Tail Gecko:
Rough Knob Tail Geckos should have clear eyes and fat tails! These are their main unique assets, and they should be beautiful and worthy of being shown off. Their legs should be strong, and they should be willing to rise up and give their full attention to anyone who is handling them. Like with any gecko, they should have no scale rot or open wounds, nor should you ignore any regrown tails or missing toes.
Where Can I Find A Rough Knob Tail Gecko:
Rough Knob Tail Geckos are slowly rising in popularity with the reptile pet trade, however sometimes they can be difficult to find. Pet stores almost never carry such animals; normally your best bets will be reptile expos in your area, and even some online options.
Housing:
Rough Knob Tail Geckos can be housed in a simple set up. A 10 gallon tank will house a single gecko, and a 20 gallon can house a breeding trio of one male and two females, however often times these guys do best when housed separately except for breeding. Never house two males together, they will fight!
Heat:
Rough Knob Tail Geckos are desert dwellers, and should be given a hot spot of 85 to 88 degrees F, and a cool side of 75 to 79 F. These are nocturnal animals, therefor they do not require lighting of any kind. UVA or UVB are not needed. Under-tank heat is best.
Vitamins:
Dust you geckos food with a calcium and vitamin supplement 3 to 4 times weekly.
Diet:
Rough Knob Tail Geckos can be little pigs. They prefer a main diet of crickets and worms, however the author successfully keeps her's on a diet of mainly superworms. They will also accept hornworms, waxworms, butterworms, and occasional roaches.
Substarte:
Rough Knob Tail Geckos are burrowing geckos, and they do best kept on a fine grain reptile specific sand. This is the main substrate recommended for this species, as impaction is not a concern for adult animals. Newly hatched babies can be kept on paper towels till they begin feeding.
Hydration:
The Rough Knob Tail Gecko does not have a serious need for humidity, although water is important. Mist their enclosure about twice a week, and always keep a water dish in with them for shedding and occasional drinking.
Decor:
These geckos, like many other's, don't require much. They only need a hide to sleep in through the day, and the rest is up to you. They are wonderful specimens to keep in naturalistic vivariums, and do well with live plants and decor that is safe and well researched.
Handling and Temperament:
Rough Knob Tail Geckos are not fans of handling. They can be aggressive, often barking and threatening to bite when disturbed. Although they can be tamed, handling can still stress them and should be kept to a minimum. Their close cousin the Smooth Knob Tail Gecko is much more tolerant of handling.
Conclusion:
Feisty and mostly best for display, these interesting little geckos have big attitudes and lots of interesting characteristics. They are easy to care for, and therefor are attractive to many who don't mind an animal that does not care for handling. If after reading this care sheet, you find your interest in Rough Knob Tail Geckos has grown since the start, then happy hunting!
