Helmeted Gecko

The helmeted gecko (Geckonia chazaliae) is a small, chunky gecko from the foggy Atlantic coast of northwest Africa. It gets its name from the bony-looking ridge of scales on the back of its head, which makes it look as if it is wearing a little helmet.

Helmeted gecko Quick Facts

Common name	Helmeted gecko
Scientific name	Tarentola chazaliae (formerly Geckonia chazaliae)
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Squamata
Family	Phyllodactylidae
Genus	Tarentola
Conservation status	Vulnerable
Type	Reptile; ground-living gecko
Diet	Insects; hatchlings eat small crickets
Habitat	Rocky coastal areas; hides under rocks by day
Native range	Coast of Morocco and nearby areas
Size	Hatchlings 1.5 in; adults about 4 in
Special feature	No toe pads, so it cannot climb smooth surfaces

Where Helmeted Geckos Live

Helmeted geckos live along the coast from Morocco and Western Sahara south into Mauritania. Their home is a coastal desert with sand, stones and low shrubs. It rarely rains there, but thick fog often rolls in from the ocean at night and in the early morning.

During the day, helmeted geckos hide under rocks, in burrows or under debris. They come out in the evening and at night to hunt. Their sandy, speckled colors help them blend in with pebbles and sand.

What Helmeted Geckos Look Like

Hatchlings are only about 4 cm (1.5 in) long. Adults reach about 8-10 cm (3-4 in) in total length, with females usually a little bigger than males. They have a large head, a plump body and a short, thick tail.

Colors range from sandy tan and pinkish brown to gray, often with white spots, bands or stripes. Each gecko’s pattern is a little different, which is one reason reptile keepers find them so interesting.

Unlike geckos that climb walls, helmeted geckos have no sticky toe pads, so they cannot climb smooth surfaces. They are ground-dwellers that walk on tiptoe and dig in the sand.

Fun Facts

• Helmeted geckos drink water droplets from fog that condense on their bodies and on nearby rocks.
• They make squeaking or clicking sounds when they feel threatened.
• When alarmed, they may raise up on their legs and open their mouths to look bigger.
• Geckonia chazaliae is the only species in its genus.

Helmeted Geckos as Pets

Helmeted geckos are calm, small and fascinating to watch, but they are a less common pet and are best for keepers who already have some experience with reptiles.

Housing

A pair or small group can live in an enclosure of about 20 gallons (75 liters), with more floor space than height. Keep only one male per enclosure, because males may fight. Provide several hiding places, such as rocks, cork bark or small clay pots, since these shy geckos like to tuck themselves into tight gaps.

Substrate

A mix of sand and soil works well and lets the geckos dig. Paper towels are an easy, clean choice for young geckos or for a quarantine tank. Keep the substrate mostly dry and remove waste regularly.

Humidity and Water

Even though they live in a desert, helmeted geckos are used to damp, foggy nights. Provide a “humid hide”: a small closed container with an entrance hole, filled with damp sphagnum moss. This copies the moist ground they would find under rocks in the wild.

Mist one side of the enclosure lightly in the evening so the geckos can drink droplets, and offer a shallow dish of clean water. Avoid making the whole tank wet, which can cause skin and breathing problems.

Heating and Lighting

Place a heat mat or heat lamp at one end so the gecko can choose its temperature. Aim for about 85-90°F (29-32°C) at the warm end and 75-80°F (24-27°C) at the cool end, with a small drop at night. Many keepers also add low-level UVB lighting, which may help with healthy bones.

Food

Helmeted geckos are insect-eaters. In the wild they are ambush hunters: they sit still and wait for insects to come close, then grab them. In captivity, feed them small crickets, roaches or other gut-loaded insects no bigger than the space between the gecko’s eyes. Dust the insects with a calcium and vitamin powder.

Handling

Helmeted geckos rarely bite and often sit calmly in your hand. Their legs are small and delicate, so always handle them gently and close to the ground, and never squeeze them. Keep handling sessions short and wash your hands afterward.

Breeding

Adult males have a noticeable bulge at the base of the tail, which makes it fairly easy to tell males from females. Females lay clutches of one or two eggs, often every few weeks during the breeding season, adding up to several clutches a year. The eggs are usually incubated at about 79-90°F (26-32°C). Hatching times vary a lot, but many eggs hatch after roughly two to three months.

Helmeted gecko FAQs

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