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36 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 1  •  MARCH 2008

Ashy Geckos (Sphaerodactylus elegans elegans), native to Cuba and Hispaniola, have been introduced in the Florida Keys.

HEAGY AND FRANK



IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 1  •  MARCH 2008 37HUSBANDRY

Formerly considered a subfamily, Sphaerodactylinae, of the
cosmopolitan lizard family Gekkonidae, these small and

unique geckos, confined to the Western Hemisphere, have
recently been elevated to familial level as the Sphaerodactylidae,
a clade distinct from all other geckos. In addition to
Sphaerodactylus, other genera in the family include Aristelliger,
Coleodactylus, Gonatodes, Lepidoblepharis, and Pseudogonatodes.

Four species have been recorded as part of the fauna of the
United States. However, three and possibly all four of these are
thought to have been introduced. Little is known of the status
of one species, the Yellow-headed Gecko (Gonatodes albogularis),

beyond the fact that populations were in apparent decline.
Further consideration of this possibly extirpated species is
beyond the scope of this paper.

The remaining three species are known collectively as “Reef
Geckos,” and all are in the genus Sphaerodactylus, the Ashy Reef
Gecko (S. elegans), the Ocellated Reef Gecko (S. argus argus),
and the Florida Reef Gecko (S. notatus notatus), which is con-
sidered by some to be the only gecko native to Florida.

The beautiful coloration of the Reef Geckos is often cryp-
tic and their behavior is both bizarre and fascinating. Based on
observations in the field, supplemented with information on
captive maintenance gleaned from our own experience, we
describe the husbandry of the three species known to occur in
the Florida Keys.

When compared with most lizards, those in the genus
Sphaerodactylus are true dwarves. The world’s smallest known
land vertebrate is S. ariasae, found on Beata Island off the coast
of Hispaniola. Adults of this species average only 16 mm in
snout-vent length (SVL). However, the majority of species are
larger, with the “giant” of the genus, S, torrei from Cuba and the
Bahamas, reaching a SVL of 39 mm. However, their diminutive
size should not discourage husbandry of these hardy and engag-
ing geckos. They are easy to accommodate and are surprisingly
robust. Also, unlike many other geckos, many sphaerodactyls are

H U S B A N D R Y

Ashy Geckos prefer moist areas, and can be found in leaf litter and
other detritus, wood and rock piles, and under bark.

Reef Geckos (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus) range from extreme
southwestern mainland Florida, through the Florida Keys, the Dry
Tortugas, Cuba, and the Bahamas. They may be the only geckos native
to the United States.

The Reef Geckos of Florida
Tom Heagy1 and Phillip Frank2

1Apple Valley, Minnesota
2Field Associate, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco

Photographs by Phillip Frank except where indicated.

Sphaerodactylus ariasae, from Beata Island off the southern tip of
Hispaniola, is the world’s smallest amniote (which includes reptiles,
birds, and mammals, vertebrates with embryos surrounded by fluid-
filled membranes). Adults of this species average only 16 mm in snout-
vent length.

S.
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active during the day. One major concern in keeping these
species in captivity is aggressive behavior among individuals of
the same sex. For the potential Sphaerodactylus owner, we sug-
gest that only groups of two should be kept together, as even
females can become overtly aggressive toward each other, often
resulting in the death of the subordinate animal.

In their native habitats, sphaerodactyls are secretive. They
typically are found in leaf litter, under old boards and trash piles,
inside walls, and under rocks and logs, in fact, anywhere offer-
ing suitable cover, food, and security from predators. They can
occur communally in high population densities, and communal
egg laying has been observed. On some of the Florida Keys, all
three species occur in sympatry.

Ashy Geckos 
(Sphaerodactylus elegans elegans)

The Ashy Reef Gecko was introduced into Florida. The species
is native to Cuba and Hispaniola, with the nominate subspecies
(that in Florida) endemic to Cuba. This is the largest of the three
species, with a maximum SVL to 39 mm. Ground color varies
from golden tan to dark rusty brown in adults. The entire dor-
sum is covered by tiny whitish-cream to yellow spots, conjoin-

ing on the head and tail to form a worm-like pattern. Males and
females both exhibit similar patterns, but sexing can be accom-
plished by visual inspection of adults. Males generally have well-
developed preanal pores and hemipenial bulges. Also, as with
most sphaerodactyls, males exhibit a shiny, reflective patch of
scales (“escutcheon patch”) just anterior to the vent where the
two rows of preanal pores meet. By holding an animal in a clear
glass container and examining the ventral area, individuals can
be sexed without being harmed (or the eyes of the keeper being
unduly strained).

Hatchlings and juveniles are strikingly colored. Interspersed
black and yellowish-tan bands on a purplish-gray head and a green
body with a crimson tail and red legs make them one of the most
beautiful geckos. As they grow, the colors diminish, with the band-
ing fading into the adult pattern in just a few short months.

These shy animals often are found near human habitation.
They are diurnal and crepuscular. They prefer moist areas, and
can be found in leaf litter and other detritus, wood and rock
piles, and under bark. Although predominately terrestrial, they
are the most arboreal of the group and can be observed in search
of food on fences, and high in trees under bark or on walls near
lights at night.

This is a hardy and adaptable species. A standard 2.5-gal-
lon aquarium is suitable for a pair of these animals. Keeping this
species in larger groups is not recommended. The cage should
be furnished with a 2-inch substrate composed of equal parts
topsoil and sand. Cover in the form of overturned plant crocks,
bark, and rocks should be provided. Loose, dry leaves offer addi-
tional security. Live plants are useful for cover and to help main-
tain proper humidity levels. Branches for climbing may be ben-
eficial, and, if the back wall of the terrarium is covered with
pieces of bark or similar material, this will increase the surface
area of the terrarium and provide additional hiding places by
more accurately simulating natural habitat.

A water dish will rarely be used. The animals get plenty of
water from daily sprayings of half of the terrarium, which should
keep half of the terrarium substrate moist — but not wet.
Temperatures in the terrarium should range from 24–30 °C

38 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 1  •  MARCH 2008 HEAGY AND FRANK

Sphaerodactyls are secretive. They typically are found in leaf litter,
under old boards and trash piles, inside walls, and under rocks and
logs, in fact, anywhere offering suitable cover, food, and security from
predators. In the Florida Keys, they often are associated with humans
and their debris. 

Ground color on the Ashy Gecko varies from golden tan to dark rusty
brown in adults. The entire dorsum is covered by tiny whitish-cream
to yellow spots.



IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 1  •  MARCH 2008 39HUSBANDRY

(75–85 °F). A small, slightly warmer area should be provided to
allow for proper thermoregulation, which helps encourage
reproduction. Lighting for the enclosure is not necessary;
enough indirect light to allow the animals to differentiate the
photoperiod is sufficient. If lighting is desirable, fluorescents and
low-wattage spots should be considered. Be careful to avoid
overheating a small enclosure.

As insectivores, geckos are best fed appropriately sized prey
items such as small crickets, roaches, wax worms, fruit flies,
isopods, house flies, and field sweepings. Prey items should be
dusted with calcium and/or vitamin supplements at every feed-
ing. Feed every other day, although breeding and gravid females
may require daily feedings to maintain proper body weight.

Breeding this species is not problematic. Instead of spray-
ing once a day, regularly spray twice a day for a period of up to
several weeks to ensure that at least half of the substrate stays
moist. This is an important factor in initiating breeding activity.
Raising the average temperature in the terrarium also may help,
as this further increases the lizards’ activity levels.

After fertilization, a female will lay within 18–30 days. She
can produce a single hard-shelled oblong egg every two weeks
for over two months after the initial pairing. Gravid females
carry one very large egg easily seen through the ventral skin. Eggs
are usually deposited in a concealed area directly on the sub-

strate, in crevices, or under other objects. They frequently
deposit their eggs in the transition zone between the wet and dry
areas in the terrarium. In situ incubation is possible, and young
can be reared with the parents until sexual maturity. At that time
the males will begin engaging in aggressive behavior toward one
another. We prefer to remove the eggs for incubation on a dry
substrate in a bottle cap or similar container placed in a cup
filled with saturated perlite or vermiculite. The ambient humid-
ity will provide all the moisture the eggs require, but direct con-
tact with moisture can be fatal to the embryo. Fruit-fly mesh lids
are applied to prevent the tiny hatchlings from escaping while
allowing proper ventilation. Suitable temperatures for incuba-
tion are in the 25–30 °C (78–85 °F) range. The brightly colored
young hatch in 50–85 days.

Young can be reared in jars, small terraria, or our preferred
method, in 32-ounce deli cups outfitted with a fruit fly mesh
lid. An inch or so of soil is placed in the bottom of the cup, with
egg cartons torn and crumpled and set into stacks inside the cup
to provide cover and access to both moist and dry areas. Provide
similar care as for the adults; however, young animals should be
fed every day, with supplements used at every feeding. By 5–8
months of age, the young have lost their striking juvenile colors,
and the males are now sexually identifiable. We suggest holding
animals back from breeding until at least one year of age.

These shy animals (Sphaerodactylus elegans) often are found near or on
human habitation.

Female Ashy Geckos usually deposit eggs in a concealed area directly
on the substrate, in crevices, or under other objects.

At 5–8 months of age, young Ashy Geckos lose their striking juvenile colors (left), but bands may remain apparent for a little longer.



Ocellated Geckos 
(Sphaerodactylus argus argus)

This species has been introduced into the Florida Keys and is
native to Cuba and Jamaica. Ocellated Geckos are a rare find in
the Florida Keys, found only on two islands and just recently
rediscovered after a 26-year hiatus between sightings! These
diminutive geckos have a SVL to 33 mm. Ground color ranges
from all shades of brown to olive, and, as the name suggests, tiny
white ocelli occur above the shoulders and nape and on the
head, collectively forming four broken stripes that start at the
nose and fade about mid-body. The body has many single-scaled
white spots. Juveniles have a pattern similar to that of adults, but
with an orange wash, which may persist into adulthood, pre-
dominately on the tail. Adult patterning appears at about four
months of age. Mature males exhibit clearly defined preanal
pores and hemipenial bulges.

This is easily the most cryptic of our resident sphaero-
dactyls. These geckos are found in leaf litter and debris around
buildings. They are more moisture-dependant than the other
Florida Reef Geckos, and prefer habitat with ready access to
freshwater, such as gardens and mulched areas near buildings.

A terrarium designed for these animals should incorporate
all of the aspects listed for S. elegans elegans, but particular atten-
tion to adequate cover must be addressed. A thick substrate con-
sisting of a 50–70% sand and black topsoil mixture is a preferred
choice. Leaf litter cover is a must. Use dry, sanitized maple or oak
leaves, and cover a majority of the cage floor, piling the leaves
against the cage walls and objects to increase the number of hid-
ing places. Provision of a background of rock when dealing with
these species seems beneficial, although they are primarily terres-
trial. A structural focal point, such as a cork flat or overturned
plant crock, is a necessity as well. The terrarium should be
sprayed daily, enough to keep half of the floor substrate moist —
but not wet. Suitable temperature values are 27–30 °C (80–85
°F), with a small “hot spot” for thermoregulation. A temperature
drop at night can be tolerated if it is less than 6 °C (~10 °F).

These insectivorous lizards should be fed appropriately
sized crickets, roaches, isopods, fire brats, wax worms, and fruit
flies every other day. Breeding or laying females should be
offered food daily, as should hatchlings. Dust prey items at every
feeding with vitamin and/or mineral supplement.

Slightly raising ambient temperatures and increasing spray-
ings to twice a day is the tried-and-true method for inducing
breeding. Be careful not to over-saturate the terrarium substrate.
The second spraying of the day is needed only to spike the rel-
ative humidity.

Eggs are incubated at temperatures of 25–30 °C (78–85
°F), with humidity levels of 60–90% appearing adequate. Young
will hatch in 40–70 days and thrive under similar conditions as
the parents. House them in small terraria, jars, or large deli cups.
Feed daily with supplement-dusted prey items.

Reef Geckos 
(Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus)

Reef Geckos range from extreme southwestern mainland Florida,
through the Florida Keys, north along the southeastern Florida
coast to Fort Lauderdale, and across the Dry Tortugas, Cuba, and
the Bahamas. These small geckos attain a maximum SVL of 34

mm. Their most striking feature is the strongly keeled, overlap-
ping scales, which are reminiscent of fish scales. The colors are
deep earth tones, with the ground color generally a rich shade of
brown. Body and tail are covered in dark spots. This species
exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females having three broad

40 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 1  •  MARCH 2008 HEAGY AND FRANK

Upward-directed eyes, clearly evident in this Ocellated Gecko
(Sphaerodactylus argus argus), facilitate detection of predators from
within leaf litter. Ocellated Geckos are native to Cuba and Jamaica but
have become established in the Florida Keys.

Leaf-litter cover is a must for housing sphaerodactyls such as this
Ocellated Gecko. Use dry, sanitized maple or oak leaves to cover a
majority of the cage floor.

Like most sphaerodactyls, Ocellated Geckos produce a single oblong egg.



IGUANA  •  VOLUME 15, NUMBER 1  •  MARCH 2008 41HUSBANDRY

stripes on the head and a pair of white “eye” spots on the shoul-
ders. Males are essentially spotted all over, including the head.
They possess hemipenial bulges and preanal pores.

Reef Geckos are leaf-litter dwellers by preference, but also
can be found in rock piles and under debris around human habi-
tation. For captive maintenance, a 2.5-gallon terrarium is ade-
quate for a pair of this species. A thick substrate should consist
of black topsoil and sand in a 1:1 ratio. The terrarium should be
planted with live plants, such as Pothos, Philodendron, or any
other good ground cover. An overturned, broken crock or piece
of cork bark should be provided for cover. Scatter dried, sanitized
maple or oak leaves over a majority of the terrarium floor.
Indirect lighting is sufficient, if proper temperatures can be main-
tained. The gradient inside the terrarium should be 24–30 °C
(75–85 °F) during the day, with a drop of 2–3 °C (~5–6 °F) at
night. Animals should be misted at least once a day, with more
than 50% of the terrarium floor kept moist — but not wet. A
water dish is unnecessary as sphaerodactyls are strictly droplet
drinkers, although it might serve to maintain proper humidity.

Reef Geckos are insectivorous. Feed appropriately sized
fruit flies, crickets, roaches, wax worms, fire brats, and isopods
every other day. Breeding or laying females and hatchlings
should be offered food daily. Dust with a vitamin and/or min-
eral supplement at every feeding.

As with the other sphaerodactyls, reproduction can be ini-
tiated with a slight temperature increase and by increasing the
number of sprayings per day. Be careful not to soak the substrate
too much; if moisture levels are adequate, spray only enough to
raise the relative humidity.

A female will produce a single oblong egg about 14–21
days after impregnation, and will continue to produce 2–4 more
every 14–28 days. Eggs are generally laid directly on the surface,
in a crack or fissure, or in curled leaves. Be extremely careful
when searching for them. Eggs can be incubated in situ, but we
recommend removal for incubation. Incubation is the same as
for S. elegans, except the young hatch in 45–60 days.

Newly hatched S. notatus are extremely large, often 25 mm
in total length. House them separately in deli cups or small ter-

raria under conditions like those of the adults. They begin to
lose juvenile coloration at 3–4 months of age, with males begin-
ning to develop noticeable preanal pores and hemipenial bulges
at 5 months. They are sexually mature by 8–10 months under
captive conditions, but we suggest holding animals back until
12 months of age for breeding purposes.

Summary
The small size and undemanding nature of these animals, cou-
pled with an inherent hardiness, wide array of behaviors, and
attractive appearance make them worthy of attention. Whether
you’re a serious herpetoculturist or an inexperienced hobbyist,
they are well suited for those with limited time and space avail-
ability, and are very economical as well. They require very little
lighting or heating. The only regular investment for keeping
these animals healthy is a reliable supply of small insects.
Additionally, they are prolific under captive conditions, making
them a fun and educational terrarium subject.

Furthermore, the frustration of acquiring these animals is
coming to an end. Groups of dedicated hobbyists and
researchers are working to ensure a solid understanding of hus-
bandry needs and an ability to provide a captive-bred supply of
these animals. As more hobbyists learn about their husbandry
and ease of care, Reef Geckos will soon become commonly avail-
able species.

Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Yuri Huta and Jay Sommers for breeding infor-
mation and photographs.

References
Henkel, F.W. and W. Schmidt. 1995. Geckoes: Biology, Husbandry, and

Reproduction. Krieger Publishing Co., Malabar, Florida.

Henkel, F.W. and W. Schmidt. 2003. Professional Breeders Series: Geckos – All
Species In One Book. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Krysko, K.L. and K.J. Daniels. 2005. A key to the geckos (Sauria: Gekkonidae)
of Florida. Caribbean Journal of Science 41:28–36.

Meshaka, W.E., Jr., B.P. Butterfield, and J.B. Hauge. 2004. Exotic Amphibians
and Reptiles of Florida. Krieger Publishing Co., Malabar, Florida.

Schwartz, A. and R.W. Henderson. 1991. Amphibians and Reptiles of the West
Indies: Descriptions, Distributions, and Natural History. University of
Florida Press, Gainesville.

Reef Geckos (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus) exhibit sexual dimor-
phism, with females (right) having three broad stripes on the head and
a pair of white “eye” spots on the shoulders. Males (left) are essentially
spotted all over, including the head.

Reef Geckos are leaf-litter dwellers by preference, and dried, sanitized
maple or oak leaves should cover the majority of the terrarium floor.




