Reptile · Gecko
Eastern spiny-tailed gecko care guide
Strophurus williamsi
The eastern spiny-tailed gecko is a intermediate-level gecko from Eastern Australia. Adults reach 10–12 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Needs thin branches and light evening misting. One pair at most.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 25–30°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a eastern spiny-tailed gecko cost in Canada?
Eastern spiny-tailed gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 10–12 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Eastern Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 25–30°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – small crickets, small roaches
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Eastern spiny-tailed gecko enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend8 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: 25–30°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a eastern spiny-tailed gecko eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, small roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Docile but may squirt sticky tail fluid; brief handling.
Health watch: Dehydration and stuck shed.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a eastern spiny-tailed gecko bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Eastern spiny-tailed gecko FAQ
Is the eastern spiny-tailed gecko good for beginners?
The eastern spiny-tailed gecko is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Docile but may squirt sticky tail fluid; brief handling.
What size enclosure does a eastern spiny-tailed gecko need?
At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a eastern spiny-tailed gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $300–800 CAD to buy, about $390–750 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a eastern spiny-tailed gecko need?
Temperature: 25–30°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a eastern spiny-tailed gecko eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, small roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.