{"product_id":"common-thick-tailed-gecko","title":"Common Thick-tailed Gecko | Underwoodisaurus milii","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Common Thick-tailed Gecko, also known as the Barking Gecko for the sharp call it gives when threatened, is a robust, ground-dwelling nocturnal species with a plump carrot-shaped tail and large dark eyes. Hardy, easy to feed and full of attitude, it is a rewarding terrestrial gecko.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild it is widespread across southern Australia, sheltering by day under rocks, logs and in burrows across rocky outcrops, open woodland and semi-arid country, and emerging at night to hunt. Natural origin for this listing is southern Australia. The enclosure should recreate a dry floor with a clear temperature gradient, cave-like hides and a slightly damp retreat rather than a humid, planted set-up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA healthy gecko is deep purple-brown to reddish-brown, often scattered with pale yellow or white spots, with a thick tail used to store fat, clear eyes and good body condition. Adult size is generally 12–14 cm total length, so the animal should never be purchased only for its current size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is best described as bold and defensive; when startled it stands tall, waves its tail and gives its distinctive bark, though it usually settles with gentle, regular handling. Adults are best housed singly or as a compatible pair, as two males will fight and mixing sizes risks bullying.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed as an insectivore; live insects such as appropriately sized crickets, woodies and black soldier fly larvae. Dust feeders with a calcium supplement and use a reptile multivitamin as directed, and gut-load feeders before offering. Feed juveniles every one to two days and adults every three to four days, never offering prey larger than the space between the eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA single adult needs a minimum terrestrial enclosure of about 45 x 45 x 30 cm with plenty of floor space, larger for a pair. Provide a warm end of 28–32°C and a cooler end of 22–26°C, with a night-time drop to around 18–20°C; heat is best supplied by a low-wattage globe or heat mat on a thermostat. UVB is not essential for this nocturnal species, though a low 2–5% level is beneficial. Keep humidity low, around 30–50%, but always provide a humid hide to aid shedding. Use a firm, non-impaction substrate and furnish with flat rocks, cork and cave hides and a shallow water dish, spot-cleaning regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreeding is achieved after a cool winter rest that cycles the adults; females then lay clutches of two eggs, often several times a season, incubated in a moist medium. The first clutch of a young female is often infertile. Breeding should only be attempted by prepared, licensed keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnderwoodisaurus milii\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Thick-tailed Gecko\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRocky outcrops, woodland and semi-arid country of southern Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12–14 cm total length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–20 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBold, vocal and defensive; tames with regular handling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Enclosure Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e45 x 45 x 30 cm for one adult\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Enclosure Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 45 x 30 cm or larger, single or compatible pair\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInsectivore - live insects\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBasking Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarm end 28–32°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmbient Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22–26°C day, 18–20°C night\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUVB Required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot essential but beneficial — UV Index 0.5–1.5 + 2–5% UVB — not essential (nocturnal) but low-level UVB supports D3 synthesis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow, around 30–50%, with a humid hide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner keepers wanting a hardy nocturnal ground gecko\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLicence Required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes - reptile keeper's licence in most Australian states\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest kept alone or as a single compatible pair of Common Thick-tailed Geckos in a suitably sized enclosure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not house two or more males together, do not mix sizes, and do not keep with other gecko or reptile species.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSize options reflect the sizes we stock; any shown as sold out will return as we restock. Australian livestock for in-store collection or local delivery, with our live arrival guarantee. A reptile keeper's licence is required to buy and keep native reptiles and amphibians in most Australian states - please ensure you hold the appropriate licence for your state before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55234113798435,"sku":"BA8461","price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/common-thick-tailed-gecko.jpg?v=1781504056","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/common-thick-tailed-gecko","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}