GECKO MIDLINE KNOB-TAILED (Nephrurus vertabralis) – Pair

Here is a complete care guide for the Midline Knob-Tailed Gecko (Nephrurus vertebralis) — a striking, desert-dwelling gecko species native to Australia, known for the pale stripe running down its spine and its signature tail “knob.”

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Midline Knob-Tailed Gecko Care Guide

Species: Nephrurus vertebralis
Common Name: Midline Knob-Tailed Gecko
Origin: Arid interior regions of Western and Central Australia
Adult Size: 4–5.5 inches (10–14 cm)
Lifespan: 10–15+ years in captivity
Temperament: Bold, vocal, but generally calm when acclimated

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Enclosure

Tank Size:

• Minimum: 10-gallon long (20″x10″x12″) for one adult

• Ideal: 20-gallon long or larger for more space

• NOTE: Best housed individually. Avoid cohabitation unless experienced.

Enclosure Type:

• Terrestrial; prioritize horizontal space

• Secure, escape-proof lid

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️ Temperature & Lighting

Temperature Gradient:

• Warm side (basking): 90–95°F (32–35°C)

• Cool side: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

• Night: Can drop to 68–72°F (20–22°C)

Use an under-tank heat mat with a thermostat or an overhead ceramic heat emitter. Avoid hot rocks.

Lighting:

• UVB not required, but a low-level 2.0–5.0 UVB can benefit activity and calcium metabolism

• Maintain a 12-hour light/dark cycle

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Substrate

Best Substrates:

• Clay/sand mix (e.g., Zoo Med Excavator Clay)

• DIY mix: 60% play sand + 40% organic topsoil or excavator clay

These geckos are burrowers, so provide at least 2–3 inches of compactable substrate.

Avoid:

• Calci-sand

• Loose dry sand (risk of impaction)

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Decor & Hides

• At least 2 hides: one on the warm side, one on the cool side

• Moist hide: Use a small hide with damp sphagnum moss or paper towel to help with shedding

• Add rocks, cork bark, desert-safe fake plants, or branches for enrichment

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Humidity & Water

• Ambient humidity: 30–40%

• Moist hide: Essential for proper shedding

• Water bowl: Small, shallow dish of clean water should always be available

Mist lightly every few days if ambient humidity drops too low.

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️ Diet

Insectivorous — feed a variety of appropriately sized live insects:

Staple Insects:

• Crickets

• Dubia roaches

• Black soldier fly larvae

Occasional Treats:

• Mealworms, waxworms, or hornworms (use sparingly)

Feeding Schedule:

• Juveniles: Daily

• Adults: Every other day

Supplements:

• Calcium with D3: 2x/week

• Multivitamin: 1x/week

Dust feeders lightly before offering.

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Cleaning

• Spot clean daily (remove feces/uneaten insects)

• Refresh water daily

• Deep clean every 4–6 weeks: replace substrate, clean all décor and surfaces with reptile-safe disinfectant

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Handling & Behavior

• Bold and inquisitive, may vocalize when startled

• Generally tolerate gentle handling once accustomed

• Never grab by the tail — it can drop (and regenerate)

Handle over a soft surface and limit sessions to 10–15 minutes max

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Health Watch

Common Issues:

• Impaction: From loose sand or oversized insects

• Dehydration: Wrinkled skin, dull eyes, or bad sheds

• Respiratory infections: From cold/damp environments

• Stuck shed: Especially around toes and tail — use a moist hide or shed assist soak

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✅ Supplies Checklist

• Appropriately sized tank (10–20 gallons per gecko)

• Heat mat with thermostat

• Optional low-output UVB light

• Digital thermometer + hygrometer

• Clay/sand substrate

• Warm, cool, and moist hides

• Feeding tongs and dusting supplements

• Variety of feeder insects

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Summary