Viper Gecko - Juvenile

Application to Purchase Required - live animal purchases require a review of your setup. After placing your order, a Customer Care Specialist will reach out to review your husbandry and habitat. Approval for purchase is NOT guaranteed and if denied, the order may be cancelled. Upon approval, you will receive a link to set up a shipping date for your live animal. All animals ship via Fed Ex overnight.

Common Name: Viper Gecko (Carrot-tail Viper Gecko)

Scientific Name: Hemidactylus imbricatus (formerly Teratolepis fasciata)

Size when shipped: Captive-bred juveniles, approximately 0.5"-0.75" total length depending on age; adult size averages 3–4" (7.5–10 cm).

Lineage: F2s from assorted Captive Bred lifestock acquired from 2020-2022. 

In-house testing/treatment performed:

• Clean fecal 
• Healthy body score
• No missing digits

• Normal activity and behavior

Defining traits:

Beginner to Expert?
Beginner-friendly with a Bio Dude twist: excellent for attentive beginners through advanced keepers who are comfortable with small, fast, nocturnal geckos and arid bioactive systems.

Size
Miniature gecko species; adults typically reach 3–4" (7.5–10 cm) total length with a thick, “carrot-shaped” tail.

Biological niche
Crepuscular–nocturnal, terrestrial insectivore from rocky steppe and semi-desert habitats. Prefers tight rock crevices, burrows, and low hides, emerging to hunt small invertebrates at dusk and night.

Native range
Arid and semi-arid regions of Pakistan and surrounding areas, with records extending into Iran and possibly parts of India.

Group vs. Non-group
Can be kept solo, as a pair, or in small harems (one male with multiple females) in appropriately sized enclosures. Do not house adult males together. Mixed groups should be similar in size with plenty of hides and visual barriers. 

Terrestrial vs. Arboreal
Highly terrestrial; adapted to rocky, sandy terrain. They will climb low rock work and hard scape but do not require tall, arboreal enclosures. Rocks are absolutely necessary with this species as is branching and thermo gradients established in the terrarium. 

Vivarium size, Temperature, Humidity, Diet

Vivarium size

• Single animal: 18" x 18" x 18" or larger. 

• Pair / small group: 24–30" long footprint and additional floor space.  2' x 2' x 2' is great for a small harem.  Set up as an arid or semi-arid bioactive habitat with deep substrate, rock stacks, secure hides, and a humid hide for shedding.

Temperature
Create a horizontal gradient:

• Cool side: ~75–80°F (24–27°C)

• Warm side / basking surface: ~85–90°F (29–32°C)

• Night drop: ~70–75°F (21–24°C)

Use overhead heat and allow the substrate and stonework to hold warmth, mimicking sun-warmed rock. Avoid sustained temps above the low 90s.

Humidity

• General ambient: ~40–60% relative humidity (dry air with localized humidity pockets).

• Provide at least one humid hide with moist moss or substrate to aid in shedding.

• Good ventilation is important; avoid a constantly wet environment while allowing evening spikes from light misting.

Diet
Obligate insectivores. Offer a rotation of:

• Appropriately sized crickets and roaches

• Mealworms, superworms (in moderation), and black soldier fly larvae

• Occasional soft-bodied treats (waxworms, etc., as rare extras)

All insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with a high-quality calcium and vitamin/mineral supplement on a regular schedule (more frequent dusting for growing juveniles).

Caresheet Link:

Full Bio Dude caresheet:
Bioactive Viper Gecko Care Sheet – The Bio Dude

Recommended terrarium supplies:

• The Bio Dude base  bioactive kit.

• Terra Sahara

• Assorted rocks such as slate, seiyru, pumice. Cork flats and hides to build secure shelters and crevices

• Leaf litter and desert-tolerant microfauna (springtails/isopods appropriate for arid setups)

• Low-growing, arid-tolerant live plants or hardy faux plants for cover

• Overhead heat source with thermostat and a quality digital thermometer/infrared temp gun

• UVB strip for a more naturalistic setup

• Shallow water dish and dedicated humid hide

Important Policies (Please Read Before Purchasing)

After purchasing, upload your habitat for approval here: 

After approval, we will email you the animal purchase contract found here

Read our Live Arrival Guarantee prior to purchasing here

Scheduling:

We care about long-term success. All live animals require a scheduled shipping date set after the approval process.  To book your shipping day, click here.

IUCN Redlist link

The carrot-tail viper gecko (Hemidactylus imbricatus) is currently listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.

IUCN Red List – Hemidactylus imbricatus