Androctonus gonneti is a heavily built Moroccan scorpion distinguished by deep matte-black coloration and a powerfully developed metasoma. It is sometimes confused with A. mauritanicus, while the source characterizes A. gonneti by an even more substantial tail structure. Visually impressive yet potentially dangerous, this is a species for experienced keepers prepared to maintain a secure enclosure and a carefully controlled environment.

A dry, structured habitat

In nature, Androctonus gonneti inhabits arid, rocky landscapes. A suitable enclosure begins with 5–10 cm of fine, dry sand. Because the scorpion is an active burrower, stable flat stones or heavy pieces of bark should be provided so it can establish branching retreats beneath them. Heavy furnishings need secure placement so that excavation cannot cause them to shift or collapse.

Day and night temperatures

The daytime ambient range given in the source is 30–35°C, with a local basking area reaching up to 38°C. At night, the temperature is lowered to approximately 22°C to reproduce the daily cycle of a desert habitat. The source associates continuous room-temperature housing with loss of appetite and a risk of death, making reliable temperature monitoring an essential part of the setup.

Low humidity with periodic water

Humidity should remain at 20–30%. Excess moisture is linked to an increased risk of fungal infection, so this species should not be kept on persistently damp substrate. A very dry environment does not mean eliminating drinking water: a small water dish is placed in the enclosure for one night each week. Access to water is particularly relevant during hotter periods.

Feeding rhythm

Appropriately sized cockroaches and crickets form the stated diet. Adults are fed about once every 10–14 days. Androctonus gonneti may reject food for several months when preparing to molt or entering diapause. If the mesosoma remains rounded, a prolonged feeding pause is not necessarily an immediate cause for alarm.

Care during molting

Molting can be a lengthy process for this species, and the scorpion is highly vulnerable during that period. It should be left undisturbed, protected from bright light, and never confined with live feeder insects that could injure it while it is unable to defend itself.

Enclosure security

A heat-resistant enclosure with dependable escape prevention is required for responsible housing. The source mentions PETG and acrylic terrariums equipped with a double lid and mechanical sliding locks. Improvised containers without a positively secured lid present an unacceptable escape risk when used for a potentially dangerous scorpion.