Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mongolian Gerbil
BeginnerMongolian gerbil
Active and friendly desert rodent that loves tunneling. Entertaining to watch and produces minimal odor due to low urine output.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
18〜26℃
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
10-12cm (20-24cm with tail) / 60-130g
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Gerbil pellets, seed mix, small amounts of vegetables
About
The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is a small rodent native to the arid steppes and deserts of Mongolia and northern China, where it lives in underground burrow systems in family groups. Adults measure 10–13 cm in body length with a furred tail of similar length, and weigh 50–130 g. Gerbils are highly social, active, and curious animals that rarely bite when properly handled, making them well-regarded family pets. Their high intelligence means they are easily stimulated by enrichment and interaction. Being colonial by nature, they must be housed in same-sex pairs or small groups; solitary housing causes severe stress and behavioral disorders. Their desert origins mean they produce little urine and enjoy sand-bathing. A deep-bedded glass tank (minimum 10 cm of substrate) satisfies their strong burrowing drive. Diet consists of gerbil-appropriate seed mix supplemented with fresh vegetables. Common health concerns include nasal gland tumors, epilepsy, and dermatitis. Lifespan is 3–5 years.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Mongolia and northern China
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
10-12cm (20-24cm with tail) / 60-130g
Temperature
18〜26℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Gerbil pellets, seed mix, small amounts of vegetables
Care Guide
Care Specifications
Pair
Sources: NC3Rs Gerbil housing (pairs/groups)
Morphs (Varieties)
スナネズミ Meriones unguiculatus のカラー変異。野生型はアグーチ。アルジェンテ/ダブ等の劣性カラー多数(出典: AGS Gerbilpedia 等)。
RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).
BlackArgente GoldenDoveLilacNutmeg
DominantVisual with a single copy; no distinct super form.
Golden Agouti (wild type)
Sources: American Gerbil Society Gerbilpedia colors
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Mongolian gerbil (Milne-Edwards, 1867)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: Meriones unguiculatus IUCN LC (not CITES-listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Mongolian Gerbil Listings
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