The upper parts are brownish or gray in G. paeba, sandy buff in G. vallinus, hazel in G. tytonis, and light pinkish cinnamon in G. setzeri. The underparts, feet, and ventral surface of the tail are generally white. Externally, Gerbillurus resembles Gerbillus. The tail is longer than the head and body and has a tufted tip. Unlike in Gerbillus, the molar laminae in the upper and lower jaws have no sign of median crest connections.
All species inhabit desert or semidesert regions.
This species is nocturnal and terrestrial and lives in small warrens with many entrances. The entrances are often concealed under a tuft of grass or at the base of bushes. The diet consists of the seeds of grasses, bushes, and trees. G. paeba apparently breeds throughout the year. The number of embryos per pregnant female averages 3.7 and ranges from 2 to 5.