In appearance this gerbil is quite different to the Mongolian Gerbil usually seen in pet shops. Firstly it is smaller. The colouring is both lighter and brighter than that of the agouti coloured Mongolian Gerbil. The overall effect is much more orange than brown, and the belly is brilliant white. The body and limbs are much more finely boned than the Mongolian Gerbil and the tail is much longer, only sparsely haired and with no tuft.
Eyes are much larger in proportion to the head that is much more pointed in shape.
The ears are larger and stand more erect. Pallid Gerbils as Pets Pallids make good pets. In general their habits and temperament are like those of the Mongolian Gerbil. They are social animals who seem to get bored and depressed when kept alone. They will live quite happily in single sex groups but large groups containing both sexes are sometimes unstable with occasional outbreaks of violence.