- Care Guide, Gecko
What are Geckos? Understanding the Different Types: Leopard Geckos, Crested Geckos, and More
Last Updated on 2024 年 11 月 13 日 by Editor
What are Geckos?
Geckos (scientific name: Gekkonidae) are small, nocturnal reptiles belonging to the lizard family. They are commonly found in warm climates across the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Known for their unique ability to climb walls and ceilings, geckos possess specialized toe pads that allow them to adhere to surfaces, even glass. This climbing ability is one of their most distinctive features.
One interesting survival mechanism of geckos is their ability to detach their tails when threatened. This process, known as autotomy, allows them to escape predators, with the tail growing back over time, although it may not look as aesthetically pleasing as the original.
Geckos are generally harmless to humans, making them popular as household pets due to their calm demeanor and ease of care.
Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
By Matt Reinbold – Flickr: Eublepharis macularius, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Origin: Pakistan, India, Afghanistan
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings are 1.5-2 inches, weighing 2-4 grams.
- Juveniles (2 months) are 4-5 inches, 5-10 grams.
- Sub-adults (6 months) reach 5-6.5 inches, weighing 15-20 grams.
- Adults grow over 7 inches, with males weighing 50+ grams and females 45+ grams.
Habitat & Environment:
Leopard geckos prefer a dry, warm environment. A 10-gallon tank is suitable for one adult, but a larger, wide habitat is better. They need a temperature gradient with a warm side (90°F) and a cool side (75°F). Ideal humidity is 30-40%. They are primarily nocturnal.
Diet:
Insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. It’s crucial to gut-load and dust insects with calcium and vitamins regularly.
Lifespan:
10-20 years in captivity.
Price:
$30-$100 depending on morph and breeder.
Lifestyle:
Nocturnal and ground-dwelling, they thrive in low-light conditions. Active at dusk, they rely on hiding spots during the day for comfort.
Reference:
Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)
By Richard Ling <wikipedia@rling.com> – self made by Richard Ling, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Origin: Southeast Asia
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: Around 2.5-3 inches long, weighing about 2-5 grams.
- Juveniles (6 months): Reach 5-8 inches, with a weight range of 20-40 grams.
- Adults: Typically grow between 10-14 inches (males are usually larger), weighing 150-300 grams.
Habitat & Environment:
Tokay geckos thrive in tropical environments with high humidity (60-80%). They prefer vertical spaces like tree trunks or walls and require a tall enclosure with hiding spots. Temperature should range from 80-90°F during the day, with a slight drop at night (72-80°F). Humidity should be maintained by misting, and they benefit from access to fresh water.
Diet:
Insects such as crickets, cockroaches, and mealworms. Tokays are also known to eat smaller vertebrates like pinky mice. Insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and vitamins.
Lifespan:
10-20 years in captivity.
Price:
$20-$100, depending on size, coloration, and breeder.
Lifestyle:
Tokay geckos are known for their aggressive temperament and loud calls, especially during mating season. They are nocturnal, territorial, and can bite if threatened, making them less ideal for handling compared to other geckos. Their vibrant coloration (blue with red-orange spots) is a key attraction, and they are primarily arboreal, needing vertical climbing spaces.
Reference:
Gargoyle Gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus)
By Generish – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Origin: New Caledonia
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: Typically 2-3 inches long, weighing 2-4 grams.
- Juveniles (6 months): Grow to 4-5 inches and weigh around 10-15 grams.
- Adults: Reach 6-8 inches in length, weighing 45-60 grams.
Habitat & Environment:
Gargoyle geckos thrive in a tropical environment with moderate humidity (50-70%). A tall, arboreal enclosure with plants and branches for climbing is essential. Daytime temperatures should be kept around 72-78°F, with a drop to 65-70°F at night. Humidity can be maintained with regular misting, and the enclosure should have hiding spaces to replicate their natural habitat.
Diet:
Primarily feed on a variety of insects like crickets and roaches, along with fruit-based gecko diet (CGD) mixes. The diet should be supplemented with calcium and vitamins regularly to support healthy growth.
Lifespan:
15-20 years in captivity.
Price:
$100-$300 depending on morph, color, and breeder.
Lifestyle:
Gargoyle geckos are nocturnal, spending most of the day hiding and becoming more active at night. They are arboreal and enjoy climbing, so a vertical enclosure is ideal. They can be more territorial compared to other gecko species, but are generally docile when handled correctly. Their rough, bumpy skin and prominent head ridges give them their distinctive “gargoyle” appearance.
Reference:
Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)
By Konstantinos Kalaentzis – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Origin: Mediterranean region, introduced to many areas worldwide
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: Measure about 1.2-1.5 inches in length, weighing 1-2 grams.
- Juveniles: Grow to 2-3 inches, typically reaching about 5-10 grams.
- Adults: Can reach 4-5 inches in length, with a weight range of 5-8 grams.
Habitat & Environment:
The Mediterranean gecko is native to warm climates and thrives in urban environments such as houses, gardens, and walls. They prefer temperatures around 75-85°F, with a night drop to around 65°F. These geckos don’t require a high level of humidity but can tolerate 50-60%. They are commonly found hiding in crevices during the day and emerge at dusk.
Diet:
They are insectivorous, feeding primarily on small insects such as crickets, flies, moths, and ants. Gut-loading and calcium supplementation is important for captive specimens to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Lifespan:
3-10 years in captivity.
Price:
$5-$20, depending on location and availability.
Lifestyle:
Mediterranean geckos are nocturnal and arboreal, frequently found clinging to walls and ceilings. They are hardy and highly adaptable to urban environments, making them common in areas far from their native range. They are territorial and often seen near outdoor lights, which attract their insect prey. While small and elusive, they are fascinating to observe in the wild or as a low-maintenance pet.
Reference:
Fat-Tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus)
CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Origin: West Africa and Cameroon
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) long, weighing around 3-4 grams.
- Juveniles: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), weighing between 10-20 grams.
- Adults: Fully grown adults reach 7-9 inches (18-23 cm), with males generally larger than females, weighing 40-60 grams.
Habitat & Environment:
Fat-Tailed Geckos are native to the savannas and arid regions of West Africa, often found in burrows or under rocks to escape the heat. In captivity, they require a terrarium with a warm side (88-92°F / 31-33°C) and a cool side (75-80°F / 24-27°C). The humidity should be kept around 50-60%, with a humid hide to aid in shedding.
Diet:
These geckos are insectivores, feeding on crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. In captivity, gut-loaded insects dusted with calcium and vitamins are essential for their health.
Lifespan:
Fat-Tailed Geckos can live 10-15 years in captivity with proper care.
Price:
Prices range from $50 to $200, depending on morphs and availability.
Lifestyle:
Fat-Tailed Geckos are nocturnal and are more ground-dwelling than many other gecko species. They are generally calm and easy to handle, making them popular pets.
Reference:
Leachianus Gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus)
By Lennart Hudel – https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/33603748, CC BY 4.0, Link
Origin: New Caledonia
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: About 3-4 inches in length, weighing 5-7 grams.
- Juveniles: At 3 months old, they grow to 6-8 inches and weigh 20-30 grams.
- Sub-adults: By 9 months, they reach 8-10 inches and weigh about 70-100 grams.
- Adults: Full-grown Leachianus geckos can reach 12-17 inches, with a weight range of 200-400 grams, depending on their locale (island or mainland type).
Habitat & Environment:
Leachianus geckos are native to the humid forests of New Caledonia. They thrive in terrariums with a size of at least 18x18x24 inches for a single adult. Ideal temperatures range between 75°F to 82°F during the day, with a slight drop at night. They require a humidity level of 60-80%, which can be maintained with regular misting. These geckos need ample hiding spots and climbing structures, as they are arboreal by nature.
Diet:
In the wild, Leachianus geckos are omnivorous, feeding on insects, small animals, fruits, and nectars. In captivity, they thrive on commercial gecko diets (such as Pangea or Repashy) supplemented with insects like crickets and roaches. Offering occasional fruit purees can enhance their diet and mimic natural feeding behaviors.
Lifespan:
20-30 years in captivity.
Price:
$600-$2,000+ depending on locale type, age, and breeder.
Lifestyle:
Leachianus geckos are nocturnal and arboreal, often residing in tree hollows and crevices. They are territorial, and housing two together can lead to aggressive behavior. While they are large and slow-moving, they can be defensive if they feel threatened. Their vocalizations, which include growls and barks, are unique and distinguish them from other geckos. Though they have powerful jaws, they can be docile pets if handled properly from a young age.
Reference:
Axanthic Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)
By Lennart Hudel – https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/33604770, CC BY 4.0, Link
Origin: New Caledonia
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: 2-3 inches in length, weighing 2-3 grams.
- Juveniles: 3-4 months old, growing to 4-5 inches, weighing 8-10 grams.
- Sub-adults: At 6-9 months, they can reach 5-6 inches and weigh about 15-20 grams.
- Adults: Fully grown at 8-10 inches, with males weighing around 35-40 grams and females slightly smaller at 30-35 grams.
Habitat & Environment:
Axanthic crested geckos are native to New Caledonia and thrive in humid, tropical environments. A vertically oriented terrarium of at least 20 gallons is ideal for adults, providing ample climbing structures such as branches and foliage. Temperatures should be maintained between 72-78°F during the day, with humidity levels ranging from 50-70%. Misting the enclosure regularly is essential to maintain proper moisture, and crested geckos benefit from UVB lighting.
Diet:
Axanthic crested geckos are omnivores, primarily feeding on insects and fruit in the wild. In captivity, a balanced diet consists of commercial crested gecko food (such as Pangea or Repashy) and occasional feeder insects like crickets or dubia roaches. Small fruit purees or fruit-based baby foods can be offered as treats but should not be a staple diet.
Lifespan:
15-20 years in captivity with proper care.
Price:
$300-$1,000+ depending on morph quality, breeder, and availability.
Lifestyle:
Crested geckos are arboreal and primarily nocturnal, spending most of their time climbing and hiding among foliage. They are relatively docile, making them a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts. Axanthic crested geckos are a morph lacking yellow and red pigments, which gives them a more muted grayscale appearance. This unique color trait can make them a sought-after morph among collectors. Though they are generally easy to care for, handling should be gentle as they can drop their tails when stressed.
Reference:
Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)
By Lennart Hudel – https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/33606417, CC BY 4.0, Link
Origin: New Caledonia
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: About 2-3 inches long, weighing 2-3 grams.
- Juveniles: By 4-6 months old, they reach 4-5 inches in length, weighing around 8-15 grams.
- Sub-adults: At 9-12 months, they grow to 5-7 inches and weigh 25-35 grams.
- Adults: Fully grown adults can be 7-9 inches long, weighing between 35-55 grams, with males generally being slightly larger than females.
Habitat & Environment:
Native to New Caledonia, crested geckos prefer a humid, tropical habitat with temperatures ranging from 72-78°F during the day and dropping to 65-70°F at night. They thrive in vertically oriented terrariums (at least 20 gallons for adults) filled with plants, branches, and hiding spots to mimic their natural arboreal environment. Humidity should be maintained between 50-70%, requiring regular misting of the enclosure.
Diet:
Crested geckos are omnivores, feeding on both fruits and insects. In captivity, a commercial powdered diet (such as Pangea or Repashy) mixed with water is a common food source, supplemented with occasional feeder insects like crickets or dubia roaches. It’s also important to offer fruit-based treats, such as mashed bananas or mango, but these should not replace their primary commercial diet.
Lifespan:
15-20 years in captivity with proper care.
Price:
$40-$200, though rare morphs like “Lilly White” or other unique color patterns can go for much more, ranging from $300 to over $1,000.
Lifestyle:
Crested geckos are nocturnal, becoming most active at night. They are arboreal, spending much of their time climbing and hiding among leaves and branches. Known for their docile and easygoing nature, they are suitable for both beginners and experienced reptile enthusiasts. One of their unique traits is their ability to regenerate lost tails. However, a dropped tail (autotomy) typically doesn’t grow back in crested geckos, which leads to a distinct look called “frogbutt.” They also have sticky toe pads that help them climb on smooth surfaces, adding to their popularity.
Reference:
Horned Gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus)
Origin: New Caledonia
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: Typically around 2.5-3 inches in length and weigh about 3-5 grams.
- Juveniles: By the age of 6-8 months, they can grow up to 4-5 inches long, weighing 10-15 grams.
- Sub-adults: At around 9-12 months, they reach a size of 5-6 inches, weighing about 20-25 grams.
- Adults: Fully grown adults typically measure 6-8 inches in length and weigh between 35-60 grams, with males generally being larger.
Habitat & Environment:
Native to New Caledonia, the horned gecko thrives in a humid, forested environment. An enclosure with vertical climbing space (such as a 20-gallon tank) is ideal, as they are semi-arboreal. Temperature should range from 72-80°F during the day, with drops to 65-72°F at night. Humidity levels between 50-70% are optimal, achieved through regular misting. Providing naturalistic décor like branches, hides, and live or artificial plants helps mimic their natural habitat.
Diet:
Horned geckos are omnivorous and consume both insects and fruit. A commercial gecko diet (like Pangea or Repashy) is suitable for them, combined with occasional feeder insects like crickets, roaches, and waxworms. Offering fruit-based treats, such as mashed fruit or pre-formulated fruit mixes, supports their nutritional needs.
Lifespan:
15-20 years in captivity with proper care.
Price:
$100-$400 depending on the rarity of the morph and the breeder. Some rare morphs or bloodlines may be priced even higher.
Lifestyle:
Horned geckos are primarily nocturnal and semi-arboreal, meaning they are active at night and enjoy climbing. They are generally calm but can become more active during the night. Their unique “horned” appearance, due to the raised scales above their eyes and back of the head, sets them apart from other geckos. These geckos can drop their tails when threatened, though the tails do not regenerate. They require hiding spots and vertical space for climbing to feel secure in captivity.
Reference:
Arizona Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus)
By AzWildcard – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Origin: Southwestern United States, Mexico
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: Measure around 1.5-2 inches, weighing 2-3 grams.
- Juveniles: By 4-6 months, they grow to 3-4 inches long, weighing 10-15 grams.
- Sub-adults: Typically around 6 months, they reach 4-5 inches and weigh about 15-20 grams.
- Adults: Fully grown, Arizona geckos can be 4-6 inches long, with adults weighing 15-30 grams depending on their sex and age.
Habitat & Environment:
Native to the deserts and arid regions of the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, and parts of Mexico, Arizona geckos prefer warm and dry conditions. In captivity, they require a well-ventilated 10-gallon terrarium for a single adult, with a substrate that mimics sandy or rocky environments. The temperature should range from 80-85°F during the day, dropping to around 70°F at night. They also need access to a humid hide to assist in shedding and a dry hide for security.
Diet:
Arizona geckos are insectivores, feeding primarily on small insects like crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. In captivity, their diet should be supplemented with gut-loaded insects and calcium/vitamin D3 powder to ensure proper bone health and development.
Lifespan:
8-10 years in captivity, though some may live up to 15 years with excellent care.
Price:
$50-$150 depending on the breeder, location, and availability.
Lifestyle:
This species is primarily nocturnal and terrestrial, preferring to hide during the day and emerge at night to hunt for food. They are known for their calm disposition, which makes them an excellent pet for beginners. Arizona geckos have distinct banding patterns and may exhibit some variability in color. Although they are not known for being particularly interactive with humans, they are hardy and relatively easy to care for.
Reference:
Gecko Chahoua (Mniarogekko chahoua)
By Alfeus Liman, Attribution, Link
Origin: New Caledonia
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: Typically 2-3 inches in length, weighing around 3-5 grams.
- Juveniles: By 4-6 months, they reach around 4-6 inches and weigh approximately 10-15 grams.
- Sub-adults: Around 7-9 months old, growing to 6-7 inches and 20-30 grams.
- Adults: Mature adults reach around 8-10 inches in length, weighing anywhere between 45-70 grams.
Habitat & Environment:
Gecko Chahoua is native to the tropical rainforests of New Caledonia, where they are arboreal and thrive in humid conditions. In captivity, they require a well-ventilated terrarium with climbing spaces, bark, and foliage to simulate their natural habitat. Optimal temperature ranges from 72-78°F, with a night drop to 65-70°F. Humidity should remain high, around 60-80%, and misting the enclosure twice daily helps maintain this. UVB lighting can be beneficial but is not strictly necessary if the gecko has a balanced diet.
Diet:
This species is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects (crickets, roaches, mealworms) and fruits. In captivity, they can thrive on commercially available gecko diets such as Pangea or Repashy mixed with occasional live insects to ensure proper nutrition. Offering calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation is also crucial for their bone health.
Lifespan:
15-20 years in captivity.
Price:
$300-$1,200 depending on morph, age, and breeder.
Lifestyle:
Gecko Chahoua is primarily nocturnal and arboreal, spending much of its time in trees. They are known for being relatively docile and tolerant of handling once acclimated to captivity. They display striking camouflage patterns and a prehensile tail that helps them navigate their environment. Gecko Chahoua is also known for their vocalizations, which they use to communicate.
Reference:
Chinese Cave Gecko (Goniurosaurus hainanensis)
By Melvin TOULLEC – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Origin: China
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: Typically 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length, weighing 3-5 grams.
- Juveniles: By 3-6 months, they reach around 4-5 inches (10-12.5 cm), with weights increasing to 10-15 grams.
- Sub-adults: At 7-12 months old, they reach 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm) and weigh 20-25 grams.
- Adults: Fully grown adults reach between 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) and weigh around 30-45 grams.
Habitat & Environment:
Chinese Cave Geckos are native to the subtropical forests of Hainan Island, China, where they reside in caves and heavily shaded forested areas. They require a cool, humid environment in captivity. Ideal temperatures range from 68-75°F (20-24°C), with a slight drop at night. Humidity should be maintained at 60-80%, which can be achieved through regular misting of the enclosure. They are nocturnal and prefer a dimly lit or dark environment with hiding spots, such as caves and rocks.
Diet:
This species is insectivorous, primarily feeding on small insects such as crickets, mealworms, roaches, and other gut-loaded invertebrates. Occasional supplementation with calcium and vitamin D3 is essential for proper bone development and health.
Lifespan:
10-15 years in captivity.
Price:
$200-$500 depending on age, morph, and breeder.
Lifestyle:
Chinese Cave Geckos are nocturnal and highly secretive, preferring to hide during the day and become more active at night. They thrive in a cool, humid environment and are known for their striking coloration and patterns, with bands of vibrant yellow or orange contrasting with black and deep purple skin. While relatively shy and not often handled, they are generally peaceful and can adapt well to captive conditions with proper care.
Reference:
Turkish Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)
By Konstantinos Kalaentzis – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Origin: Mediterranean region
Growth Stages & Size:
- Hatchlings: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) long, weighing less than 1 gram.
- Juveniles: Around 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm), growing to about 2-4 grams.
- Adults: Fully grown adults reach 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in length, weighing 5-8 grams.
Habitat & Environment:
Turkish Geckos, also known as Mediterranean house geckos, are commonly found in warm coastal regions of Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. They thrive in human-made structures, often dwelling in cracks of buildings, stone walls, and other sheltered places. In captivity, they require a small tank (10 gallons) with a warm environment, ideal temperatures ranging from 75-85°F (24-29°C) with a basking area of 90°F (32°C). Humidity levels should be kept moderate, around 50-60%.
Diet:
These geckos are insectivores and feed on a variety of small insects such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and roaches. In captivity, they should be given live, gut-loaded insects dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 to maintain health.
Lifespan:
3-10 years in captivity.
Price:
$10-$30, often available due to their abundance.
Lifestyle:
Turkish Geckos are nocturnal and display wall-climbing behaviors due to their sticky toe pads. They are often seen near lights at night, where they hunt insects attracted to the light source. These geckos are highly adaptive and tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. Although they are not highly interactive pets, they are fascinating to observe, particularly their climbing and hunting behaviors.
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