Gecko Pictus

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach 13cm

Origin: Madagascar

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Natural Habitat: Gecko Pictus are a mainly terrestrial species inhabiting the forests of Madagascar

Although not always easy to find, Gecko Pictus are an easy-care gecko species suitable for keepers of all levels. They are small and easy to look after, have very attractive colours and patterns and also a very docile temperament. Overall, they are a reptile species well suited to beginners.

Although this is an easy species to keep, a few aspects require attention and certain conditions must be ensured, as described in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: A minimum terrarium of 30x30x30cm is recommended for 1 to 2 adults. (Males should not be kept together)

Material: Glass or Wood

 - Heating and Lighting

A terrarium with a thermal gradient should be provided, with a minimum temperature of 24ºC on the cool side and around 32ºC on the warm side. At night the temperature should not drop below 21ºC. To achieve both daytime and night-time temperatures, a heat mat or a Deep Heat Projector (properly controlled by a thermostat) can be used.  

Gecko Pictus do not require UVB radiation. However, they benefit from exposure to low levels of it (using a ShadeDweller lamp).

- Humidity

Gecko Pictus are forest animals and therefore need some humidity in their habitat. The terrarium should be misted every other day, making sure it can dry out between mistings. Relative humidity should be between 50 and 75%.

It is important that the geckos have access to a more humid hide as well as a water bowl with fresh water.

- Decor

Gecko Pictus originate from semi-tropical forest areas. A substrate such as Arcadia Earth Mix covered with decorative leaf litter and/or moss should be used. The terrarium can be decorated with caves, stones, branches and cork bark, as well as natural or artificial plants. 

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Insectivorous

 Diet: Juveniles should be fed every day. As they grow, feeding frequency can be reduced to every other day.

- Foods

Insects: Roaches, Crickets, Calcium Worms, Waxworms, Mealworms... Hatchlings can be fed Fruit Flies and Micro/Small Crickets.

- Supplementation

For vitamin and mineral supplementation, alternate a meal dusted with Calcium Powder with one dusted with a good-quality Multivitamin Complex (with Vit. D3). 

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.