Chinese Cave Gecko

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach 20cm

Origin: China, Vietnam and Japan

Lifespan: Up to 15 years in captivity

Natural Habitat: This species inhabits temperate, humid areas of the subtropical forests of China, Vietnam and Japan.

Chinese Cave Geckos are an Asian gecko species easily recognised by their black colouring broken by yellow/orange cross bands. They come from temperate, humid environments and love crevices and small caves. They are easy to keep, making them suitable for beginners and more experienced keepers alike.

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 60x45x45cm is recommended for 1 adult

Material: Glass

 - Heating and Lighting

A terrarium with a thermal gradient should be provided, with a minimum temperature of 22ºC on the cool side and a warmer side that should not exceed 27ºC. At night the temperature should not drop below 20ºC. Daytime temperatures often require no heating at all. However, if heating is needed, a neodymium lamp properly controlled by a thermostat can be used.  

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

- Humidity

Chinese Cave Geckos need intermediate relative humidity to stay healthy. Ideal humidity for this species is between 60% and 80%. The terrarium should be misted daily, ensuring it dries out after a few hours. It is recommended to always have a hide with higher relative humidity than the rest of the terrarium.

A container of fresh, clean water should always be available.

- Decor

As this species inhabits subtropical/temperate forests, the terrarium decor should be designed to recreate this type of environment. Arcadia EarthMix can be used as substrate, which also makes it possible to create a bioactive terrarium with isopods and springtails. Rocks and branches can be used to create several hiding areas. Plants and branches should also be included, both for extra cover and to make use of the height, as this species likes to explore the ground as well as climb rocks and branches.

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: Crickets, Roaches, Calcium Worms, Waxworms, Mealworms...

- 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). 

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