Are you intrigued by the idea of a unique and captivating pet? Look no further than geckos! These adorable lizards boast fascinating features, vibrant colors, and generally calm temperaments, making them excellent reptile companions. With proper care, interacting with a Gecko Pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Let’s explore six outstanding gecko species that you might encounter at your local pet store or reptile выставка!
Selecting Your Ideal Gecko Pet
Geckos possess several distinctive characteristics that make them truly captivating pets. One notable trait is their vocal nature; geckos can make sounds, especially when they are feeling nervous. In fact, the very word “gecko” is believed to originate from the sounds these creatures produce. Interestingly, most gecko species lack eyelids. Instead, they have a large, transparent scale that protects each eye. To keep their eyes clean, they use their long tongues to lick away any dirt or debris! Many gecko species are also famous for their remarkable climbing abilities, effortlessly scaling smooth surfaces like walls, trees, and even glass. This amazing feat is made possible by tiny microscopic hairs on their feet, called setae, which create incredible grip.
With proper care, including a healthy and nutritious diet, most gecko pets can enjoy a lifespan of over 10 years. Providing appropriate housing, lighting, heating, and regular veterinary check-ups are essential for ensuring your gecko lives a long and happy life.
When you are choosing a gecko pet, whether at a pet store or a reptile show, prioritize selecting one that appears healthy and alert. It is best to avoid geckos that look too thin, have any retained shed skin, visible injuries, or are acting sluggish. Always consult with a knowledgeable salesperson or breeder, and don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions before making your decision!
While many gecko species are best enjoyed as display pets, observed through their enclosure glass, some species are known to tolerate regular interaction with humans and exhibit minimal stress when gently handled. When you first bring your new gecko pet home, it’s wise to let them settle in for several days, allowing them to acclimate to their new environment undisturbed. Once they are confidently exploring their new habitat, you can start with brief, gentle interactions. Try petting your gecko while it’s in its enclosure or allowing it to voluntarily climb onto your hand. As your gecko becomes more comfortable, you can gradually extend the duration of your interactions. Always supervise young children closely when they are interacting with your gecko pet to ensure the safety and well-being of both child and reptile.
Diverse group of gecko pets displayed with varied colors and patterns.
6 Popular Gecko Pet Species
Crested Gecko
Crested gecko with distinctive crests above its eyes.
Crested geckos have soared in popularity, becoming one of the most beloved gecko pets in the reptile-keeping hobby. Their playful personalities and relatively straightforward care requirements make them accessible and appealing pets, especially for beginners. Crested geckos are endemic to the islands of New Caledonia, meaning they are exclusively found in this region of the world. They thrive in a vertically oriented tank, such as the Zilla Vertical Tropical Kit, which allows for ample climbing space. Decorate their habitat with branches and artificial plants to mimic their natural arboreal environment and help them feel secure. In the wild, crested geckos are omnivores, feeding on insects, arthropods, decaying fruits, and nectar. In captivity, while they can be offered crickets or mealworms occasionally, they flourish on a complete meal replacement powder, such as Zilla Gecko Gold. This specially formulated diet provides all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to thrive.
Leopard Gecko
Leopard gecko showcasing its spotted pattern.
Leopard geckos have long held the position of the most recognized and widely kept gecko pet. Wild-type leopard geckos are characterized by their yellow base color with distinctive black spots. However, selective breeding in captivity has resulted in a stunning array of morphs, including geckos that lack black spots entirely or exhibit vibrant orange coloration, among many other patterns and colors. Leopard geckos are native to the arid and rocky environments of the Middle East. As pets, they require a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with a basking area reaching temperatures in the mid-90s Fahrenheit. They also need several hiding places, such as caves, to retreat to and feel secure. Always ensure your leopard gecko has access to a dish of fresh, clean water. Providing a humid hide, like the Zilla Rock Lair, filled with damp moss is also highly beneficial, particularly to aid in shedding their skin properly.
Gargoyle Gecko
Gargoyle gecko with prominent ridges on its head.
Another captivating species endemic to New Caledonia is the gargoyle gecko. These geckos share similar care requirements to crested geckos, making them relatively easy to keep. Gargoyle geckos are becoming increasingly available in the pet trade and can often be found at local pet stores and reptile expos. Captive breeding efforts have produced gargoyle geckos with incredibly vibrant colors, including striking orange and red stripes and patterns. Regular nightly misting of their enclosure and a diet of Zilla Gecko Gold, offered regularly, will ensure your gargoyle gecko pet remains healthy and thrives.
Madagascar Day Gecko
Madagascar day gecko displaying its bright green coloration.
“Day gecko” is a common name that encompasses a group of brightly colored, diurnal (active during the day) geckos native to East Africa and Madagascar. The Madagascar day gecko is the largest species within this diverse group. They are known for their brilliant green coloration, often adorned with red stripes near their eyes and red spots extending down their backs. Smaller day gecko species exhibit equally stunning colors, such as the gold dust day gecko with vibrant gold speckles and the peacock day gecko with striking aqua blue stripes. Madagascar day geckos are known to be fast-moving and somewhat timid. As a defense mechanism, they can shed patches of their skin when they feel threatened. If you choose a Madagascar day gecko as a pet, remember that they are best suited as ornamental species, appreciated for their beauty when observed in their enclosure rather than being frequently handled. They are omnivorous and will readily consume Zilla Gecko Gold, supplemented with occasional offerings of crickets and superworms.
Tokay Gecko
Tokay gecko showing its distinctive orange spots on a blue-gray background.
These robust geckos are native to East Asia and are undeniably beautiful. Tokay geckos are characterized by their striking bright orange spots scattered across a background of gray or aqua scales. Their name is derived from the distinctive “tokay-tokay” sound that males produce to attract mates. Tokay geckos have gained a reputation in the pet trade for being more assertive and possessing a strong bite. They are a larger gecko species, with some adults reaching up to 13 inches in total length. Primarily nocturnal, tokay geckos feed on insects and arthropods. While some keepers have successfully tamed tokay geckos through consistent and patient interaction, it is generally recommended to minimize handling and appreciate them as fascinating display animals.
African Fat Tail Gecko
African fat tail gecko with a thick tail for fat storage.
Originating from Africa, African fat tail geckos share visual similarities with leopard geckos. Both species possess functional eyelids and lack the specialized toe pads commonly found in many other gecko species. African fat tail geckos are cared for in a manner similar to leopard geckos, although they require slightly higher humidity levels in their enclosure. They are enthusiastic insectivores and are becoming increasingly popular and available in local pet stores and reptile exhibitions. Captive breeding programs have successfully produced albino African fat tail geckos, as well as other unique colors and patterns, expanding the variety available to reptile enthusiasts.
There are over 1,500 different gecko species inhabiting our planet, found across most continents. Their smaller size and adaptability to captive environments make them exceptional reptile pets. Many species have been successfully bred in captivity for decades, making them readily accessible even for first-time gecko keepers. By choosing a healthy gecko and utilizing quality reptile products, like those from Zilla, you can ensure your gecko pet will enjoy a long, healthy, and enriching life, making you a successful and happy gecko keeper!
