The Top 10 Most Popular Pet Gecko Species: An Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Geckos have rapidly become some of the most popular reptilian pets due to their unique appearance, manageable size, and generally easy care requirements. If you’re considering adding a gecko to your family, it’s crucial to understand the different species available and their specific care needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 most popular pet gecko species, providing you with essential information to make an informed decision.

1. Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

Overview: Leopard Geckos are perhaps the most well-known and widely kept gecko species. They are native to the arid regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

Care Requirements:

• Habitat: A 20-gallon tank is suitable for one adult gecko. Use reptile carpet, paper towels, or tile for substrate.
• Temperature: Maintain a gradient of 75-85°F on the cool side and 88-92°F on the warm side.
• Diet: They thrive on a diet of crickets, mealworms, and occasional waxworms, dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements.
• Lifespan: Leopard Geckos can live for 15-20 years with proper care.

Unique Traits:

• Leopard Geckos come in various morphs, displaying a range of colors and patterns.
• Unlike many geckos, they have eyelids, allowing them to blink and close their eyes.

2. Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)

Overview: Crested Geckos, native to New Caledonia, were once thought to be extinct until their rediscovery in 1994. They have quickly become popular due to their vibrant colors and ease of care.

Care Requirements:

• Habitat: A vertical enclosure, like a 20-gallon tall tank, with plenty of climbing branches and foliage.
• Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 72-78°F.
• Diet: They thrive on commercial crested gecko diets, supplemented with occasional insects.
• Lifespan: They can live for 15-20 years in captivity.

Unique Traits:

• They have distinctive crests that run from their eyes to their tails.
• Crested Geckos can drop their tails as a defense mechanism, but unlike some geckos, they do not regenerate them.

3. Gargoyle Gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus)

Overview: Gargoyle Geckos, also from New Caledonia, are known for their striking appearance and hardy nature.

Care Requirements:

• Habitat: Similar to crested geckos, they need a vertical enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities.
• Temperature: Maintain a range of 72-78°F.
• Diet: A diet of commercial gecko food and occasional insects is ideal.
• Lifespan: They typically live between 15-20 years.

Unique Traits:

• Gargoyle Geckos have bony protrusions on their heads, giving them a ‘gargoyle’ appearance.
• They come in various colors and patterns, including reticulated and striped morphs.

4. African Fat-Tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus)

Overview: Native to West Africa, the African Fat-Tailed Gecko is a close relative of the Leopard Gecko, sharing many care requirements.

Care Requirements:

• Habitat: A 20-gallon tank with similar substrate options to Leopard Geckos.
• Temperature: Maintain a gradient of 75-85°F on the cool side and 88-92°F on the warm side.
• Diet: A diet of crickets, mealworms, and occasional waxworms, dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements.
• Lifespan: They can live for 10-20 years.

Unique Traits:

• They have a distinctive, plump tail used for fat storage.
• Their colors range from dark browns to light creams, often with bold patterns.

5. Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)

Overview: Tokay Geckos are large, colorful geckos native to Southeast Asia, known for their loud vocalizations and striking appearance.

Care Requirements:

• Habitat: A spacious, vertically oriented enclosure with plenty of hiding spots and climbing areas.
• Temperature: Maintain a gradient of 80-90°F.
• Diet: They require a diet of large insects like crickets, roaches, and occasional small rodents.
• Lifespan: Tokay Geckos can live for 10-20 years.

Unique Traits:

• They are known for their vibrant blue or grey bodies with bright orange spots.
• Tokay Geckos are quite vocal, often making a “to-kay” sound, which is how they got their name.

6. Day Gecko (Phelsuma spp.)

Overview: Day Geckos, particularly the Giant Day Gecko, are diurnal, brightly colored geckos from Madagascar.

Care Requirements:

• Habitat: A vertical enclosure with lots of foliage and hiding spots.
• Temperature: Maintain a gradient of 75-85°F, with a basking spot around 90°F.
• Diet: They eat a mix of insects, fruit purees, and commercial gecko diets.
• Lifespan: They typically live for 10-20 years.

Unique Traits:

• Their vibrant green bodies with red and blue markings make them stand out.
• Day Geckos are active during the day, providing plenty of opportunities to observe their behavior.

7. House Gecko (Hemidactylus spp.)

Overview: House Geckos are small, adaptable geckos found worldwide, often seen in and around human dwellings.

Care Requirements:

• Habitat: A small to medium tank with plenty of hiding spots.
• Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 75-85°F.
• Diet: They eat a variety of small insects.
• Lifespan: House Geckos typically live for 5-10 years.

Unique Traits:

• They are known for their adaptability to various environments.
• House Geckos have a translucent appearance, allowing some visibility of their internal organs.

8. Chahoua Gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua)

Overview: Chahoua Geckos, or Mossy Prehensile-Tailed Geckos, are native to New Caledonia and known for their prehensile tails and mossy appearance.

Care Requirements:

• Habitat: A vertical enclosure with lots of branches and foliage.
• Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 72-78°F.
• Diet: They eat commercial gecko food, supplemented with insects.
• Lifespan: Chahoua Geckos can live for 15-20 years.

Unique Traits:

• Their mossy appearance provides excellent camouflage.
• They have prehensile tails, which they use to grasp branches.

9. Gold Dust Day Gecko (Phelsuma laticauda)

Overview: The Gold Dust Day Gecko, another diurnal species from Madagascar, is known for its bright colors and active nature.

Care Requirements:

• Habitat: A vertical enclosure with plants and branches.
• Temperature: Maintain a gradient of 75-85°F, with a basking spot around 90°F.
• Diet: They eat insects, fruit purees, and commercial gecko diets.
• Lifespan: They can live for 10-15 years.

Unique Traits:

• Their bright green bodies with gold speckles and red markings are visually striking.
• Like other day geckos, they are active and entertaining to watch during the day.

10. Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus)

Overview: The Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko, native to Madagascar, is famous for its incredible camouflage, resembling a dead leaf.

Care Requirements:

• Habitat: A tall enclosure with lots of vertical space and hiding spots.
• Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 70-80°F.
• Diet: They primarily eat insects like crickets and roaches.
• Lifespan: They typically live for 5-10 years.

Unique Traits:

• Their appearance mimics dead leaves, providing exceptional camouflage.
• These geckos are nocturnal, adding to their mystique.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gecko species depends on your experience level, the time you can dedicate to care, and the environment you can provide. Each gecko species has unique traits and care requirements, making them fascinating and rewarding pets. Whether you prefer the striking appearance of a Crested Gecko or the hardy nature of a Leopard Gecko, there’s a perfect gecko out there for everyone.