~nocturnal, terrestrial,
insectivorous~
Size:
They get about 7-9 inches long and
the males are usually a little bit larger than females. To tell the
difference, the males have a set of pores aligned in a V shape just
before the vent.
Life Span:
In captivity, this can be as
long as 20 years, maybe more.
Lighting:
Because they are nocturnal,
they do not really need any UVA or UVB, but it is still better than
nothing. As long as they have a hiding spot (should stay humid) to get
out of the light, the light shouldn't bother them.
Housing:
For one FTG, a 10 gallon tank
will do fine, but larger won't hurt. There should be a screen top but it
doesn't have to be tight or even heavy. The Substrate can be
coconut bark (best), fine sand, peat moss, or peat moss
mixed with fine sand. The Humidity is not very important,
but it should be sprayed every day. Temperature is also easy: 75
degrees at cool side and in low 85-90 on basking side. A Basking
spot in not necessary, so you can use an under-tank heater, infrared
bulb, or full-spectrum basking (this is what I use because it doubles as
the provider of the beneficial UVA and UVB) For Furnishings,
there should be a hiding place, water bowl, and something for climbing (FTGs
are not arboreal {thrive in trees like iguanas} but this may be used for
exercise purposes.
Diet:
FTGs are insectivorous and should eat crickets and
mealworms. Crickets are best if gut-loaded and dusted every other day. A baby can eat 6 crickets in one sitting, so if this happens
don't think you don't feed them enough. Babies should eat about 5-8
insects, 5 times a week and adults: 6-10 insects 3 times a week. Adults
can also be fed one pinky a month, then not fed at all for the rest of
the week.
