~nocturnal, arboreal,
insectivorous~
Size:
Adult tokay geckos
average 10 to 14 inches in length. Hatchlings are usually four
inches in length.
Life Span:
Tokay geckos will live
7 to 10 years.
Lighting:
A heat lamp may be
used. As Tokay geckos are nocturnal, ultra-violet lighting is
not necessary but can be used for aesthetic purposes and plant
maintenance. Under tank heaters are rarely used by this gecko. A
photoperiod of 10 hours light and 14 hours darkness is adequate.
Housing:
Tokay geckos can be
kept singly in a 10 to 20-gallon aquarium. You can house them in
groups, however it is inadvisable to keep males together as they
will fight. You can keep up to six tokay geckos in a 55-gallon
aquarium. When possible choose high tanks over long tanks.
Screened enclosures are not a good choice because of the geckos'
delicate foot structure. TEMPERATURE: Tokay geckos should
be kept in a relative cage temperature of 85 to 90 F during
the day with a 15F drop during the night. SUBSTRATE:
Potting soil and sand mixture, orchid bark, coconut fiber or fir
bark can all be used as substrate.
Diet:
Tokay geckos are not
squeamish and will eat a wide variety of insects. Crickets
should be a staple and will be relished. Wax worms, wax moths,
super worms, locusts and even pinky mice will be eaten. Food
should be offered every other day. Dusting of insects with a
multipurpose reptile vitamin/mineral powder should be done at
least every third feeding.
