Geckos make great pets for reptile enthusiasts. With over 1500 species, geckos come in a huge variety of sizes, colors, and temperaments. When choosing the right gecko, it’s important to consider factors like size, handling, care requirements, and cost. Some of the most popular geckos kept as pets include leopard geckos, crested geckos, gargoyle geckos, African fat-tailed geckos, and more. This article explores some of the best gecko species to keep as pets.
Leopard Gecko
The leopard gecko is one of the most common pet geckos. These geckos originate from the deserts of Asia and the Middle East. Some key facts about leopard geckos:
- Adult Size: 8-10 inches
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Cost: $30-$75
Leopard geckos are a great starter gecko because of their docile nature, small size, easy care requirements, and longevity as pets. They have knobby skin with yellow and brown blotches, resembling a leopard’s spots. Leopard geckos only have small claws and teeth so handling is quite safe. Their skin sheds in patches, so they don’t need a humid environment. A 20-30 gallon tank with a substrate like reptile carpet along with a few hides is sufficient. Leopard geckos are insectivores and can be fed crickets, small mealworms, waxworms and other feeder insects a few times per week. With their friendly personalities, simple habitat needs and inexpensive upkeep, leopard geckos make excellent pets.
Crested Gecko
The crested gecko is another common pet gecko originally from New Caledonia. Here are some key crested gecko facts:
- Adult Size: 6-10 inches
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Cost: $50-$150
Crested geckos are known for the eyelash-like crests above their eyes. They come in many different colors and patterns including red, orange, yellow, brown, grey, and green. Crested geckos have wide toe pads that allow them to climb vertical surfaces. Unlike many geckos, crested geckos don’t have adhesive toe pads so handling is easy. A 10-20 gallon tall tank filled with branches and plants provides sufficient climbing space. Crested geckos will lick nutrient-rich fruit mixtures from dishes so live insects are not required. However, they can occasionally be offered feeder insects for extra protein. With simple care, varied colorations, and calm dispositions, crested geckos are one of the best gecko pets.
Gargoyle Gecko
Closely related to the crested gecko is the gargoyle gecko, also from New Caledonia. Here’s some background on gargoyle geckos:
- Adult Size: 7-9 inches
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Cost: $80-$250
Gargoyle geckos are named for the bony protrusions above their eyes that resemble a gargoyle. Color variations include greys, browns, reds, lavenders, and tans, often with striped patterns. Gargoyle geckos have similar care needs to crested geckos but are slightly more sensitive. They require larger, more naturalistic enclosures with plenty of foliage and climbing areas. The temperature and humidity levels need more precise monitoring than a crested gecko setup. Gargoyle geckos will also eat fruit mixtures along with occasional insects. With their unique look and intermediate care needs, gargoyle geckos can be a fun gecko to keep for experienced keepers.
African Fat-Tailed Gecko
The African fat-tailed gecko has a distinct appearance and requirements compared to other geckos. Here are some African fat-tail facts:
- Adult Size: 8-10 inches
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Cost: $50-$100
As the name suggests, these geckos have a thick tail that stores fat and water. Their coloration consists of various brown, yellow, and cream tones with black spots and bands. African fat-tails come from arid environments and require a warm dry terrarium with a substrate like reptile carpet, paper towels, or fine sand. This species tends to be shy and slower moving compared to other geckos. However, once accustomed to handling, African fat-tails make nice display pets. They have basic lighting and feeding needs, only requiring occasional misting. Their unique look and easy care make the African fat-tail gecko a good alternative to the leopard gecko.
Mourning Gecko
The tiny mourning gecko is the smallest pet gecko species. Here are some mourning gecko attributes:
- Adult Size: 3-4 inches
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Cost: $20-$40
Native to Madagascar, mourning geckos have a dark grey to black velvety appearance. They are quite small compared to other pet geckos. Mourning geckos are very active and can climb smooth surfaces and even glass. A ten gallon vertically oriented tank provides ample space for a pair or small group. They do well at room temperature between 65-80°F. Mourning geckos will eat commercial fruit mixtures, nectar, and occasionally insects. Their main diet consists of small insects and nectar in the wild. While mourning geckos are shy and speedy, with time and patience they can become acclimated to calm handling. Their small size, unique nature, and interesting social dynamics make mourning geckos fun display pets.
Tokay Gecko
The tokay gecko is a large, vocal species common in the pet trade. Here’s some info about their care:
- Adult Size: 14-16 inches
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Cost: $30-$75
Native to Southeast Asia, tokay geckos are a bluish-grey with orange spots. They are loud geckos, frequently making a “tokay” vocalization. These geckos have a reputation for being aggressive but their feisty nature can be thrilling to experienced keepers. Tokays require a large vivarium, preferably 30 gallons or more, with ample climbing space. The enclosure should have a warm side around 88°F and a cooler side in the 70s. Humidity levels are also crucial and should be kept above 50%. Tokays eat a variety of insects along with occasional fruit. With significant space, proper heating and humidity, and an experienced hand, the tokay gecko makes an exciting pet.
Cave Gecko
The bizarre cave gecko, found on islands off Madagascar, stands out for its unique care and appearance. Some cave gecko facts:
- Adult Size: 4-5 inches
- Lifespan: Unknown, likely 10+ years
- Difficulty Level: Advanced
- Cost: $200-$300
These geckos lack adhesive toe pads and have clawless feet making climbing a challenge. Cave geckos live in humid caves and forests and require a simulated naturalistic environment. Their terrarium should be a moist, tropical setup with pools, abundant foliage, rocky shelters, and low light conditions. Cave geckos have a plump, segmented body with short tails and large eyes. Their coloration consists of pinks, lavenders, greys, and peach. The cave gecko’s unique attributes make them intriguing but their advanced care limits them to very experienced keepers.
Caring for Pet Geckos
When researching gecko care, always confirm that the reptile is captive bred, not wild caught. Here are some general gecko care guidelines:
- Enclosure – Geckos need an adequately sized terrarium with proper heating, lighting, humidity, and substrates. Follow specific species requirements.
- Temperature – Most geckos do well at about 75-80°F on the cool end and 88-90°F on the warm end.
- Lighting – Some geckos require specialized UVB lighting while others do fine with household bulbs on a day/night cycle.
- Humidity – Some arboreal and tropical geckos need 50% humidity or higher while desert species thrive at lower humidity.
- Substrate – Reptile carpets, paper towels, or naturalistic substrates like sphagnum moss work well. No sand which can cause impaction.
- Decor – Provide ample climbing areas, plants, hides, and furnishings specific to species needs.
- Food – Most eat live insects like crickets or worms along with commercial fruit diets. Calcium and vitamin supplements are essential.
With the right setup and care, geckos can make fantastic pets full of personality. Always do ample research before bringing home any new reptile.
Top 5 Beginner Gecko Species
For those new to gecko care, these 5 species make excellent starter pets:
| Gecko | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Leopard Gecko | Docile, easy care, long lived, variety of colors and patterns |
| Crested Gecko | Calm, simple care, doesn’t require insects, beautiful colors and crests |
| African Fat-Tailed Gecko | Tolerates handling well, basic care like leopard gecko but less common |
| Madagascar Day Gecko | Active in the day, bright green color, medium care needs |
| House Gecko | Hardy, small size, simple care, inexpensive |
These beginner geckos are easy to care for, have great temperaments, and come in stunning colors and patterns. With their unique appeal as pets, geckos are a great way to enter the world of reptile keeping.
Conclusion
Geckos encompass a diverse range of species, each with their own specific care needs and personality. When choosing a pet gecko, it is essential to thoroughly research the gecko’s needs and determine if they align with your experience level. Leopard geckos, crested geckos, and African fat-tailed geckos make wonderful gecko pets for beginners. More advanced keepers may enjoy the added challenges of species like tokay geckos or cave geckos. Regardless of the species, geckos are engaging reptiles that make gratifying pets when properly cared for. With their small size, low maintenance, and delightful nature, geckos are definitely one of the best types of pet reptiles.
