Are you considering getting a gecko as a pet but aren’t sure which species would be the best fit for beginners? Look no further. In this article, we will explore the various species of geckos and narrow down the options to find the ideal choice for those new to gecko ownership. Whether you’re attracted to their vibrant colors, low maintenance needs, or fascinating behaviors, we’ll guide you to the best species suited for beginners.
Gecko Species For Beginners
Geckos are a popular choice for beginner reptile enthusiasts due to their small size, low maintenance requirements, and fascinating behaviors. If you’re considering getting a gecko as a pet, it’s important to choose a species that is suitable for beginners. In this guide, we will explore the top gecko species for beginners, discussing their characteristics, care requirements, handling, feeding, housing, common health issues, pros and cons, recommended for, availability, and cost. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of geckos!
Leopard Gecko
Characteristics
Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are one of the most popular gecko species kept as pets. They have a distinctive appearance, with a stout body, bulbous eyes, and a banded or spotted pattern on their skin. Leopard geckos are usually yellow, white, or brown in coloration, but some morphs can exhibit vibrant patterns.
Care Requirements
Leopard geckos have relatively easy care requirements, making them ideal for beginners. They require a suitable enclosure with a temperature gradient, UVB lighting is not necessary for leopard geckos. The enclosure should be equipped with hiding spots, a shallow water dish, and a substrate that is safe if accidentally ingested. Leopard geckos are mostly nocturnal, so they prefer a daytime temperature of around 85°F (29°C) and a nighttime temperature between 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Handling
Leopard geckos can be easily handled and are generally docile, though it’s important to approach them gently and avoid grasping their tails, as they can drop their tails as a defense mechanism.
Feeding
Leopard geckos are insectivores and primarily feed on a diet of live insects. Crickets, mealworms, and waxworms are commonly offered as staple food items. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.
Housing
Leopard geckos are solitary animals and should be housed alone. The enclosure should be of adequate size, providing enough space to roam and climb. A 20-gallon tank is suitable for an adult leopard gecko.
Common Health Issues
Leopard geckos can suffer from various health issues, including metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and shedding problems. Regular check-ups with a reptile veterinarian and providing a suitable diet and environment can help prevent these issues.
Pros and Cons
Some pros of owning a leopard gecko include their docile nature, ease of handling, low maintenance requirements, and relatively long lifespan of 10-20 years. However, they are nocturnal and may not be as active during the day, which may not be ideal for all reptile enthusiasts.
Recommended for
Leopard geckos are recommended for beginner reptile keepers who are looking for a relatively low-maintenance pet with an interesting appearance and easy handling.
Availability
Leopard geckos are readily available from pet stores, reptile expos, and reputable breeders. They come in a wide variety of morphs, allowing for diverse choices in color and pattern.
Cost
The cost of a leopard gecko can vary depending on factors such as morph, age, and gender. However, they are generally affordable, with prices ranging from $20 to $100.
Crested Gecko
Characteristics
Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are known for their unique appearance, which includes a crest along their head and back. They are arboreal geckos with a slender body, large eyes, and a wide variety of vibrant color patterns.
Care Requirements
Crested geckos are relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for beginners. They require a tall enclosure with branches and plants for climbing, as well as hiding spots and a water dish. Unlike some other gecko species, crested geckos do not require UVB lighting but can benefit from a low-wattage incandescent or LED bulb for light and gentle heat. The enclosure should be maintained at a temperature between 72-78°F (22-25°C) during the day and slightly cooler during the night.
Handling
Crested geckos are generally docile but may be more skittish compared to leopard geckos. They can be handled cautiously but should not be forcefully restrained.
Feeding
Crested geckos are omnivores and have a diet that consists of commercial powdered crested gecko diet, as well as occasional live insects. It’s important to provide a varied diet and ensure proper calcium supplementation.
Housing
Crested geckos are arboreal and require a tall enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities. A 20-gallon vertical tank or a specially designed terrarium is suitable for an adult crested gecko. The enclosure should have a secure lid to prevent escapes.
Common Health Issues
Crested geckos can be prone to tail loss, metabolic bone disease, and skin issues if their diet and environment are not properly maintained. Regular health check-ups and a balanced diet are essential for their well-being.
Pros and Cons
Some pros of owning a crested gecko include their unique appearance, relatively low maintenance requirements, and ability to thrive in a vertical enclosure. However, they may be more skittish and less handleable compared to other gecko species.
Recommended for
Crested geckos are recommended for beginner reptile keepers who appreciate the unique appearance of these geckos and are willing to provide the necessary care and attention they require.
Availability
Crested geckos can be found in pet stores, reptile expos, and from reputable breeders. They come in various color morphs, allowing for personal preferences in terms of appearance.
Cost
The cost of a crested gecko can vary depending on factors such as morph, age, and gender. On average, they range from $50 to $200.
Gargoyle Gecko
Characteristics
Gargoyle geckos (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) are named after their resemblance to gargoyles, with their bumpy skin and unique head structure. They have a stout body, large eyes, and a prehensile tail, which is used for climbing.
Care Requirements
Gargoyle geckos have care requirements similar to crested geckos, making them suitable for beginners. They require a tall enclosure with climbing branches, hiding spots, and a water dish. The temperature range and lighting requirements are also similar to crested geckos.
Handling
Gargoyle geckos are generally docile but can be more sensitive to handling compared to leopard geckos. Extra care should be taken during handling, ensuring a calm and secure environment.
Feeding
Gargoyle geckos have a diet that consists of commercial powdered gecko diet, supplemented with occasional live insects. Their diet should be varied and properly supplemented with calcium and other necessary nutrients.
Housing
Gargoyle geckos are arboreal and require a tall enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities. A 20-gallon vertical tank or a specially designed terrarium is suitable for an adult gargoyle gecko. As with crested geckos, a secure lid is essential to prevent escapes.
Common Health Issues
Gargoyle geckos can experience similar health issues as crested geckos if their diet and environment are not properly maintained. It’s important to provide a balanced diet, regular health check-ups, and a suitable environment to prevent potential health problems.
Pros and Cons
Some pros of owning a gargoyle gecko include their unique appearance, relatively low maintenance requirements, and ability to thrive in a vertical enclosure. However, like crested geckos, they may be more sensitive to handling and require a careful approach.
Recommended for
Gargoyle geckos are recommended for beginner reptile keepers who are looking for a visually striking pet with manageable care requirements.
Availability
Gargoyle geckos can be found in select pet stores, reptile expos, and from reputable breeders. They are less common than leopard geckos and crested geckos, but they come in various color and pattern morphs.
Cost
The cost of a gargoyle gecko can range from $100 to $300, depending on factors such as morph and availability.
African Fat-tailed Gecko
Characteristics
African fat-tailed geckos (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) closely resemble leopard geckos, but they have a fatter tail and a smaller, rounder head. They display a range of colors, including shades of brown, orange, and black.
Care Requirements
African fat-tailed geckos have care requirements similar to leopard geckos, making them suitable for beginners. They require a suitable enclosure with a temperature gradient, hiding spots, and a shallow water dish. The temperature range and lighting requirements are also similar to leopard geckos.
Handling
African fat-tailed geckos can be handled, and their docile nature makes them great pets for beginners. As with all geckos, they should be handled gently and never grasped by their tail.
Feeding
African fat-tailed geckos are insectivores, and their diet consists primarily of live insects. Crickets, mealworms, and waxworms are commonly offered as staple food items. A varied diet is important to ensure proper nutrition.
Housing
African fat-tailed geckos are solitary and should be housed alone. A 20-gallon tank is suitable for an adult African fat-tailed gecko. The enclosure should have suitable hiding spots and a substrate that is safe if accidentally ingested.
Common Health Issues
African fat-tailed geckos can experience similar health issues as leopard geckos if proper care and a suitable diet are not provided. Regular check-ups with a reptile veterinarian are important to monitor their health.
Pros and Cons
Some pros of owning an African fat-tailed gecko include their docile nature, ease of handling, and relatively low maintenance requirements. However, they may not have as wide of a variety in color and pattern morphs compared to other gecko species.
Recommended for
African fat-tailed geckos are recommended for beginner reptile keepers who are looking for a visually appealing pet with traits similar to leopard geckos.
Availability
African fat-tailed geckos are readily available from pet stores, reptile expos, and reputable breeders. While they may not have as many morph options compared to leopard geckos, there is still a good level of availability.
Cost
The cost of an African fat-tailed gecko can range from $20 to $100, depending on factors such as morph and availability.
Day Gecko
Characteristics
Day geckos (genus Phelsuma) are a group of gecko species known for their vibrant colors, particularly shades of green and blue. They have slender bodies, large eyes, and often exhibit unique patterns.
Care Requirements
Day geckos require special care compared to some other gecko species, making them better suited for intermediate reptile keepers. They require a suitable enclosure with a temperature gradient, UVB lighting is recommended for day geckos. The enclosure should be equipped with climbing branches, hiding spots, and a misting system to maintain humidity levels.
Handling
Day geckos are generally more skittish compared to some other gecko species and may not tolerate handling as well. It is recommended to admire them from a distance and provide an enriching enclosure instead.
Feeding
Day geckos are primarily insectivores, and their diet consists of a variety of live insects. Calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation are essential to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Housing
Day geckos require a vertically oriented enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities. A 20-gallon vertical tank or a specially designed terrarium is suitable for an adult day gecko. The enclosure should have a secure lid and proper ventilation.
Common Health Issues
Day geckos can experience health issues related to incorrect diet, temperature fluctuations, and improper humidity levels. Monitoring their health and providing a suitable environment is crucial for their well-being.
Pros and Cons
Some pros of owning a day gecko include their vibrant colors, interesting behaviors, and unique care requirements. However, they may not tolerate handling well and require a more specialized setup compared to other gecko species.
Recommended for
Day geckos are recommended for intermediate reptile keepers who have experience with maintaining the specific care requirements of these geckos and appreciate their vibrant appearance.
Availability
Day geckos are less commonly found in pet stores compared to other gecko species. They are more readily available from reptile expos and reputable breeders.
Cost
The cost of a day gecko can vary depending on factors such as species, morph, and availability. On average, they range from $50 to $200.
House Gecko
Characteristics
House geckos (Hemidactylus sp.) are a group of small gecko species found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They have a slender body, prominent eyes, and can exhibit various colors and patterns.
Care Requirements
House geckos are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for beginners. They require a suitable enclosure with hiding spots, a water dish, and climbing opportunities. House geckos can tolerate a wide temperature range, but it’s best to keep the enclosure between 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Handling
House geckos are generally fast-moving and may not tolerate handling as well. It’s best to admire them from a distance and provide a comfortable environment instead.
Feeding
House geckos are insectivores and have a diet that primarily consists of live insects. Providing a varied diet is important to ensure proper nutrition.
Housing
House geckos are relatively small and can be housed in a 10-gallon tank, depending on the number of geckos being housed. The enclosure should have hiding spots, climbing opportunities, and a secure lid to prevent escapes.
Common Health Issues
House geckos can experience health issues related to inadequate diet, improper temperature, and stress. Maintaining a suitable environment and providing a varied diet is crucial for their well-being.
Pros and Cons
Some pros of owning house geckos include their small size, interesting behaviors, and relatively low maintenance requirements. However, they may not tolerate handling well and have less diverse color and pattern options compared to other gecko species.
Recommended for
House geckos are recommended for beginner reptile keepers who are looking for a small and low-maintenance gecko species to observe in their natural habitat.
Availability
House geckos are commonly found in pet stores, as they are relatively easy to breed and rear. They are also sometimes found around residential areas but should not be kept as wild-caught pets.
Cost
The cost of a house gecko can range from $10 to $50, depending on factors such as species, age, and coloration.
Tokay Gecko
Characteristics
Tokay geckos (Gekko gecko) are large and robust gecko species known for their striking appearance. They have a stocky body, vibrant blue or gray coloration with red or orange spots, and a loud vocalization.
Care Requirements
Tokay geckos require specialized care compared to some other gecko species, making them better suited for experienced reptile keepers. They require a suitable enclosure with a temperature gradient, UVB lighting is recommended for tokay geckos. The enclosure should be spacious, equipped with hiding spots, and climbing opportunities.
Handling
Tokay geckos are known for their defensive behavior and their powerful bite, so they are not recommended for handling. They are best observed from a distance to avoid any potential stress or harm.
Feeding
Tokay geckos are nocturnal insectivores and have a diet that consists mainly of live insects. They have a strong bite and can consume relatively large prey items such as rodents.
Housing
Tokay geckos require a spacious enclosure due to their large size. A 40-gallon tank or custom-built enclosure is suitable for an adult tokay gecko. The enclosure should have hiding spots, climbing opportunities, and a secure lid.
Common Health Issues
Tokay geckos can experience health issues related to incorrect diet, temperature fluctuations, and stress. Maintaining a suitable environment and providing a balanced diet is crucial for their well-being.
Pros and Cons
Some pros of owning a tokay gecko include their striking appearance, interesting behaviors, and unique vocalization. However, they are best suited for experienced reptile keepers due to their specialized care requirements and defensive nature.
Recommended for
Tokay geckos are recommended for experienced reptile keepers who have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide the specific care requirements of these geckos.
Availability
Tokay geckos can be found in select pet stores and from reputable breeders. Due to their size and specialized care requirements, they may not be as commonly available as other gecko species.
Cost
The cost of a tokay gecko can range from $50 to $200, depending on factors such as age, size, and color morph.
Golden Gecko
Characteristics
Golden geckos (Gekko ulikovskii) are medium-sized gecko species with a unique appearance. They have a slender body, large eyes, and exhibit shades of golden or orange coloration.
Care Requirements
Golden geckos have care requirements that are relatively easy to manage, making them suitable for beginners. They require a suitable enclosure with a temperature gradient, UVB lighting is recommended for golden geckos. The enclosure should be furnished with hiding spots, climbing opportunities, and a water dish.
Handling
Golden geckos can be handled, but care should be taken to avoid excessive stress. Gentle and infrequent handling is recommended to ensure their well-being.
Feeding
Golden geckos are insectivores, and their diet consists primarily of live insects. Providing a varied diet and proper calcium supplementation is important for their health.
Housing
Golden geckos are arboreal and require a vertically oriented enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities. A 20-gallon vertical tank or a specially designed terrarium is suitable for an adult golden gecko. The enclosure should have a secure lid to prevent escapes.
Common Health Issues
Golden geckos can experience health issues related to incorrect temperature, inadequate diet, and poor humidity levels. Maintaining suitable conditions and providing a balanced diet is important to prevent potential health problems.
Pros and Cons
Some pros of owning a golden gecko include their unique appearance, relatively low maintenance requirements, and ability to thrive in a vertical enclosure. However, they may be more secretive and less handleable compared to other gecko species.
Recommended for
Golden geckos are recommended for beginner reptile keepers who appreciate their striking coloration and are willing to provide the necessary care and attention they require.
Availability
Golden geckos are less commonly found in pet stores compared to other gecko species. They are more readily available from reptile expos and reputable breeders.
Cost
The cost of a golden gecko can range from $50 to $150, depending on factors such as age, size, and availability.
Mourning Gecko
Characteristics
Mourning geckos (Lepidodactylus lugubris) are small gecko species known for their ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis, meaning females are capable of laying fertile eggs without mating. They have a slender body, large eyes, and exhibit various shades of brown or gray coloration.
Care Requirements
Mourning geckos have care requirements that are relatively easy to manage, making them suitable for beginners. They require a suitable enclosure with a temperature gradient, UVB lighting is not necessary for mourning geckos. The enclosure should be furnished with hiding spots, climbing opportunities, and a water dish.
Handling
Mourning geckos are generally small and delicate, so handling should be kept to a minimum to prevent any harm or stress. They are best observed from a distance within their enclosure.
Feeding
Mourning geckos are opportunistic feeders and have a diet that consists of both live insects and supplemented commercial crested gecko diet. Offering a varied diet is crucial to ensure proper nutrition.
Housing
Mourning geckos are arboreal and should be housed in a vertically oriented enclosure. Due to their small size and communal nature, multiple mourning geckos can be housed together in a 10-gallon tank. The enclosure should have hiding spots, climbing opportunities, and a secure lid.
Common Health Issues
Mourning geckos are generally hardy but can experience health issues related to incorrect temperature, inadequate diet, and excessive handling. Providing suitable conditions and ensuring a balanced diet are important for their well-being.
Pros and Cons
Some pros of owning mourning geckos include their small size, interesting breeding habits, and relative ease of care. However, they may not be as handleable compared to other gecko species, and their small size can make them more challenging to observe.
Recommended for
Mourning geckos are recommended for beginner reptile keepers who are looking for a small and low-maintenance gecko species that can be housed in groups.
Availability
Mourning geckos are commonly found in pet stores, reptile expos, and from reputable breeders. Due to their reproductive abilities, they are relatively abundant in the pet trade.
Cost
The cost of a mourning gecko can range from $10 to $50, depending on factors such as age, size, and availability.
In conclusion, there are several gecko species that are suitable for beginners, each with their own unique characteristics and care requirements. Leopard geckos, crested geckos, gargoyle geckos, African fat-tailed geckos, day geckos, house geckos, tokay geckos, golden geckos, and mourning geckos all have their own pros and cons, but when provided with the appropriate care, they can make fascinating and rewarding pets. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant colors of crested geckos or the docile nature of leopard geckos, there is a gecko species out there that will be the perfect match for you. With proper research, preparation, and dedication, you can embark on an exciting journey into the world of gecko keeping and enjoy the companionship of these amazing reptiles.
