Types of gecko
With their ability to climb, and different defensive techniques – from rattling scales to depositing a still wriggling tail – the gecko is an intriguing pet. A lot of species are available on Pets4Homes, so potential owners should do their research before they pick one of the many unique types.
Cat Gecko
An elegant gecko that is highly sort after by gecko collectors. It is relatively easy to keep, but can be hard to find on the market. Growing up to 7 inches long, they are a rust-coloured brown, with cream underbelly and chin. They have a long snout making them look very sleek. Their name comes from their habit of sleeping curled up with their tail over their nose and eyes. They like to climb twigs and shrubs near the forest floor, and tend to be shy. Most owners recommend housing them on their own, unless you plan to breed.
Crested Gecko
With tiny bumps all around their eyes, the Crested Gecko looks as if she has incredibly long eyelashes. This added to the long smiling snout makes them very cute compared to many lizards. They are a very popular species for beginners, as they are hardy and easy to keep. They have crests running from each eye to the back of their neck. Their toes and tail are covered in tiny hairs – this helps them climb all sorts of surfaces. Crested Geckos come in a variety of colours including: brown; grey; orange; red; and, yellow. If this species damage their tail, it will not grow back like many geckos. The stump will heal without any blood loss.
Dwarf Yellow-Headed Gecko
A very shy gecko, these small creatures are worth the effort. With patience not only will they grow accustomed to you sharing the same space, you can encourage them to eat directly from your hand. Only growing to 3 inches, keeping them in pairs will let you see their full personality. They are curious as well as shy so provide a tank with plenty of places to hide and investigate. Tubes, living plants and plenty of branches to climb will keep them entertained. They are a very unusual colour, with a light slate blue body, and a bright yellow head with grey stripes. They can flatten their bodies into the tightest of places when they are frightened, so be careful when cleaning the tank out.
Frog Eyed Gecko
The Frog Eyed Gecko likes to burrow, especially in sand. As a result, such conditions should always be available in your tank. With a shorter snout and larger eyes than other species, its face is very frog-like. It is also covered in fish-like scales. These are used as a defensive measure and in courtship, with the male raising and rattling them. They like to burrow to help regulate their body temperature, and need their environment to match the high daylight temperatures of the day, and low temperatures of the night. Although this is complicated to set up, they are attractive and unusual species which many owners grow to love.
Giant Day Gecko
One of the larger geckos, growing to 12 inches, they come from Madagascar so require a humid environment. Unlike a number of geckos they like to roam around in daylight, basking in the sun on branches. They are a stunning bright green, with a red V on their forehead and irregular red blotches on their backs. Adults also have sacs on their neck where calcium is stored. They can climb glass so tanks should be secure to stop them escaping. Giant Day Geckos can live in pairs, if the space allows it. In mating season the male will shake through his body and tail, calling the female. If the female is not willing to mate she will change colour to a darker green. It is not wise to handle this gecko too much, as it can injure their skin.
Leopard Gecko
One of the first species to be domesticated they are now one of the most popular types of geckos you can find in pet stores or advertised by exotic pet breeders. Like their name sake, they are yellow with a large number of black spots to help them camouflage into their environment. They are nocturnal, and unlike a most geckos have eyelids. After their monthly shedding do not be surprised to see your Leopard Gecko eat the dead skin. This is believed to help them recycle proteins and vitamins. When attacked by a predator, they will purposefully shed their tail – this will keep moving for up to 30 minutes so they can escape. The tail will grow back, but it is wise not to scare your gecko in case it fears you are a predator.
Mediterranean House Gecko
With some being small enough to sit on the top of your finger, this gecko usually grows between 3 and 5 inches. In the wild they have found homes with humans, moving into the quiet unseen nooks and crannies of houses. Coming in a variety of different browns and creams, their underbellies are almost translucent. Their bodies are covered in tiny bumps, so they resemble stones in a rockery. As a nocturnal gecko, their main diet is moths – they have adapted to human conditions seeking out lights in order to capture their prey quickly. House geckos are incredibly resilient and hardy to keep, but with their size handling should be very carefully done. Always make sure to wash your hands so no bacterium is passed onto their skin.
White Lined Gecko
These guys love to climb, and make great pets for any child who wants to see an agile gecko. They have distinctive white lines that run down each side of their body, but can come in a variety of colours – green, brown or tan. They can live in small communities, and can grow up to 10 inches long so will need a big space to live in. They love the heat, so should have a heat lamp during the day, and a cooler red bulb at night. As they will climb anything, you will need to make sure the bulbs are not within their reach as they will burn themselves. Provide plenty of cover so they can hide during the day.
