Broad-tailed gecko (Phyllurus platurus)

Short answers

Broad-tailed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 60×40×60 cm.

Broad-tailed gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, at night 16–19 °C.

Broad-tailed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not essential.

Broad-tailed gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Broad-tailed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C

Night temperature

16–19 °C

Humidity

60–75 %

UVB

Not essential

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 60×40×60 cm

Substrate

Humus and sand, sandstone slabs, cork

Feeding

Food

Insects of all kinds

Feeding interval

Adults 2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

13–15 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Australia (the Sydney area)

Protection status

Captive-bred animals only

Brumation

Yes, 8–10 weeks at 12–16 °C

Cohabitation

Kept in pairs - males must never be housed together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hiding spots until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females usually get along but need their own hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

To be kept cooler than most Australian geckos: it inhabits shady rock crevices, not desert. Keeping it too warm is the commonest mistake.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Broad-tailed gecko (Phyllurus platurus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Mount Elliot leaf-tailed gecko (Phyllurus amnicola) – Intermediate
• Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Fat-tailed diplodactylus (Diplodactylus conspicillatus) – Intermediate
• Delean's knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus deleani) – Intermediate
• Jewelled gecko (Strophurus elderi) – Intermediate
• Ranges stone gecko (Diplodactylus furcosus) – Beginner to intermediate
• Banded knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus cinctus) – Intermediate
• Eastern stone gecko (Diplodactylus vittatus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Broad-tailed gecko (Phyllurus platurus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 60×40×60 cm), substrate (Humus and sand, sandstone slabs, cork), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.