Chinese gecko (Gekko chinensis)

Short answers

Chinese gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×45×80 cm for a pair — these species climb.

Chinese gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–31 °C, basking spot Warm place up to 32 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

Chinese gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not essential (nocturnal), but weak UVB is still beneficial.

Chinese gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Chinese gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–31 °C

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

Warm place up to 32 °C

Humidity

65–80 %

UVB

Not essential (nocturnal), but weak UVB is still beneficial

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×45×80 cm for a pair — these species climb

Substrate

Forest-floor substrate, plus sturdy cork trunks and pieces of bark set vertically

Feeding

Food

Robust insects such as roaches, locusts and crickets, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

13–17 cm

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

Südchina (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hongkong)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

No winter rest; somewhat cooler in winter

Cohabitation

Keeping it singly is least stressful. A pair (1.1) works in an enclosure with several bark crevices; drawback: the female is harassed for mating and drained by clutches. Never keep two males together.

Notes

It takes cooler conditions than its tropical relatives.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Rock gecko (Gekko petricolus) – Intermediate
• Golden gecko (Gekko badenii) – Beginner
• Grossmann's gecko (Gekko grossmanni) – Intermediate
• Horsfield's gecko (Gekko horsfieldii) – Intermediate
• Japanese gecko (Gekko japonicus) – Intermediate
• Kuhl's flying gecko (Gekko kuhli) – Intermediate
• Spotted house gecko (Gekko monarchus) – Beginner
• Reeves' gecko (Gekko reevesii) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Chinese gecko (Gekko chinensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×80 cm for a pair — these species climb), substrate (Forest-floor substrate, plus sturdy cork trunks and pieces of bark set vertically), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.