Common flat-tail gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate to expert
Key facts and care guidance for Common flat-tail gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) (origin: Eastern Madagascar). Adult size around approx. 25–30 cm (one of the largest Uroplatus species). Life expectancy 8–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Common flat-tail gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 80×80×150 cm.
Common flat-tail gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–25 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Common flat-tail gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Optional (low).
Common flat-tail gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–10 years.
Common flat-tail gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Intermediate to expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–25 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- day 70–80 %, up to ~100 % at night
- UVB
- Optional (low)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 80×80×150 cm
- Substrate
- Coco or pine soil with leaf litter and moss, thick vertical branches
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (at night), including larger crickets and roaches
- Feeding interval
- every 2–3 days in the evening
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 25–30 cm (one of the largest Uroplatus species)
- Life expectancy
- 8–10 years
- Origin
- Eastern Madagascar
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B – registration required
- Brumation
- No real rest period; recreate the seasonal variation
- Cohabitation
- Keeping singly is the least stressful — the species is very shy and nocturnal and needs plenty of visual cover. Keeping in pairs is possible, but several males do not go together: they fight over territory and the best hides until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females generally get along but need their own hides; feed animals of different sizes separately.
Notes
A narrow temperature window – summer heat above 25–28 °C is critical and calls for good climate control. A high humidity requirement with plenty of fresh air.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Common flat-tail gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Alluaud's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus alluaudi) – Expert
- Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui) – Intermediate to expert
- Finiavana leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus finiavana) – Intermediate
- Günther's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus guentheri) – Expert
- Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus henkeli) – Expert
- Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus pietschmanni) – Expert
- Lined leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus lineatus) – Expert
- Mossy leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus sikorae) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Common flat-tail gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 80×80×150 cm), substrate (Coco or pine soil with leaf litter and moss, thick vertical branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uroplatus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uroplatus_fimbriatus
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).