Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate to expert
Key facts and care guidance for Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui) (origin: Northern Madagascar). Adult size around approx. 7–9 cm (a small Uroplatus species). Life expectancy 3–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 40×40×60 cm kept singly, densely planted.
Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C (no higher), at night 18–22 °C (a night-time drop matters).
Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Optional (low, nocturnal).
Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 3–5 years.
Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Intermediate to expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C (no higher)
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C (a night-time drop matters)
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 70–90 %, up to ~100 % at night
- UVB
- Optional (low, nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 40×40×60 cm kept singly, densely planted
- Substrate
- Forest floor or coco with leaf litter and moss, plenty of fine branchwork and foliage
Feeding
- Food
- Insects of a suitable size, fed in the evening
- Feeding interval
- every 2–3 days in the evening
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 7–9 cm (a small Uroplatus species)
- Life expectancy
- 3–5 years
- Origin
- Northern Madagascar
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B – registration required
- Brumation
- No real rest period; recreate the seasonal variation in temperature and humidity
- Cohabitation
- Keeping singly is the least stressful — the species is very shy 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
Very delicate: a high humidity and fresh-air requirement, and no warmth above 28 °C. Often wild-caught – prefer captive-bred animals. Not one for beginners.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Alluaud's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus alluaudi) – Expert
- Finiavana leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus finiavana) – Intermediate
- Common flat-tail gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) – Intermediate to expert
- 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 Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 40×40×60 cm kept singly, densely planted), substrate (Forest floor or coco with leaf litter and moss, plenty of fine branchwork and foliage), 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pfeilschwanzgecko, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uroplatus
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).