Günther's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus guentheri)
Geckos · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Günther's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus guentheri) (origin: North-western Madagascar – dry forest). Adult size around 12–15 cm total length. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Günther's leaf-tailed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
45×45×60 cm.
Günther's leaf-tailed gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–27 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 18–21 °C.
Günther's leaf-tailed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2–5 %).
Günther's leaf-tailed gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Günther's leaf-tailed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–27 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–21 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2–5 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 45×45×60 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, thin twigs, leaf litter, dense planting
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 12–15 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- North-western Madagascar – dry forest
- Protection status
- CITES II; Madagascar's export quotas are very limited
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 8–10 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keeping in pairs (one male with one or more females) works reliably. Two males do not go together — they fight over territory and the best hides until one is seriously injured or sits permanently in a corner. Several hides are important so lower-ranking animals can retreat, and feed separately once animals differ in size.
Notes
A small, leaf-mimicking Uroplatus from dry forests – needing somewhat less humidity than the rainforest species. Wild-caught animals are almost always parasitised; buy captive-bred animals only.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Günther's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus guentheri) 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
- Common flat-tail gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) – Intermediate to 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 Günther's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus guentheri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×60 cm), substrate (Coco humus, thin twigs, leaf litter, dense planting), 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/G%C3%BCnther%27s_flat-tail_gecko, 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).