Large-scaled fish-scale gecko (Geckolepis megalepis)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Large-scaled fish-scale gecko (Geckolepis megalepis) (origin: Northern Madagascar – limestone rock (tsingy)). Adult size around 12–15 cm total length. Life expectancy 6–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Large-scaled fish-scale gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
45×45×60 cm.
Large-scaled fish-scale gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Large-scaled fish-scale gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Large-scaled fish-scale gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–10 years.
Large-scaled fish-scale gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 32 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 45×45×60 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, cork bark, climbing branches, planting
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, wax moths
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 12–15 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 6–10 years
- Origin
- Northern Madagascar – limestone rock (tsingy)
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Kept in pairs; males kept strictly separate. Two males do not work together - they fight over territory and basking spots until one is seriously injured or ends up permanently cornered. One male with several females, however, works reliably. Several basking and hiding spots matter so subordinate animals can retreat, and feed separately once animals differ in size.
Notes
When touched it can shed its large scales together with the skin and escape naked – the skin regenerates without scarring. Precisely for that reason: absolutely no handling, and move it only in a container.
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Related species
- Arabian short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Bastard's big-headed gecko (Paroedura bastardi) – Beginner
- Common barking gecko (Ptenopus garrulus) – Intermediate
- Boettger's wall gecko (Tarentola boettgeri) – Beginner
- Bibron's thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus bibronii) – Beginner
- Elegant gecko (Stenodactylus stenodactylus) – Beginner to intermediate
- Fan-fingered gecko (Ptyodactylus hasselquistii) – Intermediate
- Eastern Canary gecko (Tarentola angustimentalis) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Large-scaled fish-scale gecko (Geckolepis megalepis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×60 cm), substrate (Coco humus, cork bark, climbing branches, 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fischschuppengecko, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Geckolepis&species=megalepis
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).