Madagascar giant day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis)

Short answers

Madagascar giant day gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

A tall enclosure from ~60×45×80 cm for one animal; a pair ~80×50×100 cm.

Madagascar giant day gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 32–35 °C (locally up to ~40 °C), at night ~20 °C.

Madagascar giant day gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3–4; 5–10 % UVB); diurnal.

Madagascar giant day gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: up to ~15–20 years (the nominate form can reach a great age).

Madagascar giant day 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 °C

Basking spot

32–35 °C (locally up to ~40 °C)

Humidity

50–60 % by day, up to ~80 % at night

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3–4; 5–10 % UVB); diurnal

Enclosure

Minimum size

a tall enclosure from ~60×45×80 cm for one animal; a pair ~80×50×100 cm

Substrate

Coco or humus soil, live large-leaved plants, smooth branches, hollow bamboo tubes, a little bark

Feeding

Food

Insects plus fruit purée or nectar; calcium

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week plus fruit purée, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

~20–25 cm total length

Life expectancy

up to ~15–20 years (the nominate form can reach a great age)

Origin

Northern and north-eastern Madagascar

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B (Phelsuma spp.); proof of origin plus registration required

Brumation

No real winter rest; a slight seasonal drop is possible

Cohabitation

Keeping it singly is the least stressful solution, especially outside breeding. In pairs (one male, one female) works in a large enclosure – drawback: some males become very aggressive towards the female during the breeding season, so keep the pair separated from about May to October and have a spare enclosure ready. Never keep two males together.

Notes

The nominate form of the former Phelsuma madagascariensis complex (grandis is a species of its own today). Bamboo tubes as a retreat matter. UVB and calcium are essential against MBD. Do not touch it (delicate skin).

Do you keep this species?

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Madagascar giant day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis) currently offered

• Madagaskar Taggecko 19 cm, 1 Jahr alt – Mahlow · 52 €

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Related species

• Abbott's day gecko (Phelsuma abbotti) – Intermediate
• Barbour's day gecko (Phelsuma barbouri) – Intermediate
• Blue-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma cepediana) – Intermediate
• Lined day gecko (Phelsuma lineata) – Beginner
• Gold dust day gecko (Phelsuma laticauda) – Beginner to intermediate
• Giant day gecko (Phelsuma grandis) – Beginner
• Seychelles giant day gecko (Phelsuma sundbergi) – Intermediate
• Comoros day gecko (Phelsuma v-nigra) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Madagascar giant day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a tall enclosure from ~60×45×80 cm for one animal; a pair ~80×50×100 cm), substrate (Coco or humus soil, live large-leaved plants, smooth branches, hollow bamboo tubes, a little bark), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.