Malayan bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus pulchellus)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Malayan bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus pulchellus) (origin: Malaysia, southern Thailand – limestone rock). Adult size around 20–25 cm total length. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Malayan bent-toed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×45×60 cm.
Malayan bent-toed gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.
Malayan bent-toed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2–5 %).
Malayan bent-toed gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Malayan bent-toed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2–5 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×45×60 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, rock structures with crevices, cork bark
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Malaysia, southern Thailand – limestone rock
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Kept in pairs; males kept strictly separate. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hiding spots until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females usually get along but need their own hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.
Notes
A nocturnal limestone dweller with long, curved toes and no adhesive lamellae – it climbs on rough rock, not on glass. Build the stone structures tip-proof.
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Related species
- Agusan bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus agusanensis) – Intermediate
- Chanhome's bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus chanhomeae) – Intermediate
- Elok bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus elok) – Intermediate
- Intermediate bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus intermedius) – Intermediate
- Kinabalu bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus baluensis) – Intermediate
- Short-palmed bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus) – Intermediate
- Malaysian bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus malayanus) – Intermediate
- Marbled bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus marmoratus) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Malayan bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus pulchellus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×60 cm), substrate (Coco humus, rock structures with crevices, cork 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.
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/Cyrtodactylus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_forest_gecko
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).