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Malaysian bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus malayanus)

Malaysian bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus malayanus), typical appearance of the species

Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Malaysian bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus malayanus) (origin: Borneo). Adult size around 16–20 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Malaysian bent-toed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×45×60 cm for a pair.

Malaysian bent-toed gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot — at most a warm place up to 30 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

Malaysian bent-toed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not essential (nocturnal), but weak UVB is still beneficial.

Malaysian bent-toed gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Malaysian bent-toed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
26–30 °C
Night temperature
22–24 °C
Basking spot
No basking spot — at most a warm place up to 30 °C
Humidity
70–85 %
UVB
Not essential (nocturnal), but weak UVB is still beneficial

Enclosure

Minimum size
60×45×60 cm for a pair
Substrate
Forest-floor substrate, permanently slightly damp, plus cork tubes and vertical pieces of bark

Feeding

Food
Crickets, roaches, house crickets and firebrats, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
16–20 cm
Life expectancy
8–12 years
Origin
Borneo
Protection status
Not listed under CITES
Brumation
No winter rest; in winter just somewhat cooler and drier
Cohabitation
Keep in pairs, as 1.1 or 1.2; males never together. The reason: several males 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

A montane forest species; it tolerates warmth above 30 °C poorly.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Malaysian bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus malayanus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×60 cm for a pair), substrate (Forest-floor substrate, permanently slightly damp, plus cork tubes and vertical pieces of 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/Borneo_bow-fingered_gecko, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrtodactylus

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).