Masobe gecko (Paroedura masobe)

Short answers

Masobe gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×45×60 cm (semi-arboreal, with climbing branches and floor space).

Masobe gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–25 °C, basking spot — (no basking spot needed, no overheating), at night 18–22 °C.

Masobe gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential (nocturnal), weak UVB (Ferguson zone 1, UV index 0–1) does no harm.

Masobe gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8 years (up to ~10).

Masobe gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–25 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

— (no basking spot needed, no overheating)

Humidity

70–90 % (mist in the evening, drying out by day)

UVB

UVB not essential (nocturnal), weak UVB (Ferguson zone 1, UV index 0–1) does no harm

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×45×60 cm (semi-arboreal, with climbing branches and floor space)

Substrate

Humus-rich rainforest substrate (coco humus or forest floor) with leaf litter, slightly damp

Feeding

Food

Insects (crickets, house crickets, small roaches); females also need snails or isopods as a calcium source

Feeding interval

adults 4–6 insects 3×/week, juveniles 4–5 insects every other day

Key facts

Adult size

up to 17 cm total length (SVL up to ~10 cm; the largest Paroedura species)

Life expectancy

approx. 8 years (up to ~10)

Origin

Endemic to Madagascar (the humid lowland rainforest of the east and central east)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II (listed in 2017) → EU Regulation Annex B, proof of origin and registration required under German law; IUCN "Endangered" – keep captive-bred animals only

Brumation

No real winter rest; a slight seasonal drop (a few degrees) can encourage breeding

Cohabitation

Keep singly; a sensitive species. Pair or harem housing (1.1 or 1.2) only for experienced keepers in a large, well-structured enclosure — females can be aggressive towards each other, so no more than one female per enclosure. Never keep males together (territorial).

Notes

A tricky, stress-prone species – overheating and too low humidity are often fatal, with little warning when it falls ill. Only for the advanced and for experts. The temperature figures scatter across sources (do not exceed about 26 °C). Minimise handling.

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Related species

• Bastard's big-headed gecko (Paroedura bastardi) – Beginner
• Androy ground gecko (Paroedura androyensis) – Beginner
• Slender ground gecko (Paroedura gracilis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Stumpff's ground gecko (Paroedura stumpffi) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Ocelot gecko (Paroedura picta) – Beginner
• Arabian short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Common barking gecko (Ptenopus garrulus) – Intermediate
• Boettger's wall gecko (Tarentola boettgeri) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Masobe gecko (Paroedura masobe) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×60 cm (semi-arboreal, with climbing branches and floor space)), substrate (Humus-rich rainforest substrate (coco humus or forest floor) with leaf litter, slightly damp), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.