Northern velvet gecko (Oedura castelnaui)

Short answers

Northern velvet gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×40×50 cm.

Northern velvet gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–31 °C, basking spot 33 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Northern velvet gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Weak UVB recommended.

Northern velvet gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Northern velvet gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–31 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

33 °C

Humidity

50–65 %

UVB

Weak UVB recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×40×50 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam with cork bark lying flat

Feeding

Food

Insects, occasionally fruit purée

Feeding interval

adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

12–16 cm

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

Northern Queensland, Australia

Protection status

Captive-bred animals only

Brumation

A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

A trio of one male and two females (1.2) or a pair — both are kept successfully; in a 1.2 group the male's attention is spread over two females. Keeping it alone is also fine. Two males must never be kept together; they fight. Only introduce males and females once both are fully grown (about 18 months), and provide several flat hides.

Notes

Velvety skin, strongly banded. It lives under bark – flat hide slabs matter more than caves. An easily kept beginner's species among the Australians.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Northern velvet gecko (Oedura castelnaui) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Marbled velvet gecko (Oedura marmorata) – Beginner
• Northeastern velvet gecko (Oedura coggeri) – Beginner
• Ocellated velvet gecko (Oedura monilis) – Beginner
• Robust velvet gecko (Oedura robusta) – Intermediate
• Southern spotted velvet gecko (Oedura tryoni) – Beginner
• Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Broad-tailed gecko (Phyllurus platurus) – Intermediate
• Fat-tailed diplodactylus (Diplodactylus conspicillatus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Northern velvet gecko (Oedura castelnaui) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with cork bark lying flat), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.