Ocelot gecko (Paroedura picta)

Short answers

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

60×40×40 cm for one animal (mostly ground-dwelling, low climbing opportunities).

Ocelot gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–28 °C, basking spot 30–32 °C (local warm spot), at night 20–22 °C.

Ocelot gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential (nocturnal), a low dose is harmless and recommended.

Ocelot gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years (females considerably shorter-lived under continuous breeding).

Ocelot gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–28 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

30–32 °C (local warm spot)

Humidity

55–70 % (mist lightly every second day)

UVB

UVB not essential (nocturnal), a low dose is harmless and recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×40×40 cm for one animal (mostly ground-dwelling, low climbing opportunities)

Substrate

A sand-loam mix or coco humus, slightly damp; cork and bark hides

Feeding

Food

Insects (crickets, house crickets, small roaches)

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

10–15 cm total length

Life expectancy

8–12 years (females considerably shorter-lived under continuous breeding)

Origin

Southern and south-western Madagascar (dry forest)

Protection status

No CITES; no special protected status – no registration duty

Brumation

No real winter rest; a slight cool or drop phase (4–6 weeks) to stimulate breeding is possible

Cohabitation

Keeping singly is the least stressful. For breeding, one male with at least two females; a permanent pair (1.1) is possible, but: the single female gets worn out by constant breeding, so keep the male separate for large parts of the year. NEVER keep males together (territorial, they bite each other seriously). Females can also be incompatible with each other – keep an eye on them.

Notes

A proven, productive beginner's species. A common mistake: continuous breeding exhausts the females (calcium deficiency) – take a breeding break in winter. Supplement calcium and D3 consistently.

Do you keep this species?

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

Ocelot gecko (Paroedura picta) currently offered

• Paroedura picta Jungtiere zur Abgabe – Goseck

See all listings in the marketplace →

Related species

• Bastard's big-headed gecko (Paroedura bastardi) – Beginner
• Masobe gecko (Paroedura masobe) – Expert
• 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
• 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 Ocelot gecko (Paroedura picta) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×40 cm for one animal (mostly ground-dwelling, low climbing opportunities)), substrate (A sand-loam mix or coco humus, slightly damp; cork and bark hides), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.