Ornate day gecko (Phelsuma ornata)

Short answers

Ornate day gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

45×45×60 cm.

Ornate day gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 33 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Ornate day gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).

Ornate day gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Ornate day gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

33 °C

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

45×45×60 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, bamboo, dense planting

Feeding

Food

Small insects, fruit purée

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

11–13 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Mauritius

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

In pairs (one male, one female) is the usual set-up; initial squabbles usually settle once the animals are mature. Keeping it singly is equally appropriate. In a larger enclosure one male with two females also works – drawback: more competition, so watch closely. Never keep two males together, and do not house it with other day gecko species such as P. guimbeaui or P. cepediana.

Notes

A small, colourful Phelsuma with a blue nape. A small range – captive-bred animals only.

Do you keep this species?

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

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Related species

• Abbott's day gecko (Phelsuma abbotti) – Intermediate
• Barbour's day gecko (Phelsuma barbouri) – Intermediate
• Blue-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma cepediana) – Intermediate
• Lined day gecko (Phelsuma lineata) – Beginner
• Gold dust day gecko (Phelsuma laticauda) – Beginner to intermediate
• Giant day gecko (Phelsuma grandis) – Beginner
• Seychelles giant day gecko (Phelsuma sundbergi) – Intermediate
• Comoros day gecko (Phelsuma v-nigra) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Ornate day gecko (Phelsuma ornata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×60 cm), substrate (Coco humus, bamboo, dense planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.