Peacock day gecko (Phelsuma quadriocellata)

Short answers

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

From 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair from 50×45×60 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report).

Peacock day gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–28 °C (locally up to 30 °C), basking spot up to ~32–35 °C, at night 18–20 °C.

Peacock day gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4; 5–10 % UVB); diurnal.

Peacock day gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: ~8–10 years.

Peacock day gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–28 °C (locally up to 30 °C)

Night temperature

18–20 °C

Basking spot

up to ~32–35 °C

Humidity

70–80 %+ (never below 70 %)

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4; 5–10 % UVB); diurnal

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair from 50×45×60 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)

Substrate

Bioactive or coco substrate, dense planting, bamboo tubes, frequent misting

Feeding

Food

Small insects plus fruit purée or nectar; calcium

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week plus fruit purée, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

~11–12 cm total length (head and body ~7 cm)

Life expectancy

~8–10 years

Origin

Eastern Madagascar (dense rainforest)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B (Phelsuma spp.); proof of origin plus registration required

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

In pairs (one male, one female) is the proven set-up, also in IG Phelsuma keeper reports. Keeping it singly is equally appropriate. A trio of one male and two females is possible – drawback: the animals can become aggressive towards each other, so provide many retreats and watch closely. Never keep two males together.

Notes

A small-staying rainforest species – high humidity and dense planting matter, and do not overheat it. Bamboo tubes as a retreat and egg-laying site are essential. UVB and calcium against MBD.

Do you keep this species?

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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 Peacock day gecko (Phelsuma quadriocellata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair from 50×45×60 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)), substrate (Bioactive or coco substrate, dense planting, bamboo tubes, frequent misting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.