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Philippine bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus philippinicus)

Philippine bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus philippinicus), typical appearance of the species

Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Philippine bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus philippinicus) (origin: The Philippines). Adult size around 17–21 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Philippine bent-toed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×45×60 cm for a pair.

Philippine bent-toed gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot — at most a warm place up to 30 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

Philippine bent-toed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not essential (nocturnal), but weak UVB is still beneficial.

Philippine bent-toed gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Philippine bent-toed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
26–30 °C
Night temperature
22–24 °C
Basking spot
No basking spot — at most a warm place up to 30 °C
Humidity
70–85 %
UVB
Not essential (nocturnal), but weak UVB is still beneficial

Enclosure

Minimum size
60×45×60 cm for a pair
Substrate
Forest-floor substrate, permanently slightly damp, plus cork tubes and vertical pieces of bark

Feeding

Food
Crickets, roaches, house crickets and firebrats, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
17–21 cm
Life expectancy
8–12 years
Origin
The Philippines
Protection status
Not listed under CITES
Brumation
No winter rest; in winter just somewhat cooler and drier
Cohabitation
Keep in pairs, as 1.1 or 1.2; males never together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hides until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females generally get along but need their own hides; feed animals of different sizes separately.

Notes

Widespread in the Philippines, on buildings too. Undemanding compared with the montane species.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Philippine bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus philippinicus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×60 cm for a pair), substrate (Forest-floor substrate, permanently slightly damp, plus cork tubes and vertical pieces of bark), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrtodactylus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrtodactylus_philippinicus

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).