Réunion day gecko (Phelsuma borbonica)

Short answers

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

From 50×50×80 cm.

Réunion day gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot 30–32 °C, at night 18–21 °C.

Réunion day gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (T5 6–10 %).

Réunion day gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Réunion day gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

18–21 °C

Basking spot

30–32 °C

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

Essential (T5 6–10 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 50×50×80 cm

Substrate

Humus and sand, bamboo and climbing branches, dense planting

Feeding

Food

Insects, plus fruit purée and nectar

Feeding interval

insects 2–3×/week, fruit purée 2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

14–16 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Réunion

Protection status

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

Brumation

No — a slight winter drop

Cohabitation

In pairs (one male, one female) in a large, well-planted enclosure is the usual set-up. Keeping it singly is equally appropriate. Never keep two males together; several females are not recommended because they often do not get along.

Notes

A montane forest species: it needs it cooler and more humid than the Madagascan day geckos. It tolerates permanent warmth above 30 °C poorly.

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 Réunion day gecko (Phelsuma borbonica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 50×50×80 cm), substrate (Humus and sand, bamboo and climbing branches, 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.