Reeves' gecko (Gekko reevesii)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Reeves' gecko (Gekko reevesii) (origin: Southern China and Vietnam). Adult size around 20–30 cm. Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Reeves' gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×45×80 cm for a pair — these species climb.
Reeves' gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–31 °C, basking spot Warm place up to 32 °C, at night 22–24 °C.
Reeves' gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential (nocturnal), but weak UVB is still beneficial.
Reeves' gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Reeves' gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–24 °C
- Basking spot
- Warm place up to 32 °C
- Humidity
- 65–80 %
- UVB
- Not essential (nocturnal), but weak UVB is still beneficial
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×45×80 cm for a pair — these species climb
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate, plus sturdy cork trunks and pieces of bark set vertically
Feeding
- Food
- Robust insects such as roaches, locusts and crickets, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–30 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- Southern China and Vietnam
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler in winter
- Cohabitation
- Keeping it singly is least stressful and safest for this large gecko that bites. A pair (1.1) only with animals of equal size in a considerably larger enclosure; drawback: bite injuries are possible, and hatchlings must be removed at once because tokays eat smaller animals. Never keep two males together.
Notes
Formerly treated as a subspecies of the tokay. Quieter and a little smaller.
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Related species
- Chinese gecko (Gekko chinensis) – Intermediate
- Rock gecko (Gekko petricolus) – Intermediate
- Golden gecko (Gekko badenii) – Beginner
- Grossmann's gecko (Gekko grossmanni) – Intermediate
- Horsfield's gecko (Gekko horsfieldii) – Intermediate
- Japanese gecko (Gekko japonicus) – Intermediate
- Kuhl's flying gecko (Gekko kuhli) – Intermediate
- Spotted house gecko (Gekko monarchus) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Reeves' gecko (Gekko reevesii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×80 cm for a pair — these species climb), substrate (Forest-floor substrate, plus sturdy cork trunks and pieces of bark set vertically), 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: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gekko_reevesii, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokay_gecko, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gekko&species=reevesii, https://zenodo.org/records/6188398, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223087289_Phylogeny_taxonomy_and_zoogeography_of_the_genus_Gekko_Laurenti_1768_with_the_revalidation_of_G_reevesii_Gray_1831_Sauria_Gekkonidae
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).