Robert Mertens' day gecko (Phelsuma robertmertensi)

Short answers

Robert Mertens' day gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×40×50 cm.

Robert Mertens' day gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Robert Mertens' day gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).

Robert Mertens' day gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Robert Mertens' 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

32 °C

Humidity

70–85 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×40×50 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, bamboo tubes, dense planting

Feeding

Food

Small insects, fruit purée, nectar

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

9–11 cm total length

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Mayotte (the Comoros)

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

In pairs (one male, one female) in a densely planted enclosure is the usual set-up. Keeping it singly is equally appropriate. One male with two females only works in a larger enclosure with several basking and feeding spots – drawback: one female can push the other aside. Never keep two males together.

Notes

A small, brilliant green day gecko with a red head stripe. Small food is needed (Drosophila, micro crickets). Very quick – take care when opening the terrarium.

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 Robert Mertens' day gecko (Phelsuma robertmertensi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×50 cm), substrate (Coco humus, bamboo tubes, 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.