Rock gecko (Gekko petricolus)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Rock gecko (Gekko petricolus) (origin: Thailand, Laos – sandstone rock). Adult size around 18–22 cm total length. Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Rock gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×45×60 cm.
Rock gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–31 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 21–24 °C.
Rock gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Rock gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Rock gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 32 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×45×60 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, large stone slabs with crevices, cork bark
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 18–22 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- Thailand, Laos – sandstone rock
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keeping it singly is least stressful. A pair (1.1) works in a larger enclosure with several separate rock crevices; drawback: the female is harassed and drained by frequent clutches. Never keep two males together.
Notes
A rock dweller from dry sandstone country – to be kept markedly drier than the forest species in the genus. It needs narrow rock crevices as a daytime hide.
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Related species
- Chinese gecko (Gekko chinensis) – 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
- Reeves' gecko (Gekko reevesii) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Rock gecko (Gekko petricolus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, large stone slabs with crevices, cork 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/Gekko_petricolus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gekko&species=petricolus, https://reptilesmagazine.com/golden-gecko-care-sheet/
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).