Serrated day gecko (Phelsuma serraticauda)

Short answers

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

45×45×60 cm.

Serrated day gecko: What temperature does it need?

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

Serrated day gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0).

Serrated day gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Serrated 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

65–80 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

45×45×60 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, bamboo tubes, planting with Sansevieria or Dracaena

Feeding

Food

Insects, fruit purée, nectar

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

12–14 cm total length

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Eastern Madagascar – coconut plantations

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keeping it singly is the least stressful solution for this markedly aggressive species. In pairs (one male, one female) works in a large, densely planted enclosure – drawback: the animals have to be separated temporarily again and again, and a spare enclosure is essential. In the wild one male lives with up to five females in a strict hierarchy – in captivity lower-ranking females are suppressed, so only with plenty of space and experience. Never keep two males together.

Notes

A serrated tail edge, brilliant green with red dorsal dots. It lives on smooth palm fronds – bamboo tubes are the right furnishing. Keep calcium constantly available (the females lay very often).

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 Serrated day gecko (Phelsuma serraticauda) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×60 cm), substrate (Coco humus, bamboo tubes, planting with Sansevieria or Dracaena), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.