Seychelles small day gecko (Phelsuma astriata)

Short answers

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

45×45×60 cm.

Seychelles small day gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 21–24 °C.

Seychelles small day gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).

Seychelles small day gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Seychelles small day gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

21–24 °C

Basking spot

32 °C

Humidity

65–80 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

45×45×60 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, bamboo, cork bark, dense planting

Feeding

Food

Insects, fruit purée, nectar

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

11–13 cm total length

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

The Seychelles

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

In pairs (one male, one female) in a densely planted enclosure is the usual set-up. After each clutch the female chases the male fiercely for one to two days, so there must be places to escape to and a spare enclosure for persistent fighting. Keeping it singly is equally appropriate and avoids this stress altogether. Never keep two males together. One male with two females is possible – drawback: more competition for basking and laying spots.

Notes

A robust, easily bred day gecko – a good starting point alongside P. laticauda. Less heat-sensitive than the Madagascan montane species.

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 Seychelles small day gecko (Phelsuma astriata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×60 cm), substrate (Coco humus, bamboo, cork bark, 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.