Turnip-tailed gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda)

Short answers

Turnip-tailed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×45×70 cm.

Turnip-tailed gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.

Turnip-tailed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 2–5 %).

Turnip-tailed gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–15 years.

Turnip-tailed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

21–24 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

75–90 %

UVB

Recommended (UVB 2–5 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×45×70 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, vertical cork bark, climbing branches, planting

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

18–24 cm total length

Life expectancy

8–15 years

Origin

Central and South America – rainforest

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Pair; males strictly separated. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hiding places until one is injured or permanently confined to a corner. Females usually get along but need their own hiding places each; feed separately if there is a size difference.

Notes

A large, nocturnal tree gecko with a turnip-shaped tail and very broad adhesive toes. It can barely be kept on rough surfaces – it needs smooth, vertical cork surfaces and height.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Turnip-tailed gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda) in the marketplace →

Related species

• European leaf-toed gecko (Euleptes europaea) – Intermediate
• Cat gecko (Aeluroscalabotes felinus) – Expert
• Central American banded gecko (Coleonyx mitratus) – Beginner
• Common giant ground gecko (Chondrodactylus angulifer) – Intermediate
• Auckland green gecko (Naultinus elegans) – Expert
• Northland green gecko (Naultinus grayii) – Experts
• Texas banded gecko (Coleonyx brevis) – Beginner
• Western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Turnip-tailed gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×70 cm), substrate (Coco humus, vertical cork bark, climbing branches, 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.