Golden Gecko

Malaysian (erroneous) Golden Gecko
Vietnam Golden Gecko
Lemon Gecko
Yellow Gecko

Gekko ulikovskii but often imported and incorrectly labelled as Gekko auratus or Gekko annulatus

Description

Golden geckos are medium to large sized, bronze, yellow or light olive green with smooth, iridescent skin and well-developed toe pads. Some individuals exhibit light dorsal striping running perpendicular to their bodies. They are the largest species in the genus Gekko, growing up to 11 inches (nearly 28 centimeters) long, with males being slightly larger than females. They can live 10-15 years.

Natural Habitat

Golden geckos are known to be native to Vietnam, but their range there is near the borders of Laos and Cambodia and it is likely that they are found in these countries as well. In fact, most of what is known about the golden gecko is only from a small portion of their likely range; the Kon Tum province of Vietnam. The Kon Tum province is considered to be the garden spot of the central highlands and still remains largely unspoiled. Within this region the golden gecko is known to inhabit tropical forest as well as scrub grass/savanna. This region has an average high temperatures in the upper 70’s to mid-80’s (Fahrenheit) with the lowest temperatures being in the mid-50’s. The region experiences a pronounced dry season (December through March) as well as a monsoon season (peaking in August with average rainfalls of more than 19 inches/48 centimeters). Within this range, golden geckos are common.

Artificial Habitat

Like many geckos, golden geckos do best in a vertically oriented enclosure (one that is taller than it is wide). Being predominantly an arboreal species, golden geckos need a tall enclosure, with a lot of vertically oriented branching plants or sticks. Thicker branches (at least twice as wide as the gecko; the thicker the better) are preferred to thinner ones. Hollowed logs, large pieces of bamboo or cork bark placed on end or at an angle provided both climbing and hiding areas. Ideally the enclosure will incorporate one or more ventilation points (usually the top and/or sides). Substrate should be a layer of compost, mulch, crushed coconut, or orchid bark at least an inch deep. They should be provided with a relatively narrow and focused basking spot (most easily obtained by using a spot light with proper wattage or placed on a rheostat) with a surface temperature range of between 95-105 degrees. Although they are nocturnal they bask during the day and therefore benefit from UV light, which can either be provided by the basking light (there are several commercially available reptile spot lights that now incorporate UV) or through the use of a fluorescent UV bulb. Daytime ambient temperatures should be in the 75-85 degree range (Fahrenheit) with a drop of 10 to 15 degrees at night being ideal. Water and humidity can be provided by daily misting, with a humidity level of around 75% being ideal.

Diet

Golden geckos are mainly insectivorous, but they also eat nectars and fruits (nectarivorous). They have surprisingly strong jaws (they are closely related to Tokay geckos) and can handle fairly large insect prey. They can be offered phoenix worms, wax worms, mealworms, crickets, roaches, flies, moths and mealworm beetles. They can also be offered fruit flavored baby food (peach, banana and mango are favorites) or one of the commercially available diets catering to such behavior. As with all captive lizards, variety of diet is the key to health. Keep in mind that all prey items should be dusted with a good vitamin/mineral supplement every other feeding. Water can be provided by misting plant leaves and the sides of the enclosure, and also by providing a shallow water dish.

Caveats

Golden geckos are not geckos to be held; they have very delicate skin, are lightning quick and can inflict a very strong and painful bite. They should be handled only when absolutely necessary, and this should be seldom if ever. If you need to move your gecko, do so using a large see-through bowl or jar placed and a piece of rigid paper or cardboard. Place the container carefully over the gecko. With some coaxing the gecko will climb up the side and you can slip the piece of paper or cardboard over the opening of the container and successfully and painlessly (for both you and the gecko) move your gecko. Males of this species can also be territorial and aggressive towards other males, especially in confined enclosures.