central american banded gecko care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Central American Banded Gecko
Scientific Name: Coleonyx mitratus
Size: 6 to 7 inches
Longevity: These geckos can live 10 or more years in captivity.
Central American Banded Geckos are terrestrial. They get along fairly well in small groups, usually pairs or in threes, as long as plenty of space is available to them. Many like to burrow, so loose substrates can often be nice for Central American Banded Geckos. As their name implies, Central American Banded Geckos are native to Central America's tropical and subtropical regions. Males should not be kept together. They can be distinguished by the presence of hemi penal bulges. Males are usually larger than females and often have larger heads. Central American Banded Geckos are light tan or creamy white in color. They are marked with dark brown or black patches or stripes.
Captive Environment:
A 10-gallon enclosure is a good minimum size for adults. Rocks, artificial plants, and logs for basking and hiding are preferred enclosure furniture. Make sure ample cave space is available, both on the warm side and cool side of the enclosure. Substrate may be reptile bark, shredded coconut husks soil mixes or reptile carpet. It is also important to provide proper ventilation in the enclosure while keeping proper humidity. Make sure the substrate is moist, but never saturated. Spot clean subsrtates as needed. Replace bark/ soil type substrates at least monthly
Lighting:
Central American Banded Geckos are a nocturnal species. UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for your nocturnal reptile. However it may prove to be beneficial to the long term care of your pet reptile. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Temperature:
Maintain a temperature of between 70F at night to 85F during the day. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Food:
Central American Banded Geckos will thrive on insects. A diet of crickets along with occasional wax worms and mealworms make a good diet. Juveniles can be feed every day and adults every other day. . Always use a good Calcium/Vitamin dusting supplement. Best time to feed is early evening.
Water:
A shallow water dish should be provided at all times and changed daily.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it
