Common Name: House Gecko
Scientific Name: Hemidactylus Frenatus
Size: Average size 3" but Large adults can reach up to 5"
House Geckos are hardy, small lizards which are a fairly easy to maintain in captivity. They are
very fast moving which makes them almost impossible to handle. There are many different species
of house geckos. With the most common being Hemidactylus Frenatus. They can be found in many
different tropical countries around the world, Coming Originally from South East Asia they have
been introduced to many other countries around the world, Eastern Africa, New Guinea, Mexico,
Madagascar Australia. You will commonly find them living in houses. House geckos have a granular
scaly skin that appears at times, to be transparent. It is mainly yellowish brown to beige with
darker blotches; some have stripes running along the upper flanks.
Captive Environment:
A 10 gallon aquarium is the minimum for one house gecko, larger for more
geckos. Males can be territorial. Give them lots of places to hide if you intend to keep them in
groups. For substrate use reptile bark, calcium carbonate sand or reptile carpet. Provide
branches, driftwood, live or artificial plants, and rocks, cork bark for climbing. A screened
lid should also be placed on top of the tank to prevent escape and to provide ventilation to the
enclosure.
Lighting:
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:
Day time 75F - 88F, Night time 65F - 70F. 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:
Crickets, Wax Worms, Small Mealworms will all be readily taken. Always use a good Calcium/Vitamin
dusting supplement. Best time to feed is early evening.
Water:
Provide fresh de-chlorinated drinking water daily. Moderate to high humidity, this can be
achieved by regularly misting the aquarium.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
