white lined gecko care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: White lined Gecko
Scientific Name: Gekko Vittatus
Adult Size: 8 to 10 inches
In the wild these geckos are found in the Indo Australian archipelago. They are a part of the Gekko family, which means that they are closely related to the Tokay gecko. White lined geckos come in three main colors, a dark brown, a pale green and a tan color. All of these geckos have a white stripe that starts on both sides of the head, connects at the neck and runs down the back to the base of the tail. The tail consists of several broad white bands. They have beautiful golden eyes, and very slender bodies they also have pads on their feet enabling them to climb up walls. They are not very aggressive, and are quite calm. Like most geckos, they are nocturnal.
Captive Enclosure:
Adult geckos require at least a 20 gallon tall aquarium. Provide branches, logs and real or artificial plants for climbing and basking and hiding. Use reptile bark, reptile soil mixes, shredded coconut husks or reptile carpet as substrates. Clean out fecal material daily, replace bark type substrates monthly to prevent mold growth.
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. Use a red or night bulb for viewing you pet at night they cannot see red light.
Temperature:
Daytime temperature should range between 82ºF and 85ºF, with a basking temperature of 105ºF - 115ºF. Nighttime temperature should remain between 70ºF and 75ºF. 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, and under tank heaters 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:
White lined geckos do well on a diet consisting of a variety of vitamin/ calcium dusted insects such as crickets, mealworms and waxworms. These geckos will also accept fruit baby food, and prepared foods.
Water:
A shallow bowl of de-chlorinated water should be provided and changed daily. Daily misting of the habitat will help maintain the humidity level. Humidity should be maintained around 65-75%.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
