CBB Madagascar giant day gecko juvenile

Madagascar giant day gecko, Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis, is a diurnal arboreal gecko from the tropical and subtropical forest in northern Madagascar.  The Phelsuma genera consists of 70 species and subspecies.

P. m. grandis feeds on various invertebrates and very small vertebrates and nectars.

This gecko reaches a total length of about 12 inches, though larger specimens have been found. The body color is bright green with a red stripe extending from the nostril to the eye. There are red colored dots or bars on the dorsal surface. These red markings are quite variable, and in some cases, completely absent, though the line extending from the nostril to the eye is always present. Our sub-adults are from a different breeding pair, and have substantially less red on the dorsum than the juveniles from the second breeding group.

Madagascar giant day geckos can be housed singly or in pairs - although sexually mature males will almost undoubtedly fight, so pairs should be two females or a male and female. They are a large gecko and need a large, well planted terrarium. As adults, these geckos should have an 18x18x24 inch terrarium or the equivalent. They also need limbs to crawl and bask on. They seem to prefer diagonal and vertical limbs over horizontal ones.

As a diurnal gecko they need UVB radiation to help them absorb calcium.  We recommend a 5.0 UVB fluorescent bulb. The temperature should be between 75 and 82°C, never falling below 62, and never exceeding 95. The humidity should be maintained between 65 and 75%. These geckos desiccate easily and quickly, so falling below this range can be dangerous. Higher humidity is OK for short periods, but can lead to the growth of dangerous bacteria. Mist the plants daily to provide a source of drinking water for the geckos

In captivity, these geckos will accept crickets, wax moths, wax worms, mealworms, and houseflies. Dust live foods with a calcium supplement each week, and a vitamin and mineral supplement at least twice a month. Offer fruit baby food or fruit-based crested gecko diet (such as Repashy Crested Gecko Meal Replacement Powder) several times a week.