Kingdom Animalia Order Squamata Genus Gekko Higher classification Gekko | Phylum Chordata Family Gekkonidae Scientific name Gekko badenii Rank Species | |
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Similar Reptile, Geckos, Gekko, Gekko vittatus, Phelsuma grandis | ||
Golden gecko setup
The golden gecko (Gekko badenii) is a gecko native to Vietnam.
Contents
Golden gecko flips for butterfly ninja gecko
Description
The golden gecko gets its name from the yellow and gold colored scales on its body. Males grow to around 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm), while females stay around 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm). Males have a longer tail base, with fleshy knobs at the base of the tail. Pores appear on the insides of the legs. Females have none of these.
Distribution and habitat
The species has been reported from the Tây Ninh Province and Kon Tum Province of southern Vietnam (the latter following the recognition of Gekko ulikovskii as a synonym of this species). There is no definite information about its habitat, which is likely to be lowland rainforest.
Diet
Golden geckos are primarily insectivores but will also take some fruit. Golden geckos hydrate themselves by drinking water from rainfall collecting on leaves.
As pets
Golden geckos are not very popular in the pet trade, so most are wild caught. They require a minimum of 20 US gallons for an adult. Females can live together, but males will fight. Captive hatchlings feed daily, and adults only need food every 5–6 days. They will eat crickets and meal worms, wax worms, and fruits, such as bananas and mangos, which are rich in calcium.