Geckos , small to medium - sized lizards of the infraorder Gekkota , captivate with their vibrant colors , unique toe pads , and vocalizations , make them popular pet and ecological wonder . With over 1,500 mintage across six families — Carphodactylidae , Diplodactylidae , Eublepharidae , Gekkonidae , Phyllodactylidae , and Sphaerodactylidae — they thrive in affectionate climates from rainforests to deserts , leave off Antarctica . Known for rise smooth surfaces using nanoscale hair ( setae ) and regenerating tails via autotomy , geckos are various in size , behavior , and home ground .

These lizards are renowned for their specialized toe launch pad , equip with microscopical hairs that let them to go up smooth surfaces , even chalk . Their ability to regenerate backside after losing them to predators add to their resilience . Most feed on insect , though some enjoy fruit , play a key function in controlling plague populations in their ecosystems .

Geckos communicate through chirps , click , or barque , a trait rare among lizards , used for territorial defence or conjugation . Their orotund , expressive eye cater excellent nighttime visual sense , aiding their hunt art . Some lack eyelids , using their tongues to clean their oculus , a quirky adaption that enhances their charm .

As pets , gecko are popular for their low - sustentation care , thriving in small tanks with specific heat and humidity . Their various appearances and behaviors appeal to both beginner and seasoned keepers . However , home ground loss threatens wild populations , underscoring the want for conservation to protect these bionomical stone .

Types of Geckos

Leopard Gecko ( Eublepharis macularius )

The Leopard Gecko , aboriginal to arid regions of Pakistan , India , and Afghanistan , is a top pet choice due to its teachable nature and ease of care . grow to 7 - 10 inches , it sports a yellow-bellied dead body with black spots , with captive - breed morphs point orange , albino , or patternless variations . Unlike most geckos , it has lid and lacks adhesive toe pads , prefer terrestrial habitats . A 20 - gallon tank with a basking dapple ( 88 - 90 ° atomic number 9 ) and hides suit one or two geckos , with a dieting of gut - loaded cricket and mealworms . Its 10 - 20 - year lifespan and beginner - friendly disposition make it ideal for all eld .

Crested Gecko ( Correlophus ciliatus )

Crested Geckos , endemic to New Caledonia , are arboreal lizard reaching 7 - 9 inches , advert for the fringe tip over their middle . Their vibrant colors — red , orange , or yellow — and greedy tails make them visually outstanding . Nocturnal and skittish , they thrive in a 20 - gallon vertical tank ( 78 - 82 ° F ) with limb and leaf , feed a commercial dieting like Pangea Fruit Mix and occasional worm . Thought extinct until 1994 , their low - sustenance fear and 15 - 20 - class lifetime suit beginners , though treatment requires caution due to their jumpy nature .

Tokay Gecko ( Gekko gecko )

The Tokay Gecko , a Southeast Asiatic indigene , is the declamatory best-loved gecko , grow to 10 - 16 inches with striking gloomy - gray cutis and orange spots . hump for gaudy “ to - kay ” calls , it ’s territorial and may burn , beseem experienced keepers . A 20 - 30 - gallon perpendicular tank car ( 80 - 90 ° F ) with mounting structures and mellow humidity ( 60 - 80 % ) is ideal . Its carnivorous diet includes insects and small vertebrate , eat every 2 - 3 day . Despite its thin-skinned behavior , its intense colors and 10 - 20 - yr lifespan make it a rewarding pet for dedicated owners .

African Fat - tailed Gecko ( Hemitheconyx caudicinctus )

African Fat - tail Geckos , from West Africa , resemble Leopard Geckos but stock fat in their duncish tails , which are as wide as their forefront when healthy . Growing to 7 - 9 inch , they have chocolate-brown bands and a calm disposition . A 10 - 20 - gal tank ( 75 - 80 ° atomic number 9 ) with a humid hide and substrate like coconut husk suits them . They eat insects like crickets , dusted with Ca , and populate 10 - 20 years . Their docile nature and ease of tending make them expectant for beginners , though they stress easily with frequent handling .

giant gecko ( Rhacodactylus auriculatus )

Gargantuan Geckos , also from New Caledonia , reach 8 - 10 inches with horn - like read/write head projections and vibrant red , orangish , or blue patterns . Crepuscular and less societal , they need a 20 - gallon vertical tank ( 75 - 82 ° F ) with climbing vine and minimal handling to avoid strain from likely bites . Their dieting mirrors Crested Geckos , blending commercial food and worm . Their unique , gargoyle - like appearance and 15 - 20 - year lifetime appeal to experienced keepers , but their sharp teeth and solitary nature demand careful husbandry .

elephantine Day Gecko ( Phelsuma grandis )

gargantuan Day Geckos , native to Madagascar , are diurnal , growing to 9 - 12 inch with vivid green cutis and red markings . dynamic and societal , they prosper in pairs ( obviate virile - male pairs to prevent hostility ) in a 40 - gallon erect tank ( 80 - 85 ° degree Fahrenheit ) with plant life and UVB lighting . Their diet includes fruit ambrosia , commercial-grade mixes , and insects . Their burnished colors and 15 - 20 - year lifespan make them a stunning pet , though their flighty nature courting owners who enjoy watching over handling .

Yellow - head Gecko ( Ptychozoon kuhli )

jaundiced - headed Geckos , or Flying Geckos , from Southeast Asia , are a 6 - 8 in species with webbed limbs for gliding between trees . Their dappled brownish color leave camouflage in their treelike home ground . A 20 - gallon upright tank ( 80 - 85 ° farad ) with high-pitched humidness ( 70 - 80 % ) and branches is required , and they eat louse like crickets or roaches . Nocturnal and fragile , they ’re best suited for experienced keeper , with a life-time of 10 - 15 geezerhood . Their gliding ability adds a unparalleled moral force to their care .

toad frog - eyed Gecko ( Teratoscincus scincus )

anuran - eyed Geckos , from Central Asia ’s deserts , grow to 5 - 8 inch with large , slit - like eye and a stocky tan body with dappled spot . Terrestrial and nocturnal , they prefer a 20 - gal tank ( 85 - 95 ° farad ) with sandlike substratum and hide , corrode insects . Handling strain them , adventure tail loss , so they ’re fit for display . Their curious nature and 15 - 20 - year lifespan make them ideal for tyro who prioritize stable tank conditions , but their heat needs require attending .

Madagascar Ground Gecko ( Paroedura picta )

Madagascar Ground Geckos , reaching 5 inches , have brick - cherry bodies with dark-brown and white mottling . Terrestrial and nocturnal , they flourish in a 15 - congius tank ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with rock and modest humidity . Their insectivorous dieting is unsubdivided , and their docile nature suits beginners . Among 22 subspecies , Paroedura pictus is the top pet choice , living 10 - 15 years . Their small size and unique patterns make them a low - maintenance choice for compact setup .

Yellow - headed Day Gecko ( Phelsuma kuehnei )

Yellow - headed Day Geckos , from Madagascar , are tiny ( 3.5 - 4 column inch ) diurnal lizards with neon yellow heading and green body . societal and participating , they need a 10 - gal vertical tankful ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with plants and UVB lighting , lodging multiple females safely . They run through fruit and worm , live 10 - 15 old age . Their graphic coloring and gumptious behavior accommodate gentle beginners , but their frangibility requires deliberate handling to quash stress .

White - lined Gecko ( Gekko vittatus )

White - lined Geckos , native to Indonesia and New Guinea , spring up to 6 - 8 inches with dark torso accented by ashen stripe . Arboreal and nocturnal , they necessitate a 20 - gallon vertical tank ( 80 - 90 ° atomic number 9 ) with climbing structures and moderate humidness ( 60 % ) . Their insectivorous dieting is aboveboard , but their skittish nature and bite tendency make them better for notice . With a 10 - 15 - year lifespan , they ’re suited for keepers who appreciate spanking , agile lizards .

Mediterranean House Gecko ( Hemidactylus turcicus )

Mediterranean House Geckos , far-flung in coastal regions , are 4 - 6 - inch nocturnal lizards with tan hide and fatal spots . Often set up in human homes , they ’re hardy and pesticide - resistant . A 10 - gallon tank ( 75 - 85 ° F ) with hide and a unsubdivided insect dieting accommodate them . Their 5 - 10 - year life-time and depleted - maintenance care make them beginner - friendly , though their minor size and nocturnal habit limit interaction .

Taiwanese Cave Gecko ( Goniurosaurus hainanensis )

Chinese Cave Geckos , from southerly China , grow to 5 - 10 inches with jumpy tegument and wide-ranging colors like purple or orange . Carnivorous and nocturnal , they choose a 20 - gal tank ( 75 - 80 ° atomic number 9 ) with high humidness ( 70 % ) and caves for hiding . Their insect diet and 10 - 15 - twelvemonth lifespan case first - sentence reptile owners , but their sensitivity to handling require a gentle approach . Their unequalled appearance add machination to any solicitation .

Leachie Gecko ( Rhacodactylus leachianus )

Leachie Geckos , the large gecko species , hail from New Caledonia , touch 13 - 17 column inch . Their informal , wrinkly peel and green - chocolate-brown hues are classifiable . Arboreal and omnivorous , they need a 40 - 50 - gallon storage tank ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with sturdy branch and a diet of fruit and insects . experient keepers value their 20 - 30 - year life , but their size and alone nature demand important infinite and expertise .

Gold Dust Day Gecko ( Phelsuma laticauda )

Gold Dust Day Geckos , from Madagascar and Comoros , are 4 - 6 - inch diurnal lizards with bright green skin and gold speckles . They thrive in a 20 - gal vertical tank ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with plants and UVB , use up nectar , fruit , and worm . Social but delicate , they live 10 - 15 age , suiting gentle beginner who enjoy active , colored pets . Their brilliant marker make them a standout in vivarium .

Mourning Gecko ( Lepidodactylus lugubris )

Mourning Geckos , launch in the Indo - Pacific , are 3 - 4 - inch parthenogenetic female , reproducing without Male . Their brown - Charles Grey bodies blend into tropical home ground . A 10 - gallon vertical cooler ( 75 - 80 ° fluorine ) with high humidity courtship pocket-sized groups , feeding on fruit and tiny insects . Their 10 - 15 - twelvemonth lifespan and low-spirited - upkeep care collection to beginners , though their small size of it limits manipulation .

Electric Blue Gecko ( Lygodactylus williamsi )

Electric Blue Geckos , from Tanzania ’s Kimboza Forest , are 2 - 3 - column inch diurnal lizard with males displaying vivacious blue scale . Critically scupper , they postulate a 10 - Imperial gallon vertical tank ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with in high spirits humidity and UVB , eat small insects and nectar . Their 5 - 10 - yr lifespan and delicate nature suit get keepers . Their stunning color lay down them a rarefied gem .

band Gecko ( Coleonyx variegatus )

Banded Geckos , aboriginal to the southwest U.S. , grow to 4 - 6 inches with pinkish - tan skin and darker set . Terrestrial and nocturnal , they thrive in a 10 - gallon tank ( 75 - 85 ° F ) with sandy substrate and hides , eating insects . Their 10 - 15 - twelvemonth life and calm demeanor suit initiate , though they ’re less vernacular in the favorite trade .

Mossy Prehensile - tail Gecko ( Rhacodactylus chahoua )

Mossy Prehensile - tailed Geckos , from New Caledonia , attain 8 - 10 inches with moss - like green and ruddy formula . Arboreal and nocturnal , they require a 20 - congius vertical storage tank ( 75 - 82 ° F ) with branches and a diet like Crested Geckos . Their 15 - 20 - year lifespan and striking appearance solicitation to experienced keepers , but their lonesome nature ask careful handling .

straight - tail House Gecko ( Hemidactylus platyurus )

Flat - bob House Geckos , from Southeast Asia , are 5 - 6 - in nocturnal lounge lizard with flattened keister for disguise . They fly high in a 10 - gallon tank ( 75 - 85 ° degree Fahrenheit ) with moderate humidity , eating insects . Known for sprint across water surface , they ’re hardy and live on 5 - 10 days , suiting founder who enjoy observe nimble lounge lizard .

Bibron ’s Gecko ( Pachydactylus bibronii )

Bibron ’s Geckos , from southerly Africa , acquire to 6 - 8 inches with rich bodies and mottled browned patterns . tellurian and nocturnal , they need a 20 - gallon tank ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with rocky hides and a elementary louse diet . Their 10 - 15 - year lifespan and hardy nature make them suitable for beginners , though their withdrawn habits terminal point fundamental interaction .

Common House Gecko ( Hemidactylus frenatus )

The Common House Gecko , a 3 - 6 - inch nocturnal lounge lizard native to Southeast Asia but now global due to human insertion , thrives in urban area . Its grey - tan skin with dark berth and chirping birdsong make it a conversant sight on walls . A 10 - congius tank ( 75 - 85 ° degree Fahrenheit ) with temperate humidness and an dirt ball dieting ( crickets , roaches ) suits it . Hardy and living 5 - 10 age , it ’s tyro - friendly , though its small size and flighty nature favour observation over handling .

New Caledonian Giant Gecko ( Rhacodactylus sarasinorum )

The New Caledonian Giant Gecko , from New Caledonia , originate to 9 - 11 inches with mottled brown or gray hide and a avaricious rear end . Arboreal and nocturnal , it needs a 30 - gallon erect cooler ( 75 - 82 ° F ) with in high spirits humidness ( 60 - 80 % ) , branches , and a diet of yield - based mixes and insects . Its calm demeanor and 15 - 20 - year lifespan suit have keeper , but its size and climbing needs require racy setups .

Western Banded Gecko ( Coleonyx switaki )

Western Banded Geckos , native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico , attain 4 - 6 inch with pale pink peel and dark bands . planetary and nocturnal , they boom in a 10 - gallon tank ( 75 - 85 ° fluorine ) with sandy substratum , stone , and an dirt ball dieting . Their 10 - 15 - year life and teachable nature make them beginner - friendly , though their rarity in the preferent trade and nocturnal habits limit their popularity .

Turnip - tailed Gecko ( Thecadactylus rapicauda )

Turnip - tailed Geckos , from Central and South America , grow to 7 - 9 inch with thick , bulbous tails and mottled brown - grey peel . Arboreal and nocturnal , they need a 20 - gal perpendicular cooler ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with high humidity ( 70 % ) and branches , eat insects . Their 10 - 15 - year lifespan and unique tail shape appeal to experienced steward , but their skittish nature and climb lightness need unassailable enclosure .

Satanic Leaf - tailed Gecko ( Uroplatus phantasticus )

The Satanic Leaf - tailed Gecko , from Madagascar , is a 2.5 - 3.5 - inch maestro of camo with a leaf - comparable tail and mottled brownish - red hide . Nocturnal and arborical , it needs a 15 - gallon vertical tank ( 75 - 80 ° farad ) with high humidity ( 80 % ) and foliage , eating small insect . Its 5 - 10 - twelvemonth lifespan and fragile nature suit advanced steward . Its bizarre , cryptic appearance makes it a standout for exhibit .

peacock butterfly Day Gecko ( Phelsuma quadriocellata )

Peacock Day Geckos , from Madagascar , are 4 - 5 - inch diurnal lizards with vibrant unripened skin and red oculus blot . They thrive in a 15 - gallon upright army tank ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with plants , UVB ignition , and high humidity ( 60 - 70 % ) , eating yield nectar and louse . Social but fragile , they live 10 - 15 years , accommodate soft beginners . Their graphic color and active daytime behaviour make them a blazing pet choice .

stripy Day Gecko ( Phelsuma klemmeri )

stripy Day Geckos , also from Madagascar , are tiny ( 3 - 4 inches ) diurnal lizards with turquoise torso and chicken stripe . They need a 10 - gallon vertical tank car ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with UVB , works , and high humidity ( 70 % ) , feed on little insect and ambrosia . Their 8 - 12 - year life-time and frail nature courtship feel keepers . Their neon colors make them a rarefied , vibrant addition to small vivariums .

Cat Gecko ( Aeluroscalabotes felinus )

Cat Geckos , from Southeast Asia , produce to 6 - 7 inches with slender bodies and curled , prehensile tails , resembling a cat ’s posture . Nocturnal and semi - aquatic , they boom in a 20 - gal tank ( 75 - 80 ° fluorine ) with high humidity ( 80 % ) and wet substrate like sphagnum moss , eating worm . Their 10 - 15 - twelvemonth lifespan and unequalled behavior suit intermediate keeper , though their reclusive nature limit handling .

Viper Gecko ( Teratoscincus bedriagai )

Viper Geckos , from Central Asia ’s deserts , reach 4 - 6 inches with stocky bodies and mottled tan - grey tegument . terrene and nocturnal , they need a 10 - gallon tank ( 80 - 90 ° F ) with sandlike substratum and hides , eating insects . Their 10 - 15 - class life and hardy nature make them initiate - friendly , but their small size of it and nocturnal riding habit make them better for observation .

Knob - tailed Gecko ( Nephrurus levis )

Knob - tail Geckos , from Australia , grow to 4 - 5 inches with unruffled skin and a distinctive knob - same fanny confidential information . Terrestrial and nocturnal , they fly high in a 10 - gallon armoured combat vehicle ( 80 - 85 ° fluorine ) with sandy substrate and rocks , wipe out louse . Their 10 - 15 - yr lifespan and unagitated demeanor suit beginners , though their desert - specific needs require exact heating .

Standing ’s Day Gecko ( Phelsuma standingi )

Standing ’s Day Geckos , from Madagascar , are 8 - 10 - column inch diurnal lizard with unripened - gray tegument and risque speckles . They need a 30 - gallon vertical tank ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with UVB , plant , and high humidity ( 60 - 70 % ) , eat fruit and insects . Their 10 - 15 - year lifespan and sheer colour befit intermediate steward , but their sizing and active nature demand spacious setups .

Thick - tailed Gecko ( Underwoodisaurus milii )

Thick - tailed Geckos , from Australia , reach 5 - 7 inch with reddish - dark-brown skin and white spot , identify for their bulb-shaped tails . tellurian and nocturnal , they fly high in a 15 - gallon tank ( 75 - 85 ° F ) with rock and low humidness , eat insects . Their 10 - 15 - yr life-time and hardy nature make them beginner - friendly , with their barking cry adding charm .

folio - toed Gecko ( Phyllodactylus nocticolus )

foliage - toed Geckos , from the Americas , are 3 - 5 - inch nocturnal lizard with slight toe and mottled gray - chocolate-brown skin . They need a 10 - gallon army tank ( 75 - 80 ° degree Fahrenheit ) with temperate humidity and bouldery hide , eating small insects . Their 5 - 10 - year lifespan and secluded nature lawsuit beginners who prefer scummy - upkeep PET , though their small size of it limits interaction .

Chameleon Gecko ( Carphodactylus laevis )

Chameleon Geckos , from Australia ’s rainforests , develop to 6 - 8 inches with prehensile tails and green - brown skin . Arboreal and nocturnal , they need a 20 - gallon vertical storage tank ( 75 - 80 ° fluorine ) with high humidity ( 70 - 80 % ) and offset , use up insects . Their 10 - 15 - class life and unequalled appearing courtship experience keepers , but their delicate nature postulate heedful handling .

marble Gecko ( Christinus marmoratus )

Marbled Geckos , from southerly Australia , are 4 - 5 - inch nocturnal lounge lizard with grey - brown , marbleised skin . They fly high in a 10 - Imperial gallon tank ( 70 - 80 ° F ) with low humidness , rocks , and an louse diet . Hardy and living 5 - 10 geezerhood , they ’re beginner - friendly , though their nocturnal habits and small size make them good for observation than deal .

Blue - tailed Day Gecko ( Phelsuma cepediana )

Blue - tailed Day Geckos , from Mauritius , are 4 - 5 - inch diurnal lizards with green bodies and blue tails . They ask a 15 - gallon erect tank ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with UVB , works , and high humidness ( 70 % ) , eating nectar and insect . Their 10 - 15 - class lifetime and vibrant colors suit gentle novice , but their fragility require measured tending .

Bent - toed Gecko ( Cyrtodactylus louisiadensis )

Bent - toed Geckos , from the Indo - Pacific , grow to 5 - 7 inches with curved toes and mottled brown tegument . Nocturnal and arboreal , they thrive in a 15 - gallon upright armored combat vehicle ( 75 - 85 ° F ) with moderate humidness and offset , eating insects . Their 10 - 15 - twelvemonth lifespan and hardy nature suit intermediate steward , though their reclusive behavior limits fundamental interaction .

Dwarf Gecko ( Sphaerodactylus ariasae )

Dwarf Geckos , from the Caribbean , are among the little reptiles at 1 - 2 column inch , with brown - grey hide . Terrestrial and crepuscular , they postulate a 5 - gallon tank ( 75 - 80 ° atomic number 9 ) with high humidity and leafage bedding , eating tiny insects . Their 5 - 10 - year lifetime and finespun nature suit of clothes advanced custodian , with their minute size of it crap them a unparalleled challenge .

Ornate Day Gecko ( Phelsuma ornata )

Ornate Day Geckos , from Mauritius , are 4 - 5 - inch diurnal lizards with green skin and red - profane markings . They thrive in a 15 - gallon vertical tank car ( 80 - 85 ° F ) with UVB , plants , and in high spirits humidness ( 70 % ) , eating fruit and dirt ball . Their 10 - 15 - year life and vivid colors suit gentle beginners , but their skittish nature require minimal handling .

fierce - snouted Gecko ( Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus )

Rough - snouted Geckos , from New Caledonia , spring up to 8 - 10 inch with bumpy skin and green - brown hues . Arboreal and nocturnal , they ask a 20 - gallon vertical tankful ( 75 - 82 ° F ) with gamey humidity and branches , use up fruit - based diets and insects . Their 15 - 20 - year life suits see keeper , with their unique grain adding machination .

Golden - track Gecko ( Strophurus taenicauda )

Golden - tailed Geckos , from Australia , reach 4 - 5 inches with hoary cutis and a striking yellow - orange tail . sublunary and nocturnal , they thrive in a 10 - gallon tank ( 75 - 85 ° F ) with low humidity and rocky hides , eating insects . Their 10 - 15 - year lifespan and unfearing nature suit of clothes beginners , with their vibrant tails making them a standout display pet .