Madagascar giant day gecko — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Madagascar giant day gecko get?

An adult Madagascar giant day gecko typically measures 22–30 cm.

Husbandry requirements

Madagascar giant day gecko — origin: Northern Madagascar (humid forests and human-altered areas in the north of the island). Introduced populations in Florida, Hawaii and Réunion..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min20 °C

Cool side24–26 °C

Warm side28–30 °C

Basking spot30–32 °C

A diurnal basking spot is mandatory for this heliophilic species, which thermoregulates in the sun. Do not exceed ~33 °C: the species is sensitive to overheating, which is fatal beyond that. A night-time drop (20-22 °C) is beneficial. Respect both a horizontal AND a vertical thermal gradient.

Enclosure (adult)

45 × 45 × 60 cm

Planted vertical terrarium, ideally bioactive (arboreal species)

Minimum for a single adult (e.g. 45x45x60). For a pair, provide considerably larger (at least 60x45x90). Favour height and numerous vertical supports: bamboo, branches, vines and a large glass surface for climbing. High-level ventilation is essential.

Humidity

60–80 %

Background level of 50-60% with peaks of 80-90% after misting. Mist 1 to 2 times a day, then allow to dry. Good ventilation is essential to avoid stagnant air and mould (respiratory risk).

Substrate

Coconut fibreBioactive soilSphagnum mossOrchid barkLeaf litter

A bioactive setup is recommended (drainage layer + substrate + microfauna such as springtails/isopods + leaf litter). Robust live plants are advised (Sansevieria, Ficus, Pothos, bromeliads, bamboo), providing hides and egg-laying surfaces. Humidity comes mainly from misting, not from a waterlogged substrate.

UVB

Recommended

Essential for this diurnal species. T5 HO UVB tube 5-6% (Ferguson zone 2-3), positioned above an accessible resting spot and at the correct distance per the manufacturer. Replace every 12 months. Adequate UVB reduces reliance on dietary D3 and prevents metabolic bone disease.

Water source

Always available

Generally does not drink from a bowl: it licks droplets off leaves and glass after misting. Provide clean water via daily misting (1-2x/day); a small water point or drip system can supplement but does not replace misting.

Origin

Gekkonidae

Northern Madagascar (humid forests and human-altered areas in the north of the island). Introduced populations in Florida, Hawaii and Réunion.

Feeding & health

Diet

Omnivore: insectivorous and nectarivorous/frugivorous — Crickets, roaches (Blaptica dubia), black soldier fly larvae (BSF), occasional waxworms; prey sized to the head

Supplement the insects with a day-gecko fruit/nectar purée (e.g. Repashy/Pangea) 2-3 times a week. High calcium needs: dust the insects with calcium (often without D3 if quality UVB is provided) and vitamins according to protocol. Breeding females: offer a free-choice calcium source (powder/cuttlebone). Avoid overfeeding (obesity, hepatic lipidosis).

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 1–2 eggs/young. Usually 2 eggs (sometimes 1), with repeated clutches every 3-4 weeks during the season. In P. grandis the eggs are most often NOT glued in captivity (unlike other Phelsuma) and can be removed for artificial incubation: ~50-70 days at 26-28 °C. Incubation temperature influences sex. Females are heavily drawn on for calcium: monitor the (endolymphatic) calcium sacs and the risk of egg binding. IMPORTANT: all Phelsuma, including P. grandis, are listed on CITES Appendix II (EU Annex B): transfer/sale requires the legal documents. Strongly favour captive-bred animals; wild-caught specimens acclimate poorly and are often parasitised.

Health watch points

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from calcium/D3 deficiency or insufficient UVB
Egg binding (dystocia) and calcium depletion in breeding females
Dehydration and incomplete sheds/shed retention (insufficient humidity or misting)
Internal parasites (flagellates, coccidia), especially in wild-caught or stressed animals
Thermal stress / heatstroke and obesity from overfeeding

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Madagascar giant day gecko.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the madagascar giant day gecko.

How big does an adult Madagascar giant day gecko get?▾

An adult Madagascar giant day gecko typically measures 22–30 cm (total length, tail included. one of the largest phelsuma. males are generally more robust, with pronounced femoral and preanal pores and visible hemipenal bulges.).

What temperature and humidity does a Madagascar giant day gecko need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–26 °C on the cool side to 28–30 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 30–32 °C. Humidity 60–80 %.

What does a Madagascar giant day gecko eat?▾

Omnivore: insectivorous and nectarivorous/frugivorous: Crickets, roaches (Blaptica dubia), black soldier fly larvae (BSF), occasional waxworms; prey sized to the head.

Is the Madagascar giant day gecko a good reptile for beginners?▾

Beginner + level. Lively, fast and skittish. Not to be handled (very fragile skin, frequent skin tears and stress). Highly territorial: keep singly or as an established pair in a large volume; never two males together. A bold, active animal, excellent to observe. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 10–15 yrs.

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