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Marbled Gecko Care Sheet
- Common Name
- Marbled Gecko
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- Scientific Name
- Christinus marmoratus
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- Native to
- Southern Australia
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- Size
- Marbled geckos can grow up to 8", the females slightly smaller than the male.
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- Appearance
- Marbled geckos have a very smooth skin, tan to brown in colour, with white and black patches,
giving a marbled look.
As their skin is very sensitive they do not like to be handled, and may bite if they feel threatened.
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- Enclosure
- A 20 gallon vivarium is the very minimum for a single marbled gecko, increasing in size as more
animals are introduced. They are arboreal, so height is as important as length. A secure lid is a must, as these lizards can climb smooth vertical surfaces.
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- Environment
- Daytime temperatures should be kept between 78° and 88° F (28° - 31° C)
with a basking temperature of 90° to 95° F (32° - 35° C). Night time temperatures
should be kept a little lower, at 75° - 80° F (23° - 27° C).
The ambient temperature can be maintained with basking bulbs, infrared bulbs, heat mats or ceramic emitters.
Ensure all heat sources are controlled by a thermostat, and that
the heater itself is screened off with wire mesh so that your animal cannot come into contact
with it, as they can get extremely hot.
Marbled geckos require high humidity, around 60-80%, as they seldom drink from a water bowl
(even though one should be provided!), prefering to lick moisture from surrounding plants etc., so misting
the vivarium with water at least twice daily is important. Humidity can be maintained by using live
plants (ensuring they are non toxic). Marbled geckos do not require a UVA/B source as they are mainly
nocturnal, so a red lamp can be used for night time veiwing.
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- Feeding
- Marbled geckos can be fed crickets, mealworms, super worms and wax worms. Crickets and worms
should be gut-loaded by feeding them fruit and veg, and also dusted with calcium (phosphorous free).
This will ensure your gecko will get all the nutrients required. In addition to this, a supplement
of vitamin D3 should be given once a week.
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