Electric Blue Gecko

Looks how to spot one

Scales

This gecko has soft, fine scales that cover its entire body. Its slender frame and characteristically rounded toe pads allow it to climb smooth surfaces with ease, just like other day geckos. The skin can shift colour quite dramatically depending on the gecko's mood, temperature and level of stress.2

Personality what they are like

These geckos are very active and bold, and they are not shy about displaying their feelings through head bobs, tail wags and throat puffing. Males are quite territorial and will not usually tolerate another male nearby. They are extremely fast and delicate, so they are best enjoyed as a display pet rather than one that is handled.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

This species is diurnal, so it is lively and on the move throughout the daylight hours. At dusk it will find a safe nook to rest. It needs plenty of branches, leaves and vines to climb and explore, much like its natural screwpine home.31

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

These geckos have minimal grooming needs; they shed their skin in pieces and usually eat it. The most important care is maintaining proper humidity (60-80%) by misting the enclosure two or three times a day, as they drink water droplets from leaves. Because they are very small, they must have tiny food items and a closely monitored environment to thrive.45

Home where they are happiest

A single adult needs a terrarium of at least 12x12x18 inches (30x30x45 cm), while a pair does well in 16x16x24 inches (40x40x60 cm). The enclosure should be tall and have front opening doors, good ventilation and a screen top. Use a hydrometer to keep humidity between 60 and 80%, with a basking spot around 28-30°C and a night time drop. CITES Appendix I means this gecko is protected and may not be kept without proper permits; check your local laws before acquiring one.341

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In the wild they eat small insects and fruit, and they are especially fond of nectar. In captivity offer a variety of very small insects such as fruit flies, week old crickets, bean beetles and springtails. Dust these with calcium and vitamin supplements. They also lick nectar or a commercial gecko nectar mix, and they drink water droplets from leaves.42

Company who they like around

They are social but territorial. A male will fight another male, so only one male per enclosure is safe. A pair or a small group of females can live together peacefully. They communicate with visual signals like head bobbing and throat puffing. Because they are so delicate and fast, handling is not recommended; they are best observed in a well planted vivarium.23

The story where it all began

This gecko was first scientifically described by Arthur Loveridge in 1952 from a single male specimen collected in the Kimboza Forest of Tanzania. It became popular in the pet trade because of its stunning electric blue colour in males, but heavy wild collection and habitat loss have put it in danger. It is now listed in CITES Appendix I, meaning international trade is tightly controlled. Captive breeding programmes are underway to help conserve the species, though it remains a challenging gecko for experienced keepers.61