Giant gecko (Gekko gecko)

🧬 1. Taxonomy and origin

Scientific name: Gekko gecko

Common name: Tokay Gecko / giant gecko

Family: Gekkonidae

Origin: Southeast Asia - India, Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines.

Habitat: tropical moist forests, rocky areas, bushes, but also buildings and human dwellings, where they hunt insects by light.

There are two main subspecies according to taxonomic sources:

G. g. gecko - widespread in Southeast Asia

G. g. azhari - in Bangladesh

🐲 2. What they look like (morphology)

The giant gecko is an impressive large gecko with a distinctive appearance:

Total length: usually 30–35 cm, sometimes up to 40 cm including the tail.

Body: robust, muscular with a massive head.

Color: The base color can be bluish-gray to light gray, with orange, red, or blue spots/dots scattered throughout the body.

Eyes: Large, bright, adapted to nocturnal life.

Skin: Scaly and thicker, adapted to life in tropical humidity.

Nocturnal suckers: The toes are covered with lamellae that allow it to climb smooth vertical surfaces or ceilings.

Geckos have occasional color mutations and color variants bred in captivity, but these are not formally recognized as separate subspecies.

🌙 3. Behavior and temperament

The giant gecko is a *nocturnal and territorial species with characteristic behavior:

🧠 Personality

Nocturnal hunter: active mainly at dusk and at night, hiding during the day.

Territorial and aggressive: tends to be dominant towards other individuals, especially males; not suitable for unsupervised communal terrariums.

Loud: emits a loud call resembling "to-kay!", after which it got its English name Tokay.

Defense: when threatened, it often opens its mouth, hisses and can bite hard and painfully - Western sources describe that the bite can remain really painful for humans.

Hostile to frequent handling: most individuals do not become "pets" and the stress of handling can lead to aggression.

🏡 4. Terrarium and care requirements
📏 Terrarium

Minimum size: for 1 adult individual, 50×50×60 cm or larger is recommended (vertically oriented to use the climbing space).

Equipment: branches placed above, cork tubes and shelters; the terrarium should be moist and well ventilated.

🌡️ Temperature and humidity

Daytime temperature: approximately 26–30°C, with a heating pad up to 35°C.

Nighttime temperature: do not drop below 22–24°C.

Humidity: high – 60–80%, regular misting of the terrarium or spray creates a humid environment, which also helps with skin replacement.

🌞 Lighting

Tokays are not active during daylight hours and do not need intense UVB light like diurnal lizards. However, UVB can support the circadian rhythm and overall condition if provided at low intensity.

🥣 Diet

Insects and invertebrates: crickets, cockroaches, locusts, larvae, worms.

Occasional supplements: some individuals also accept small mouse pups or other small animals (suitable only as a supplement).

Supplements: Regular vitamin and mineral supplementation is important for healthy growth and development.

💧 Hydration

Geckos drink water from water bowls as well as from moisture droplets on leaves or walls.

🩺 5. Health and common problems

Geckos can suffer from some specific problems, especially if their conditions are not right.

⚠️ Common health problems

Incorrect humidity: An environment that is too dry leads to retention of old skin during molting and problems with scales, especially on the toes.

Respiratory infections: An environment that is too humid and poorly ventilated can cause respiratory infections.

Calcium/vitamin D deficiency: leads to weak bones (metabolic bone disease).

Parasites: Internal and external parasites, especially in recently imported individuals, can weaken the immune system.

Stress and aggression: Excessive handling or an unsuitable environment can lead to injuries or chronic stress.

🐊 Specific Warnings

Geckos have strong jaws and sharp teeth, so a bite can be painful; care should be taken when handling.

🧬 6. Variations and Species

Although Gekko gecko is the only species with this scientific name, there are geographical variants and color variations that differ in coloration and slightly in shape. But officially it is one species with two recognized subspecies (G. g. gecko and G. g. azhari).

However, breeders also distinguish color mutations (e.g. albino, melanistic, piebald) in terrarist practice, which are not considered separate scientifically recognized subspecies.

🎯 7. Advantages and disadvantages of breeding
🟢 Advantages

✔️ Distinctive and effective appearance: attractive colors and size make the tokay gecko an impressive exhibit.
✔️ Interesting behavior: nocturnal activity, climbing, and loud communication make it interesting to observe.
✔️ Longer lifespan: can live 8–10+ years if properly cared for.

🔴 Cons

❗ Aggressive nature: can be challenging for beginners (biting, defensive behavior).
❗ Higher environmental requirements: needs controlled high humidity and temperature gradients.
❗ Limited handling: does not seek contact and handling can cause stress.