🦎 General Info

The Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) is a large, vividly colored gecko native to the rainforests and tropical regions of Southeast Asia. Known for their brilliant blue-gray bodies covered in bright orange or red spots, Tokays are among the most striking and recognizable geckos in the world.

These geckos are nocturnal, arboreal hunters that are famous for their loud, bark-like call — the “to-kay” sound that gives them their name. Tokay Geckos are powerful, territorial, and lightning-fast, making them a species better suited for intermediate to advanced keepers. With consistent, gentle interaction, however, some individuals can become surprisingly tolerant of handling.

Adults typically reach 10–14 inches in total length, with males often displaying brighter coloration and a broader head. In captivity, they are hardy, long-lived reptiles that thrive when their environmental and dietary needs are properly met.

Enclosure

  • Size:

    • Juveniles: Minimum 18” x 18” x 24” enclosure.

    • Tokays are territorial, so house only one per enclosure unless breeding — pairs or groups often fight, especially males.

    • Tokays are territorial, so house only one per enclosure unless breeding — pairs or groups often fight, especially males.

  • Material:

    • Glass or PVC vertical terrariums with front-opening doors are ideal.

    • PVC is great for retaining humidity, while glass allows easy observation. Provide excellent ventilation.

  • Substrate:

    • Use a moisture-retaining substrate such as coconut fiber, cypress mulch, or a bioactive soil mix.

    • A 2–4 inch layer helps maintain humidity and supports live plants if desired.

  • Décor:

  • Provide lots of vertical climbing options — cork bark tubes, branches, driftwood, and sturdy vines.

  • Add multiple hiding spots both high and low. Include plants (real or artificial) for cover and humidity stability.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Basking Spot: 90–95°F

  • Ambient Temperature (Day): 80–85°F

  • Night Temperature: 72–78°F

  • Heating:

    • Use a ceramic heat emitter or low-watt basking bulb above one side of the enclosure to create a gradient.

    • Always use a thermostat to regulate temperatures.

  • UVB Lighting:

    • While Tokays are nocturnal, low-level UVB (5–7%) is highly beneficial for calcium metabolism and general health.

    • Use a T5 HO UVB tube covering part of the enclosure. Replace every 6–12 months according to manufacture

    • Day/Night Cycle: 12–14 hours of light daily. Tokays are nocturnal, most active at night.

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 60–80%

  • Maintaining Humidity:

    • Tokays come from humid tropical environments. Mist the enclosure 2–3 times daily, allowing it to dry slightly between misting.

  • Water:

    • Provide a shallow water dish and mist the enclosure walls

    • Tokays often drink water droplets from leaves or glass. Clean and refill daily

  • Shedding Tip: Proper humidity ensures clean sheds. If stuck shed appears on toes or tail, lightly mist or provide a humid hide with damp moss.

Diet

  • Type: Strictly Insectivorous, though some adults may accept fruit-based gecko diets as an occasional supplement.

  • Staple Foods:

    • Crickets

    • Dubia roaches

    • Silkworms

    • Hornworms

    • Black soldier fly larvae

  • Occasional Treats:

    • Waxworms

    • Mealworms

    • Small pinky mice (for large adults only, and very sparingly).

  • Feeding Frequency:

    • Juveniles: Every day

    • Adults: 3–4 times per week

  • Supplements:

    • Calcium powder (without D3) every feeding; use with D3 1–2 times weekly if UVB is provided.

    • Multivitamin once per week.

  • Feeding Tip: Offer insects in a dish or with tongs. Avoid leaving uneaten insects in the enclosure overnight as they can stress or bite your gecko.

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Tokays are territorial, vocal, and defensive. They will bite if threatened and can hold on tightly. With time and consistent, calm interaction, some individuals become hand-tolerant, but many are best as display animals.

  • Handling:

    • Start with target training or tong feeding to build trust.

    • Avoid grabbing from above — this mimics predatory behavior.

    • Support the body fully and handle close to the ground in case of jumping.

    • Never handle during the day when they’re resting.

  • Enrichment:

    • Provide climbing branches, rearrange décor periodically

    • Offer live insects that encourage natural hunting behavior.

    • A well-decorated enclosure keeps them active and mentally stimulated.

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 10–20 years in captivity with proper care; some have lived over 25 years.

  • Common Health Issues:

    • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by poor UVB or calcium deficiency.

    • Respiratory Infections: Resulting from low temps or poor ventilation with excess humidity.

    • Stuck Shed: Especially on toes and tail — maintain humidity and provide rough surfaces.

    • Parasites: Can arise from dirty enclosures or wild-caught individuals; have fecals checked annually.

    • Stress: Caused by excessive handling, lack of hiding places, or cohabitation.

  • Signs of Illness:

    • Lethargy or inactivity

    • Poor appetite

    • Wheezing or discharge from nostrils

    • Swelling of limbs or jaw

    • Abnormal shedding

  • Veterinary Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a qualified reptile veterinarian. Fecal exams are crucial for detecting parasites early, especially in imported individuals.

Final Thoughts

The Tokay Gecko is one of the most iconic, beautiful, and bold reptiles in the hobby. While not ideal for frequent handling, they are fascinating to observe, highly vocal, and full of personality. With proper humidity, temperature, and a nutritious insect diet, your Tokay can live a long, vibrant life as the jewel of any reptile collection.