Golden gecko


The golden gecko '' is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to Vietnam.

Etymology

The specific name, badenii, refers to Núi Bà Đen, to which this species is indigenous.

Description

The golden gecko gets its common name from the gold-colored scales on its body. Males grow to around in total length, while females stay around. Males have a longer tail base, with fleshy knobs at the base of the tail. Pores appear on the insides of the legs. Females have none of these.

Geographic range and habitat

G. badenii has been reported from the Tây Ninh Province and Kon Tum Province of southern Vietnam. There is no definite information about its habitat, which is likely to be lowland rainforest.

Diet

The golden gecko is primarily an insectivore but will also take some fruit. The golden gecko hydrates by drinking water from rainfall collecting on leaves.

Reproduction

G. badenii is oviparous.

As a pet

The golden gecko is not very popular in the pet trade, so most specimens are wild caught. It requires a terrarium of a minimum of 20 US gallons for an adult, though a vertical 18x18x24 Exo Terra tank could accommodate an adult due to the greater space. These geckos should not be housed together because they will fight. Captive hatchlings feed daily, and adults only need food every 5–6 days. Juveniles and adults will eat crickets and meal worms, wax worms, and fruits, such as bananas and mangos, which are rich in calcium.