Introduction
The Tokay Gecko (Geckko gecko) is readily available species that are located in south and southeast Asia, India, New Guinea, they can also be found as an invasive species in Florida. The Tokay Gecko is known as one of the most aggressive species and they are also one of the largest species of gecko. This species is not meant for beginners and should be left to more experienced reptile keepers.
Size & Longevity
Tokay Geckos can reach many different lengths, females are typically smaller than males but can still get quite large. Tokay Geckos can be as small as 8 inches as an adult or get up to 20 inches long!
Tokay Geckos can live up to 20 years with proper care (it is more common for captive bred Tokay Geckos to live longer than wild caught Tokay Geckos).
Tank
A Tokay Gecko will need a minimum of an 18x18x24” enclosure, but bigger is best. Be prepared to offer a bigger enclosure for a bigger Tokay Gecko. There should be at least 2 hides within the enclosure and plenty of climbing space and cover available to the Tokay Gecko to make it happy and make it feel secure.
Substrate
A Tokay Gecko will need a substrate that can hold humidity. Good options include, eco earth, reptisoil, cypress mulch, organic topsoil, forest floor, ABG soil, or a bioactive mix meant for a tropical species. The substrate does not have to be deep for a Tokay Gecko, 1-2 inches is all that is necessary but more can be included if you would like to add live plants to the enclosure.
Tokay Gecko foot
Heating
A Tokay Gecko will need a hot spot reaching 90-105 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve this you can use a high wattage heat bulb (no colored lights) or a halogen bulb (no colored lights). The ambient temperature during the day should be 78-85 degrees Fahrenheit and can drop to the low 60s at night. If your temperatures are too cold, try using a ceramic heat emitter. Make sure all heating sources are connected to a thermostat to ensure they do not get too hot or too cold.
Lights?
Any lighting aside from heat lamps are not necessary but a 10.0 UVB striplight can be beneficial. Make sure not to get a UVB bulb, especially a coil bulb. UVB bulbs are not beneficial or healthy for reptiles. They have been known to burn reptiles and they only give off one spot of UVB, the UVB striplights however, offer UVB to the entire tank.
Water & Humidity
Tokay Geckos will receive most of their water from licking water droplets off of the tank walls and decor. Be sure to mist the tank down at least twice a day. Providing a small water dish can also be done as some Tokay Geckos will take the opportunity and drink from standing water. Humidity should be at 60-70% but can drop to 50% at night.
Food
Tokay Geckos are opportunistic carnivores. They will primarily eat live, gutloaded and dusted (with calcium and vitamin supplements) insects, such as crickets/locusts, feeder roaches, and superworms. Other feeder insects can be offered as treats and an occasional snack. As adults they will easily be able to eat small lizards and mice and those can be offered as the occasional treat.
Handling
Tokay Geckos are NOT meant to be handled. They are very “aggressive” (actually just scared and not used to humans) and will often bite if handled. Tokay Geckos can bite and hold onto the thing they're biting for up to an hour!
Some captive bred Tokay Geckos can become used to gentle handling (as long as never gripped or handled roughly). If you want to try and obtain a “tame” Tokay Gecko, I suggest starting with a captive bred, hatchling.
Cohabitating?
Tokay Geckos, while excellent mothers, will attack each other if kept in the same tank. Tokay Geckos will eat or attack any other tank mates and should be kept by themselves.