Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Behavior

• Active during the day; excellent climber.

• Can be territorial; may display aggression towards conspecifics, especially males.

• Alert and visually striking; often observed on plants, branches, or glass surfaces.

• Can become accustomed to handling with care but stress easily.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 120 liters vertical for a single adult; larger preferred

• Substrate: Coconut fiber, orchid bark, or soil mix for humidity retention

• Decor: Live plants, branches, cork bark, and vertical climbing surfaces

• Humidity: 60–80%

• Temperature:

  • Basking / warm spot: 30–32°C

  • Ambient: 26–28°C

  • Night: 22–24°C

• Lighting: Full-spectrum UVB essential for health and plant growth

• Ventilation: Good airflow; avoid stagnant humid areas

Compatibility

• Best housed singly or in carefully monitored pairs.

• Avoid housing multiple males together due to territorial disputes.

Diet

• Omnivorous; feeds on insects and fruit-based diets:

  • Crickets, fruit flies, small roaches

  • Commercial gecko fruit mixes or pureed fruit

• Feed juveniles daily; adults 4–5× per week

• Dust insects with calcium and vitamins regularly

• Provide shallow water dish or mist leaves for hydration

Care Tips

• Maintain high humidity and provide climbing surfaces.

• Spot-clean daily; remove feces and uneaten food.

• Monitor for shedding issues, parasites, or lethargy.

• Provide vertical space for climbing and basking opportunities.

Breeding

• Oviparous; females lay 2 eggs per clutch.

• Eggs incubate at 28–30°C with high humidity.

• Hatchlings are independent and require appropriately sized insects and fruit puree.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥120 L vertical, plants, branches, hides

• 🌡️ Temp: Basking 30–32°C / Ambient 26–28°C / Night 22–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 60–80%

• 🍴 Diet: Omnivorous (insects, fruit puree, commercial gecko diet)

• 🕒 Activity: Diurnal, arboreal climber

• ⚠️ Stress: Provide hides, vertical climbing surfaces, and gentle handling

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.