Regarding the reptile hobby, few creatures are as beloved as geckos, with their diverse range of types of geckos and species. From their unique ability to climb walls and ceilings to their colorful patterns and impressive hunting skills, geckos have captured the hearts of reptile enthusiasts for generations. This article will explore the top 5 most astonishing gecko species that captivate the imagination and make for excellent pets.
Crested Geckos
- Crested geckos are native to New Caledonia, an island group in the South Pacific. After being found in the 1800s, they were thought extinct until 1994.
- Crested geckos are unique in that they can drop their tails as a defense mechanism. The lost tail can grow back, but it will never look the same as the original.
- Unlike many other gecko species, crested geckos are primarily tree-dwellers and do not have sticky toe pads. Instead, they have tiny claws that allow them to climb and grip surfaces.
- Crested geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They have excellent night vision and can see in external light conditions.
- In the wild, crested geckos feed primarily on insects but will also eat fruit and nectar. They have a specialized tongue that can lick up nectar and other liquids.
- These types of geckos are popular pets because of their unique appearance, ease of care, and docile nature. They can live up to 20 years in captivity with proper care.
- Male crested geckos have a series of pores on the undersides of their thighs that secrete a waxy substance called femoral pores. These pores are used for scent marking and can help males attract mates.
- Crested geckos can come in various colors and patterns, including spots, stripes, and solid colors. Some rare color morphs can sell for thousands of dollars.
- Crested geckos have sticky tongues that they use to catch prey. Their tongue is so fast that it can catch insects in just a fraction of a second.
- Unlike many other reptiles, crested geckos are social animals and can be kept together in groups with enough space and resources.
- Crested Gecko costs between $30 to $500usd, depending on the morph and age.
Day Geckos
- Day geckos are native to Madagascar and nearby islands but widespread in Hawaii and Florida.
- Unlike most other gecko species, day geckos have bright and vibrant colors, with green, blue, red, and yellow patterns on their bodies. These colors are used to attract mates and signal aggression or submission to other geckos.
- To maintain their body temperature, day geckos sunbathe in the sun. They can climb trees and walls and hold a glass with their toe pads.
- Omnivorous day geckos consume insects and fruits. They grab prey with a long, sticky tongue and eat floral nectar and pollen.
- Some species of day geckos, such as the giant day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis), can reach lengths of up to 12 inches (30 cm) from head to tail.
- Large, vertically oriented pupils in the eyes of day geckos allow them to perceive fine details even in low light. They see colors well.
- Male day geckos are territorial and will defend their territory from other males. They use vocalizations, such as chirps and calls, to communicate with other geckos and attract mates.
- Some species of day geckos, such as the gold dust day gecko (Phelsuma laticauda), are known to be invasive in some areas where they have been introduced and compete with native wildlife for resources.
- To avoid predators, day geckos can shed their skin. They may prevent predators and regrow skin by autotomy.
- Depending on the pet store, these types of geckos price should be between $100 to $500, depending on the species and morph.
Leopard Geckos
- Leopard geckos are native to parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.
- To better fit into their native habitat, leopard geckos have adopted a spotted pattern that gives them their common name.
- Being nocturnal creatures, leopard geckos are at their most active after dark. They can see even in pitch darkness thanks to their superior night vision.
- Leopard geckos are carnivorous and feed on insects like crickets and mealworms. They may also eat small rodents and other invertebrates.
- It’s not hard to keep a leopard gecko happy and healthy. Therefore they’re a popular choice for pets. If they are well-cared for, they can survive up to 20 years in captivity.
- Leopard geckos have a unique defense mechanism where they can shed their tails to escape from predators. The lost tail can grow back, but it will never look the same as the original.
- These types of geckos have a specialized tongue that they use to catch their prey. Their tongue is so fast that it can catch insects in just a fraction of a second.
- Leopard Geckos’ cost ranges from $40 to $500, depending on the morph and age.
Chinese Cave Geckos
- Cave geckos, also known as Chinese Cave Geckos or Goniurosaurus, are a group of geckos native to China and parts of Southeast Asia. Here are some fun facts and uncommon knowledge about them:
- Preferring to live in caves and rocky crevices, cave geckos are also commonly found in forested areas, on the ground, or in trees.
- Ranging from small to medium-sized, cave geckos have a body length of about 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm), depending on the species.
- With striking colors and patterns, some cave gecko species have bright red, orange, or yellow markings on their body, while others have a more subdued brown or gray coloration.
- Active primarily at night, cave geckos have excellent night vision and can see in meager light conditions.
- Feeding primarily on insects such as crickets and mealworms, as well as small invertebrates such as spiders and scorpions, cave geckos are carnivorous.
- When threatened by a predator, cave geckos have a unique defensive behavior, rolling up into a ball, protecting their soft underbelly from attack.
- In captivity, these types of geckos can have a lifespan of up to 15 years with proper care.
- As predators of insects and invertebrates, cave geckos play an essential role in controlling populations in their natural habitat.
- Depending on species, morph, and age, Chinese Cave Geckos’ price should be between $80 to $300.
Knob Tailed geckos
- Their name, Knob-tailed geckos, comes from the small knob-like structure on the end of their tails. This knob is used as a defensive mechanism to deter predators.
- Primarily active at night, Knob-tailed geckos are nocturnal creatures with excellent night vision, allowing them to see in low-light conditions.
- As carnivores, Knob-tailed geckos primarily feed on insects such as crickets and mealworms. Occasionally, they may also consume small rodents and other invertebrates.
- In a unique reproductive process, females lay one or two eggs at a time, which they guard until they hatch. The female will continue to protect the hatchlings until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
- Popular among reptile enthusiasts because of their unique appearance and docile nature, Knob-tailed geckos require specific care, such as a high-humidity environment and a varied diet, to thrive in captivity.
- Although they can regenerate their tails if lost or damaged, the regenerated tail will not have the knob-like structure that the original tail had.
- With proper care, Knob-tailed geckos have a lifespan of up to 15 years in captivity.
- Able to change color to match their surroundings, Knob-tailed geckos can blend in with their environment to avoid predators.
- Knob-tailed geckos are vocal creatures and can make various sounds, including chirps and barks. These vocalizations are to communicate with other geckos and attract mates.
- As they help control insect and invertebrate populations in their natural habitat, Knob-tailed geckos are an essential part of the ecosystem.
- If you want Knob-tailed Geckos, you should be ready to pay between $50 to $200 to get one. The price depends on the type, morphs, and Pet Store.
In conclusion, geckos are remarkable creatures that have fascinated and captivated reptile enthusiasts for generations. With their unique abilities, a diverse range of types and species, and captivating characteristics, geckos make excellent pets for those looking for a fascinating and engaging companion. Whether you are a seasoned reptile enthusiast or just starting, exploring the world of geckos is sure to be an exciting and rewarding experience. So, consider adding one of the top 5 coolest gecko species to your collection and see why these amazing animals are so beloved.