Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I have just been given a gecko that i think is a white-spotted gecko (Tarentola annularis). Does anyone have any information regarding this species and vivarium requirements? The previous owners didnt know anything about it at all, it is extremely shy and remains hidden behind a rock. Does this species ever become tame like my Phelsuma species?

Thanks

Julie

These geckos are easy to take care of.

Temp - 75-85 degrees F. with a basking spot - 90.
They love rocks to climb and hide behind. My tank (30-g tall)has a whaole back wall of thin slate, which they love to bask on during the day. The tank also has many rocks they can leap to and fro. The substrate can be wood chips or sand, and should be several inches deep (if you plan on mating them) because they bury their eggs. They seem to drink out of a shallow bowl, but also lap up drops. They eat almost anything that moves, but also baby food. These geckos are VERY secretive, nocturnal geckos and will dash for cover at the slightest movement. This is also true of the babies. Kind of funny watching the young frantically run for cover.

Thanks,
Any idea how you get to watch this species? He comes out but as soon as i enter the room he hides. Just wondering if you have any tips about how to observe them without him running away?

When i received him he was in a viv with just a small rock and full of sand. Now i have put him in a viv with wood chip substrate, slate pieces, 2 large rocks and a rock cave thing. Do they tolerate fake plants? should the viv be misted at all, if so how often? The temp in the tank is the correct temp now, before it was really quite low.

Thanks for your advice
Julie

I found it difficult too. Of course you can view them from afar - as long as you remain motionless. They are quite active during the day.

I purchased a little remote camera that I hooked to my VCR and TV. It had decent night capabilities. I would either watch them on my TV or hit record and go to sleep and watch the gecko movie the next day. They do acclimate to you after a while - but that just means that they don't run and hide immediately. I guess you can also build a simple blind and watch them. I would suggest getting a night bulb. During feeding time you may get to see it grab a cricket. You will def. hear it munching. These are geckos that you just have to be proud that they are healthy and "happy", and if you have two of opposite sex, having babies. I have had mine for 3 years and they are getting huge! From what I hear - I will have them for many years to come. My nieces have their eyes on the babies.