Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a male that I want to mate, so I bought a female today and put them together. The male started flicking his tail back and forth, which I thought was a good sign, but he ended up viciously attacking the female (luckily there were no injuries). The last time he was with another gecko was when he was a juvenile at the pet store I bought him from. That's been about two years ago now, so he's been alone for quite sometime. My question is if I put a fish tank divider in the 20 gallon long tank I have and keep them separated that way, do you think there will be a possibility he will "get used" to the female by being able to see her and smell her scent? I'm asuming that he will more than likely always be territorial, and there will be no remedy, but I'm wondering if you all think it's worth a shot.

Thanks in advance!

First of all...you ought to be quarantining this male for at least 2 months...3 months is ideal... Get him in a completely separate tank from the female now (a divider won't suffice)... Anyway...after the quarantine period you can reintroduce them. Many males are aggressive in mating, and it's usually just the way they are. What exactly did he do that made you think it was a vicious attack?...when mating many males will bite the females. You wouldn't want to keep a male in the same tank as a female with a divider...they will be completely absorbed by trying to get to the female and will probably stop eating.
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Christina

2.3 leos
-0.1 tangerine het rainwater albino w/jungle background (Blinkers)

-0.2 jungles (Vahz & Skissor)

-1.0 tremper albino (Spitfire)

-1.0 tangerine rainwater albino (Bronx)

This was the first time they were put together, and within seconds he went after her. Do males mate that quickly usually? Additionally, she was biting back. Now, you said biting was common, but this was more than just a simple bite, it was pretty agressive. I am aware that males will "bite" females back and neck when they move up on them for mating, but this was more than what I think is expected with biting relative to mating.

are you sure she's female and not actually male?
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Christina

2.3 leos
-0.1 tangerine het rainwater albino w/jungle background (Blinkers)

-0.2 jungles (Vahz & Skissor)

-1.0 tremper albino (Spitfire)

-1.0 tangerine rainwater albino (Bronx)

_1. The female that you bought should be atleast 50 grams or over, as well as the male.

_2. Quarantine!

_3. New tanks for both of them, although I don't see how it would help now.

_4. Make sure that the next time that you buy a gecko to quaratine. Seperate enclosure, food source, water bowls, etc, etc. then the rest.
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Modern Geckos
Josh Ellis
My Email
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1.I realize they should be 50 grams or over for mating.

2. I work at the store I bought her at. I took a stool sample to my vet and she tested negative for parasites and/or worms. She had also been there for a month and a half by herself so I could monitor her before I brought her home to make sure she was eating well and her health was fine.

3. And yes, it is a female.