Defining characteristics:

1. Beautiful coloration
2. Diurnal
3. Large day gecko species
4. Active and responsive gecko
5. Excellent display animal

Name: Phelsuma grandis. Known as the crimson giant day gecko for its characteristic red patterns as well as its large size.

Certified Breeder Program: These geckos were procured via our Certified Breeder Program. This certification process will allow us to bring a wider variety of healthy, captive bred animals to you, our customers. We stand behind these animals just like any animals bred at our facility. Besides the fact we’ll be offering more animals, what do you need to know about Josh’s Frogs Certified Breeder Partnership? You need to know these animals are from people with the same approach to animal keeping and breeding that we do, are disease free, and most importantly captive bred! To learn more, please read our blog on the Josh's Frogs Certified Breeder Program.

Recommended Enclosure Size: A single animal should be be kept in at least a 18x18x24 enclosure. Pairs should be kept in an 18x18x36 enclosure or larger. A bioactive setup with live plants is strongly recommended for this species; BioBedding is recommended to maintain live plants, springtails, and isopods. These arboreal geckos should be provided ample horizontal and vertical climbing material in the form of cork bark, branches, or bamboo.

Temperature: Keep crimson giant day geckos between 75-80 F. A basking spot of around 90-95 F should be provided. Temperature should be monitored with a digital thermometer. Night temperatures should not fall below 68 F. Crimson giant day geckos should also be provided with a 5.0 or similar strength UVB light.

Humidity: These day geckos should be provided a humid setup between 60-70%. A well-ventilated enclosure should still be provided while maintaining higher humidity. Plants can be added to help stabilize higher humidity as well as provide humid microclimates. Ambient humidity should be monitored with a digital hygrometer. Crimson giant day geckos should be misted daily to provide dew on enclosure walls and cage items from which they can drink. A water dish can be provided but is not necessary with regular misting; a water dish will not replace the need to regularly mist the enclosure.

Size: Crimson giant day geckos are one of the largest day gecko species and can reach a full 12 inches as adults!

Age: Crimson giant day geckos are at least 4 weeks old when sold by Josh’s Frogs, at which time they are well established. It is estimated that these geckos live for around 10-15 years in captivity.

Feeding: Crimson giant day geckos are omnivores, eating both insects and fruit in the wild. In captivity, they will thrive on a diet of gecko diet mix and feeder insects. Hatchlings and juveniles are large enough to take ¼” crickets or hydei fruit flies. As they get older, they can be moved to ½” and ¾” crickets. Providing mounted feeding cups for this arboreal species works well. Other appropriately sized feeder insects, like dubia roaches, waxworms, and black soldier fly larvae, can also be occasionally offered but need to be provided in a food dish to be accessible. Feeder insects should be dusted with a calcium and multivitamin supplement.

Sexing: Sexing crimson giant day geckos can be tricky as both males and females exhibit dimpled scales near the vent that can be mistaken as femoral pores. Compared to females, however, males will develop far more exaggerated pores with age.

Color/Pattern: Crimson giant day geckos are a stark green color contrasted with red patterning that takes the form of spots, bands, or a combination of the two.

Social Behavior: This day gecko species is best housed as a pair or solo. Aggression can occur between males, females, or between a male and female, and individuals should be separated if any signs of bullying persist.

Breeding: During the breeding season, crimson giant day geckos will deposit 2 eggs once every 3-4 weeks. Eggs are often deposited at the base of plants like sansaveria. In the absence of a suitable laying location, females will also lay eggs in substrate; these eggs usually remain unburied or lightly covered with substrate or leaves. Eggs are not glued and should be removed for incubation.

Natural Range: Giant Crimson day geckos are found in northern Madagascar.

History in the Hobby: Giant day geckos are popular due to their large size and bright color. Captive breeding efforts have removed the need to take this species from the wild.

Links of Interest:

Reptiles Magazine - Giant Day Geckos - a good basic care sheet for giant day geckos

Still not sure if the crimson giant day gecko from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!