The golden tailed gecko (Strophurus taenicauda) is a beautiful arboreal gecko, heavily patterned in black, white and gold with a striking eye. They are small, slender geckos that make a fascinating display animal.
Housing
Although primarily tree-climbing, they also move on the ground at night, so cater for both. Enclosures need not be large - a pair of medium species does well in around 20 x 20cm of floor space with a height of about 30cm. Plastic terrariums, fish tanks or tubs all work. Provide upright and angled branches of similar width to the gecko's tail, plus some dark hide areas. Any clean sand or loose litter is a suitable floor substrate.
Heating & lighting
Heating is not essential, but some individuals enjoy basking. A low-wattage basking lamp or self-regulating heat strip can provide a summer maximum of around 28-30C, with winter temperatures allowed to fall to 15-20C. Juveniles are best heated year-round. A low-level (5%) UVB can benefit juveniles and breeding females but is not essential if good calcium and vitamin D3 are provided in the diet.
Feeding
Offer small insects - crickets, woodies, moths and the occasional waxworm larva. Feed adults every 4-7 days in summer and 7-10 days in winter; feed juveniles every 2-4 days year-round. Food should be around 60% of head size. Lightly dust with a calcium/vitamin supplement every 2nd or 3rd feeding.
Note
If grasped or stressed, these geckos can smear a pungent, irritant tail secretion - handle gently and sparingly. Licensing for this species varies by state, so check your local wildlife authority - in Queensland a wildlife licence is required.
The team at Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium can help with arboreal gecko set-ups.
Recommended products
Set up your gecko with gear from Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium: enclosures & supplies, heating & thermostats, substrate & decor, live feeders and supplements. A reptile licence is required in Queensland - see our QLD reptile licence guide.
