By Electric Blue Day Geckos are stunning creatures native to East Africa, particularly Tanzania. With their striking blue color and small size, they are sought after by reptile enthusiasts for their unique appearance and fascinating behavior. This comprehensive care guide will provide you with the essential information for keeping Electric Blue Day Geckos happy and healthy, covering topics such as diet, habitat, tank setup, and more.
Table of Contents
Species Overview
- Common Group: Day Geckos
- Common Names: Electric Blue Day Geckos, William’s Blue Day Geckos, Turquoise Dwarf Gecko
- Scientific Name: Lygodactylus williamsi
- Distribution Area: East Africa, mainly Tanzania
Natural History
Electric Blue Day Geckos are diurnal creatures, meaning they are active during the day. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males showcasing a brilliant neon blue color on their dorsal surface, black stripes across their eyes and throat, and a pale to bright orange ventral side. Females are generally a bronze green color, with fainter black stripes and a tan belly.
These geckos were once considered extremely rare in the reptile hobby, but their popularity has grown in recent years. Despite this, little is known about their behavior in the wild. They are known to breed prolifically in captivity, although raising the offspring can be a challenging endeavor.
Size and Longevity
As a dwarf species of gecko, Electric Blue Day Geckos rarely exceed 2.5″ in total length. Due to their relatively recent influx into the hobby, little is known about their natural lifespan. However, an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years should not be unexpected.
Housing
While their small size might suggest they require cramped quarters, Electric Blue Day Geckos should be provided with a spacious and comfortable enclosure. A minimum size for an enclosure should be at least the size of the ZooMed Medium Naturalistic Terrarium, although larger terrariums are recommended if space allows. Traditional glass aquariums can be used, but front-opening cages are preferable for easier day-to-day maintenance.
Substrate
The choice of substrate depends on the type of cage setup. For a planted, naturalistic vivarium, a combination of hydroton balls, polyfoam, and a mixture of Ecoearth and Moss Growing substrate is recommended. This setup provides a nutritious soil mix for live plants while promoting proper drainage.
In cages with artificial plants, choose a substrate that retains humidity and is easy to clean, such as cypress mulch, orchid bark, Ecoearth, or other forms of compressed coconut husk. Experiment with different types of bedding before settling on the one you prefer.
Decor and Cage Furnishings
When designing your gecko’s enclosure, consider their natural behavior. As small, vulnerable creatures, they prefer numerous hiding places and foliage in their cage. Provide plenty of vertical hiding places using ZooMed Cork Rounds, Bamboo Hollows, and other cylindrical objects that mimic the round tree branches they would naturally hide on.
In addition to wood products, consider providing live plants or other foliage options for your geckos to hide in. Live plants not only add visual appeal but also increase relative humidity within the enclosure, providing a beneficial microclimate for your geckos. Tropical Vines, magnetically attached Jungle Vines, and naturalistic fake plants can all be included as well.
Heating and Lighting
Electric Blue Day Geckos require ample light and UVB, being avid sun worshippers. Two methods can be used to provide these essential elements. The first, and most traditional method, is using fluorescent strip lighting, such as a ZooMed Reptisun bulb, in combination with a basking light, such as a ZooMed Basking bulb or Halogen Light. This method is best for smaller cage setups.
Alternatively, if housing your geckos in larger terrariums, you can use a mercury vapor bulb, such as a ZooMed Powersun bulb or a T-Rex Active UV Heat Floodlight. These bulbs produce both UVB light and heat, but care should be taken to ensure the cage does not overheat. Basking spot temperatures should reach the low 90s, while the coolest side of the cage can drop into the low 70s.
Nighttime heating is recommended if temperatures in your home drop below 70 degrees. A 40 or 60-watt Nightlight Red bulb should provide sufficient heat, maintaining a temperature of around 75 degrees at night.
Water and Humidity
Hailing from a tropical to subtropical climate, Electric Blue Day Geckos require ample humidity. Provide a dish of fresh, clean water daily, and mist the enclosure every day using a hand spray bottle, pressure sprayer, or a ZooMed Reptifogger. A high-quality misting system, such as a Mist King, can also be used. Ensure that additional moisture and humidity are added to the enclosure at least twice daily.
Nutrition
Electric Blue Day Geckos readily feed on a variety of commonly available feeder insects in captivity, including small crickets, fruit flies, small mealworms, waxworms, small silkworms, reptiworms, and hornworms. Offer a varied diet, as the list of feeder insects is limited compared to what they would consume in the wild.
Supplement their diet with a high-quality reptile multivitamin and a reptile calcium containing D3. Calcium should be offered every feeding for egg-laying females, and every other feeding for non-reproductive animals. Multivitamins can be offered weekly or as recommended on the label.
In addition to insects, Electric Blue Day Geckos will eat Repashy Gecko Meal Replacement Powder (MRP) and ZooMed Day Gecko Food. Offer these foods at least once a week, and consider mixing them with fresh fruits like bananas or canned fruit products such as ZooMed Mixins.
Handling and Interaction
Although they may appear cute and friendly, handling Electric Blue Day Geckos is not recommended due to their small size and stress levels. It is best to interact with them on their terms, observing their natural behavior and minimizing stress.
With patience, you can gain your gecko’s trust, and they may even take food from your fingers or climb onto your hand while you work in their enclosure. Always prioritize the well-being of your geckos when interacting with them.
Breeding
Established Electric Blue Day Geckos breed prolifically in captivity, but raising the offspring can be challenging. It’s essential to provide the proper environment, nutrition, and care for both the adults and the hatchlings to ensure their health and well-being.
Egg Laying and Incubation
Females will lay 1 to 2 eggs at a time, which should be carefully removed from the enclosure and incubated in a separate container. Maintain temperatures between 82 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels between 60 and 80 percent. The eggs will typically hatch within 60 to 70 days.
Hatchling Care
Once the hatchlings emerge, they should be housed in a separate enclosure, ensuring their safety and monitoring their growth. Provide a similar setup as for adults, but with smaller furnishings and hiding places. Hatchlings will feed on the same diet as adults, but smaller insects should be chosen to accommodate their size.
Health Concerns
Like all reptiles, Electric Blue Day Geckos are susceptible to certain health issues. Maintaining a clean and stress-free environment, providing a balanced diet, and monitoring their behavior are crucial to preventing and addressing health concerns.
Common health issues include:
- Metabolic bone disease due to insufficient calcium and UVB exposure
- Parasitic infections from poor hygiene or contaminated food
- Respiratory infections from improper temperature or humidity levels
- Stress-related issues from improper handling or overcrowded enclosures
Consult a veterinarian specializing in reptiles if you notice any signs of illness or distress in your Electric Blue Day Gecko.
Conclusion
Electric Blue Day Geckos are captivating creatures that can thrive in captivity when provided with proper care and attention. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to create a comfortable and enriching environment for your geckos, ensuring their health and happiness for years to come.