Tokay Gecko

General Information

Common Name

Tokay Gecko

Scientific Name

Gekko gecko

Wild Distribution

Tokay geckos have a wide range and are native to Northeast India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea and the Philippines. The Tokay gecko has also been introduced as an invasive species to Belize, Florida, Texas, Hawaii and some Caribbean islands.

The natural habitat of this arboreal gecko is the trees and cliffs of the tropical rain forest. They can often be found dwelling in and around human settlements where they can find easy shelter and are often valued for their insect pest control.

Description

The Tokay gecko is the second largest gecko in the world. Adult males can reach 12-14" in total length. Female Tokay geckos are slightly smaller averaging 8-10" long. An adult tokay gecko averages 5-7 ounces in weight, but particularly large males may achieve weights closer to 11.5 ounces.

Hatchling tokay geckos start life at 3.5"-4" and reach breeding age in 9-12 months, but it may take up to 2 years for a tokay gecko to reach is full adult size.

Male tokay geckos are a blue-grey body color with spotting that varies in color from redish-orange to whitish-yellow. Females tokays are a grey body color with the same spotting and generally not as brightly colored as the males. Both sexes have the ability to lighten and darken their skin to some degree to help them blend into their surroundings.

Lifespan

Wild Tokay geckos have an average lifespan of 7-10 years. In captivity, Tokay geckos can live up to 20 years with proper care.

Male Tokay Gecko
Male Tokay Gecko