Care sheet

Giant Day Gecko

Phelsuma grandis

Also known as: Madagascar Giant Day Gecko

Gekkonidae · Squamata

IntermediateCITES IIIUCN LC

Activity: ☀️ Diurnal
Temperament: Hands-off
Adult length: 9–12 in
Lifespan (captivity): 6–10 yrs
Native range: Northern Madagascar (introduced elsewhere) — tropical forest

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Care guide

Overview

Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma grandis) — a brilliant green, diurnal, arboreal gecko that basks openly and eats both insects and fruit/nectar diets. A stunning display animal; its delicate skin means it should not be handled.

Environment

Climate

Cool side

72–78 °F

Warm side

80–85 °F

Basking spot

88–92 °F

Nighttime

68–74 °F

Humidity (ambient)

60–80%

Environment

UVB lighting

Required?

Yes — provide UVB

Fixture type

T5 HO

Replacement interval

Every 12 months

Housing

Enclosure

Orientation

Arboreal

Bioactive setup

Suitable

Minimum size by life stage

HatchlingNot specified
JuvenileNot specified
Adult18x18x24 in (tall) planted; bamboo/cork for vertical basking

Housing

Substrate

Safe options

bioactive soilcoco fibersphagnum moss

Avoid

cedarpinedry-only substrate

Nutrition

Diet & feeding

Dietary type

Omnivore

Feeding frequency by life stage

JuvenileDaily
AdultInsects 3-4x weekly + prepared gecko diet (nectar/fruit) 2-3x weekly

Supplementation

Calcium-dust feeders; complete powdered day-gecko/crested diet supplies fruit/nectar and vitamins.

Care

Water & behavior

Water

Mist daily; day geckos lick droplets. A small water feature is optional.

Legal & ecology

Conservation

CITES

Appendix II

IUCN Red List

LC · Least Concern

Wild populations

CITES Appendix II (all Phelsuma). Brilliant green display gecko; skin tears easily, so avoid handling.

Genetics

Morphs

Morph market

Active

Complexity

Moderate

Citations

Sources

Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.

Phelsuma grandis — species account
Animal Diversity Web, U. Michigan
academic
Madagascar range, diurnal basking, omnivorous diet.
Published: 2020-01-01
Phelsuma grandis — IUCN Red List (LC)
IUCN
government
Least Concern; CITES Appendix II.
Published: 2019-01-01
Giant Day Gecko Care
Josh's Frogs
breeder community
Planted vertical setup, UVB, insects + prepared diet, no-handling guidance.
Published: 2021-01-01