Reptile · Gecko
Hainan cave gecko care guide
Goniurosaurus hainanensis
The hainan cave gecko is a intermediate-level gecko from Hainan Island, China. Adults reach 15–18 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Cool and humid; overheating is the main killer.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp 20–25°C, avoid over 27°C
- Humidity 70–85%
How much does a hainan cave gecko cost in Canada?
Hainan cave gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 15–18 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Hainan Island, China
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 45 cm (18 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 24 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 20–25°C, avoid over 27°C
- Humidity
- 70–85%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Tropical forest floor
Hainan cave gecko enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 45 cm (18 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical forest floor bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Deep leaf litter (3–5 cm) matters more here than anything else: it’s where microfauna breed and frogs forage.
Temperature: 20–25°C, avoid over 27°C. Humidity: 70–85%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a hainan cave gecko eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and tolerates brief handling.
Health watch: Heat stress and stuck shed.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist 1–3 times to keep humidity in range; glass should clear partly between mistings.
- Check temperature – most tropical species are stressed above 27–28°C.
Weekly
- Feed and remove uneaten food.
- Check the drainage layer through the glass and remove water before it reaches the soil.
- Prune plants that block the front glass.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter as it breaks down.
- Check springtail and isopod numbers; reseed from a culture if they look sparse.
- Clean misting nozzles and wipe light covers.
Yearly
- Refresh the top few centimetres of soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on the manufacturer’s schedule.
Recommended for a hainan cave gecko bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 45 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sheet Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Climbing surface and planting wall
Cork Bark Half Rounds
Shaded, humid retreat at floor level
Red Mekong Spiderwood
Perches and depth
Hainan cave gecko FAQ
Is the hainan cave gecko good for beginners?
The hainan cave gecko is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm and tolerates brief handling.
What size enclosure does a hainan cave gecko need?
At least 45 × 45 × 45 cm (about 18 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 24 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a hainan cave gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $250–600 CAD to buy, about $440–800 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a hainan cave gecko need?
Temperature: 20–25°C, avoid over 27°C. Humidity: 70–85%.
What does a hainan cave gecko eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.