Reptile · Gecko
Mourning gecko care guide
Lepidodactylus lugubris
The mourning gecko is a beginner-level gecko from Southeast Asia, Pacific islands. Adults reach 8–10 cm and live 8–10 years in captivity. All-female, self-cloning species that does well in small groups.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 22–28°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a mourning gecko cost in Canada?
Mourning gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 8–10 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southeast Asia, Pacific islands
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 5 can share; add about 25% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 22–28°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Omnivore – complete gecko diet, fruit flies, small crickets
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Mourning gecko enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Up to 5 can share; add about 25% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a mourning gecko eat?
Omnivore – complete gecko diet, fruit flies, small crickets. Offer complete diet and small insects 3 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
A display animal; tiny and fast, so avoid handling.
Health watch: Colony overpopulation, dehydration and escape through small gaps.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a mourning gecko bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Mourning gecko FAQ
Is the mourning gecko good for beginners?
Yes – the mourning gecko is a good choice for beginners. A display animal; tiny and fast, so avoid handling.
What size enclosure does a mourning gecko need?
At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 5 can share; add about 25% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a mourning gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $30–60 CAD to buy, about $430–810 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a mourning gecko need?
Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a mourning gecko eat?
Omnivore – complete gecko diet, fruit flies, small crickets. Offer complete diet and small insects 3 times a week.
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.