Reptile · Gecko
Turnip-tailed gecko care guide
Thecadactylus rapicauda
The turnip-tailed gecko is a intermediate-level gecko from Central and South America, Caribbean. Adults reach 18–20 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Arboreal; drops its fat tail if grabbed. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 25–29°C
- Humidity 65–80%
How much does a turnip-tailed gecko cost in Canada?
Turnip-tailed gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 18–20 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Central and South America, Caribbean
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 25–29°C
- Humidity
- 65–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Turnip-tailed gecko enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. 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: 25–29°C. Humidity: 65–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a turnip-tailed gecko eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Skittish and may bite; minimal handling.
Health watch: Parasites in imports and stuck shed.
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 turnip-tailed gecko bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 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
Turnip-tailed gecko FAQ
Is the turnip-tailed gecko good for beginners?
The turnip-tailed gecko is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Skittish and may bite; minimal handling.
What size enclosure does a turnip-tailed gecko need?
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a turnip-tailed gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $100–250 CAD to buy, about $560–1020 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a turnip-tailed gecko need?
Temperature: 25–29°C. Humidity: 65–80%.
What does a turnip-tailed 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.