Reptile · Gecko
Yellow-headed dwarf gecko care guide
Lygodactylus luteopicturatus
The yellow-headed dwarf gecko is a intermediate-level gecko from Coastal Kenya, Tanzania. Adults reach 7–9 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. One male with one female; males fight.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 25–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a yellow-headed dwarf gecko cost in Canada?
Yellow-headed dwarf gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 7–9 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Coastal Kenya, Tanzania
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 25–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, fruit gecko diet
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Yellow-headed dwarf gecko enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% 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: 25–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.
What does a yellow-headed dwarf gecko eat?
Omnivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, fruit gecko diet. Small insects every 1–2 days plus fruit diet a few times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Tiny and fast; display only.
Health watch: Dehydration and stress from overcrowding.
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 yellow-headed dwarf 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
Yellow-headed dwarf gecko FAQ
Is the yellow-headed dwarf gecko good for beginners?
The yellow-headed dwarf gecko is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Tiny and fast; display only.
What size enclosure does a yellow-headed dwarf gecko need?
At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a yellow-headed dwarf gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $450–840 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a yellow-headed dwarf gecko need?
Temperature: 25–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a yellow-headed dwarf gecko eat?
Omnivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, fruit gecko diet. Small insects every 1–2 days plus fruit diet a few 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.