Reptile · Gecko
Yellow-headed gecko care guide
Gonatodes albogularis
The yellow-headed gecko is a intermediate-level gecko from Central America, northern South America, Caribbean. Adults reach 7–9 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. Males are yellow-headed and territorial; keep one pair in a planted build.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 25–29°C, basking 31°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a yellow-headed gecko cost in Canada?
Yellow-headed gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 7–9 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central America, northern South America, Caribbean
- 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
- 25–29°C, basking 31°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, springtails
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Yellow-headed 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: 25–29°C, basking 31°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Required.
What does a yellow-headed gecko eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, springtails. Small insects every 1–2 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Tiny and fast; display only.
Health watch: Dehydration and calcium deficiency.
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 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 gecko FAQ
Is the yellow-headed gecko good for beginners?
The yellow-headed gecko is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Tiny and fast; display only.
What size enclosure does a yellow-headed 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 gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $450–840 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a yellow-headed gecko need?
Temperature: 25–29°C, basking 31°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a yellow-headed gecko eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, springtails. Small insects every 1–2 days.
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.