Tokay Gecko

Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) is a large, nocturnal, tree-dwelling gecko. It is one of the true geckos, and it has a cylindrical but slightly flattened body and eyes with vertical pupils.

The skin is soft and generally blue-grey with red or orange spots and speckles. Tokay Geckos can change their skin colour to blend in with their surroundings. Males are brighter and slightly larger than females.

Most reach 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) including the tail, and some grow to 40 cm (16 inches). They have a robust build, a large head, muscular jaws and a semiprehensile tail. Their foot pads let them hold their whole body weight on a vertical surface for a long time.

Tokay Geckos are kept as pets for their striking colours and large size.

Tokay Geckos are native to Asia and some Pacific Islands. They are found in northeast India, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh, throughout Southeast Asia, and toward western New Guinea. Two subspecies are recognised: one across tropical Asia from northeastern India to eastern Indonesia, and one found only in Bangladesh.

Their natural home is rainforest, where they live on trees and cliffs. They also adapt readily to rural buildings, roaming walls and ceilings at night after insects.

The name is an imitation of the male's call. The words "gecko" and the family name Gekkonidae both come from this animal, via Malay words such as gekok.

Tokay Geckos have also been introduced outside their native range. They are established in Florida, Martinique and the islands of Belize, and possibly Hawaii. They are culturally significant in many East Asian countries, are a symbol of good luck and fertility in Southeast Asia, and are believed to be descended from dragons.

Most pet Tokay Geckos have been wild-caught imports, though captive-bred ones are becoming more common.

Tokay Geckos are generally aggressive and territorial. They can bite hard, and larger ones, usually males, can pierce skin and cause immediate bleeding. Their bite is the reason they are described as ill-suited to inexperienced keepers.

Wild-caught animals can be hard to handle. Hobbyists commonly report that captive-bred Tokay Geckos can be less aggressive.

The male's mating call is a loud croak, written as "tokay", "gekk-gekk" or "tuck-too" and often preceded by a quick cackle. When alarmed, they bark with the mouth open in a defensive posture. Calling is affected by light and temperature, with peaks at dusk and dawn.

Females lay clutches of one or two hard-shelled eggs and guard them. Breeding pairs form temporary family groups and care for their young. They can tell mates and offspring from other geckos by smell.

In the wild they eat insects and small vertebrates. In captivity they usually eat springtails, mealworms, cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, locusts and pink mice.

When well cared for, Tokay Geckos can live up to 15-20 years.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

How long do tokay geckos live?

With good care, Tokay Geckos can live up to 15-20 years.

Do tokay geckos bite?

Yes. They are aggressive and territorial with a strong bite. Larger ones, usually males, can break the skin and cause immediate bleeding.

Are tokay geckos good for beginners?

They are common in the pet trade, but their strong bite makes them ill-suited to inexperienced keepers. Wild-caught adults can be especially hard to handle, while captive-bred ones are often reported to be less aggressive.

How big do tokay geckos get?

Most reach 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) including the tail. Some grow to 40 cm (16 inches), with males slightly larger than females.

Are tokay geckos noisy?

Males make a loud croaking call that gives the animal its name, often starting with a cackle. They also bark when alarmed. Calling peaks around dusk and dawn.

Are tokay geckos nocturnal?

Yes. In the wild they roam at night in search of insect prey.

The word "gecko" itself comes from this animal, via the Java Malay word gekok.

Tokay Geckos are believed to be the third-largest gecko species.

They can change skin colour to blend into their surroundings.

Their foot pads can hold the whole body weight on a vertical surface for a long time.

In Southeast Asia they are a symbol of good luck and fertility.

Communal nesting has been seen in Cambodia, with as many as four adults guarding a clutch of about eleven eggs.