Have you ever heard of the fascinating Leachie Gecko? Also known as Leachianus geckos, these New Caledonian giant geckos are a unique and intriguing species. Breeding them can be quite challenging due to their specific needs, and proper enclosure setup is crucial for their health and well-being. One interesting fact about these geckos is that they have laterally compressed bodies, which allows them to move through narrow spaces with ease.
If you’re considering getting a pet Leachie Gecko, it’s important to understand how to properly care for them. How long do they live? Are they friendly pets? What do they eat? These are all common questions that potential owners may have.
Physical Characteristics of Leachie Geckos
Base Coloration
Leachie geckos, also known as New Caledonian giant geckos or leachianus geckos, are a species of geckos that can be found on the islands of New Caledonia. These geckos have a base coloration that ranges from brown to gray. Some individuals may have a slightly greenish hue on their skin.
Patterns and Markings
In addition to their base coloration, some leachie geckos have patterns or markings on their body. These patterns can include spots or stripes of different colors such as white, yellow, or orange. The patterns and markings can vary greatly between individuals.
Head Shape
One of the most distinctive physical characteristics of leachie geckos is their head shape. They have a large head with bulging eyes and a wide mouth that gives them an almost comical appearance. Their eyes are so large that they cannot blink like other animals; instead, they use a transparent scale to cover and protect their eyes.
Skin Texture
The skin of leachie geckos is covered in small, bumpy scales that give them a rough texture. These scales help protect them from predators by making it difficult for them to grip onto the lizard’s skin.
Size and Weight
Leachianus geckos are one of the largest species of geckos in the world. They can grow up to 14 inches (35 cm) long from nose to tail and weigh up to 300 grams (10 oz). However, males tend to be smaller than females.
Sexual Dimorphism
There is sexual dimorphism in leachie geckos: males tend to be smaller than females but have larger pores on their thighs which secrete pheromones used for communication during mating season.
Lifespan
Leachie geckos are long-lived animals and can live up to 20 years in captivity if they are well taken care of.
Diet
In the wild, leachie geckos feed on insects, fruits, and nectar. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and fruit baby food mixed with calcium supplements.
Habitat
Leachie geckos are arboreal animals that live in trees and bushes. They prefer humid environments with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Conservation Status
Leachie geckos are listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and over-collection for the pet trade. It is important to ensure that these animals are not collected from the wild but rather bred in captivity to help preserve their population.
Leachie Gecko Behavior and Temperament
Leachie geckos, also known as New Caledonian giant geckos, are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors and temperaments.
Nocturnal and Arboreal Nature
Leachie geckos are primarily active at night when they come out to hunt for food. They prefer to climb trees or other high surfaces in their natural habitat. In captivity, it is essential to provide them with ample climbing opportunities and hiding spots to mimic their natural environment.
These geckos can grow up to 14 inches long, making them one of the largest species of geckos in the world. They have a prehensile tail that helps them maintain balance while climbing trees or other objects.
Docile Temperament
Leachie geckos are generally docile and can be handled without any issues. However, they may become defensive if they feel threatened. It is important to approach them slowly and gently when handling them to avoid any stress or harm.
It is recommended not to handle your leachie gecko too often as it may cause unnecessary stress. Instead, observe them from a distance during their active hours at night.
Unique Vocalization Habits
One of the most fascinating aspects of leachie geckos is their unique vocalizations. They make a barking sound that can be heard from a distance when communicating with each other or establishing territory.
If you hear your leachie gecko barking at night, it means they are healthy and happy in their environment. However, if they stop making noise suddenly or start hissing or biting when you approach them, it could be a sign of stress or illness.
Tips for Handling Your Leachie Gecko
Here are some essential tips for handling your leachie gecko:
- Approach them slowly and gently to avoid any stress or harm.
- Support their entire body while holding them to prevent any injuries.
- Do not handle them too often as it may cause unnecessary stress.
- Wash your hands before and after handling them to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Do Leachie Geckos Bite?
Leachie geckos are generally docile and do not bite unless they feel threatened. However, if they do bite, it is not very painful, and the wound will heal on its own in a few days.
It is essential to avoid provoking your leachie gecko and approach them slowly and gently when handling them to avoid any bites or injuries.
When Leopard Geckos Shed
Leopard geckos are another popular species of gecko that shed their skin regularly. They shed their skin every 4-8 weeks, depending on their age and environment.
During shedding, leopard geckos may become more irritable than usual, so it is essential to provide them with extra hiding spots and water during this time.
Tank Size and Heating for Leachie Geckos
Large Tank Requirements
Leachie geckos are arboreal creatures that require a large tank to thrive. The minimum recommended tank size for a single adult leachie gecko is 20 gallons, but ideally, it should be larger than that. A bigger tank will give your leachie gecko more space to climb and explore, which is essential for their mental and physical well-being.
If you plan on keeping multiple leachie geckos together, the tank size should increase accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to add an additional 10 gallons per extra gecko. For example, if you have two leachie geckos, the minimum recommended tank size would be 30 gallons.
It’s important to note that while a larger tank may be more expensive upfront, it will save you money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of health problems caused by cramped living conditions.
Heat Lamp Necessity
Leachie geckos are tropical animals that require a warm environment to thrive. In their natural habitat, they live in areas with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F. To replicate these conditions in captivity, you’ll need to provide them with a heat lamp.
A heat lamp is necessary for providing proper heating in the tank as it helps regulate temperature and provides warmth during colder months or at night when temperatures can drop significantly. It’s important to use a thermostat with your heat lamp to ensure that the temperature stays within the ideal range.
Temperature Maintenance
Maintaining proper temperature levels in your leachie gecko’s tank is crucial for their health and well-being. As mentioned earlier, their ideal temperature range is between 75-85°F. Anything below or above this range can lead to health problems such as respiratory infections or dehydration.
To maintain optimal temperatures in your leachie gecko’s tank, consider using a combination of heating sources such as a heat lamp, under-tank heating pad, or ceramic heat emitter. It’s also important to monitor the temperature regularly using a thermometer and adjust the heating sources accordingly.
In addition to providing proper heating, it’s essential to maintain adequate humidity levels in your leachie gecko’s tank. Aim for a humidity level of 60-80% by misting the tank with water daily and providing a water dish.
Feeding and UVB Requirements for Leachie Geckos
Leachie geckos are unique creatures that require specific care to thrive in captivity. One of the most important aspects of caring for leachie geckos is providing a balanced diet and proper UVB lighting.
What Do Leachie Geckos Eat?
Leachie geckos are omnivores, which means they eat both insects and fruit. It’s crucial to offer a varied diet to ensure your leachies get all the nutrients they need. A balanced diet should consist of 60% insects and 40% fruit.
Crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms are excellent options. Before feeding them to your leachie gecko, dust them with calcium powder. This will help prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD), which is common in reptiles.
Fruits like bananas, papayas, mangoes, figs, and kiwis are great choices for leachies. You can also offer baby food or commercial crested gecko diets as part of their fruit intake.
UVB Lighting
UVB lighting is essential for the health and well-being of leachie geckos. It helps them produce vitamin D3 which aids in calcium absorption. Without adequate UVB exposure, your leachies may develop MBD or suffer from other health issues.
When choosing a UVB bulb for your enclosure, make sure it’s appropriate for the size of your tank and provides enough output for your animals’ needs. The recommended range is between 5-10% output strength.
It’s also crucial to replace the bulb every six months as its effectiveness decreases over time even if it still emits light.
Provide your leachies with 10-12 hours of UVB lighting per day. The bulb should be placed within 12 inches of the basking spot.
Basking Spot
Leachie geckos need a basking spot with a temperature range of 85-90°F. To create this, you’ll need to provide a heat source such as an under-tank heater or a ceramic heat emitter. Make sure the enclosure has enough space for your leachies to move away from the heat source if they become too warm.
The basking spot should be located directly under the UVB bulb and should be positioned in such a way that it receives direct sunlight.
Other Essential Care Tips
In addition to providing proper nutrition and lighting, there are other essential care tips you should follow when keeping leachie geckos:
- Provide plenty of hiding spots and climbing opportunities in their enclosure.
- Keep the humidity level between 60%-80%.
- Clean their enclosure regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Handle them gently and avoid stressing them out.
Substrate and Humidity Levels for Leachie Geckos
Leachie geckos are fascinating creatures that make great pets. However, to ensure they live a healthy and happy life, it is essential to provide them with optimal living conditions. One of the most important aspects of keeping leachie geckos is maintaining proper substrate and humidity levels.
Substrate
Leachie geckos require a substrate that retains moisture, such as coconut coir or soil. This type of substrate helps maintain the necessary humidity levels in their enclosure while also providing a suitable surface for burrowing and hiding. When choosing a substrate for your leachie gecko, it’s crucial to avoid using substrates made from cedar or pine as these can be toxic to reptiles.
Here are some options for suitable substrates for leachie geckos:
- Coconut coir: This is an excellent choice as it retains moisture well and provides a soft surface for your gecko.
- Soil: Organic potting soil without any added fertilizers or chemicals can also work well.
- Moss: Sphagnum moss is another option that works well for retaining moisture.
It’s important to keep the substrate moist but not soaking wet. You can mist the enclosure regularly or use a substrate that holds moisture better than others.
Humidity Levels
Humidity levels for leachie geckos should be kept between 60-80% to mimic their natural habitat. Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for leachie geckos to shed properly and avoid respiratory issues. If the air in their enclosure is too dry, they may struggle with shedding, leading to retained skin which can cause health problems.
Here are some tips on how to maintain optimal humidity levels:
- Use a hygrometer: A hygrometer will help you monitor humidity levels in your pet’s enclosure accurately.
- Misting: Regularly misting the enclosure with water can help maintain humidity levels.
- Water dish: Providing a water dish in the enclosure can also help increase humidity levels. However, make sure it’s not too deep and that your gecko cannot drown in it.
Temperature
Leachie geckos require specific temperature ranges to thrive. The ideal temperature range for leachie geckos is between 75-85°F during the day and 65-75°F at night. It’s essential to provide a basking spot with a higher temperature of around 90°F where your gecko can warm up when needed.
Here are some tips on how to maintain optimal temperatures:
- Use a thermometer: A thermometer will help you monitor temperature levels accurately.
- Heat source: Provide a heat source such as an under-tank heating pad or ceramic heat emitter.
- Lighting: Leachie geckos require UVB lighting to ensure they receive adequate vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium absorption.
Purchasing and Pricing Guide for Leachie Geckos
Rarity and Unique Characteristics of Leachie Geckos
Leachie geckos, also known as New Caledonian giant geckos or leachianus geckos, are one of the largest species of geckos in the world. They are native to the island of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean and are known for their unique characteristics such as their prehensile tail, large size, and distinctive coloration. Due to their rarity and unique features, leachie geckos are highly sought after by reptile enthusiasts.
Price Range for Leachie Geckos
The price of a leachie gecko can vary greatly depending on its morph and lineage. The most common morphs include pine island, nuu ana, henkeli, and locale-specific morphs such as Mount Koghis. Prices can range from $500 up to $10,000 or more for rare morphs with exceptional lineage. This high price point is due to the limited availability of these animals in the wild and the selective breeding practices employed by reputable breeders.
Importance of Purchasing from Reputable Breeders
It is crucial to purchase a leachie gecko from a reputable breeder to ensure that you receive a healthy animal that has been bred responsibly. Reputable breeders will provide you with information about the animal’s lineage, diet requirements, and any potential health issues. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have about caring for your new pet.
When searching for a breeder, it is important to do your research beforehand. Look for reviews online or ask other reptile enthusiasts if they have any recommendations. You should also check if the breeder is a member of any reputable organizations such as the Association of Reptilians and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV).
Researching Specific Morphs and Care Requirements
Before purchasing a leachie gecko, it is important to research the specific morph you are interested in and its care requirements. Different morphs may have different dietary needs, temperature requirements, and humidity levels. For example, pine island leachie geckos require higher temperatures than other morphs and need a basking spot of 85-90°F.
In addition to researching the care requirements for your specific leachie gecko, it is also important to ensure that you have the necessary equipment to provide a suitable habitat. This includes an appropriately sized enclosure with proper heating and lighting, as well as substrate and decor that mimics their natural environment.
Not Recommended for Beginner Reptile Owners
Leachie geckos are not recommended for beginner reptile owners due to their specialized care needs. These animals require a high level of attention and expertise, habitat, and overall health. If you are new to owning reptiles or do not have experience caring for large species such as leachie geckos, it may be best to start with a more manageable species before working your way up.
All About the Fascinating Leachie Gecko
In conclusion, leachie geckos are one of the most fascinating and unique reptiles to own as pets. They have distinct physical characteristics that make them stand out, such as their large size and prehensile tails. They are generally docile and easy to handle. However, it’s important to provide them with a suitable tank size and heating setup to ensure their comfort.
Feeding and UVB requirements should also be carefully considered, as well as substrate and humidity levels. If you’re interested in purchasing a leachie gecko, be prepared for a higher price point compared to other types of geckos.
Overall, owning a leachie gecko can be a rewarding experience for those who are willing to put in the effort to properly care for them.
FAQs
1. What is the average lifespan of a leachie gecko?
Leachie geckos can live up to 20 years in captivity with proper care.
2. Are leachie geckos good pets for beginners?
While they may not be ideal for complete beginners due to their specific care requirements, they can make great pets for those who have experience with reptiles.
3. Do leachie geckos require special lighting?
Yes, they require UVB lighting in order to maintain their health.
4. Can leachie geckos be housed together?
It’s generally not recommended to house multiple adult leachies together unless they are breeding pairs or siblings from the same clutch.
5. What do leachie geckos eat?
Leachies primarily eat fruit-based diets supplemented with insects like crickets or roaches.
6. How often should I clean my leachie gecko’s enclosure?
It’s recommended to spot-clean daily and perform a full enclosure cleaning at least once a month.