African Fat-Tailed Gecko vs Madagascar Day Gecko

Side-by-side care comparison to help you choose.

African Fat-Tailed GeckoMadagascar Day Gecko
DifficultyBeginnerIntermediate
Adult size7-10 inches6-8 inches
Lifespan15-20 years10-15 years
Min enclosure20 gallon long (30x12x12 inches)18x18x24 inches (vertical)
Basking temp88-92°F85-88°F
Humidity50-70%60-80% (with daily misting)
UVBYes - T5 HO 2.0 or 5.0 linear, Ferguson zone 2Yes - T5 HO 5.0 or 6%, Ferguson zone 2-3
DietInsectivorous: crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches; dust with calcium without D3 and multivitamin. Juveniles daily, adults 3-4 times per week.Insects (crickets, roaches, mealworms) dusted with calcium/D3 2-3x/week; fruit puree or baby food daily. Juveniles fed daily, adults every other day.