Blue-Tailed Day Gecko (Phelsuma cepediana) Care Sheet
The Blue-Tailed Day Gecko (Phelsuma cepediana) is a striking medium-sized diurnal gecko native to Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
Mature males can be spectacularly coloured, combining vivid green, turquoise or blue with red markings and a brilliant blue tail. Females are generally less intensely coloured but remain attractive animals.
Like other members of the genus Phelsuma, Blue-Tailed Day Geckos are strongly arboreal and spend much of their lives climbing trees, palms, branches and vegetation. They are active during daylight and require bright visible lighting, appropriate UVB and access to a warm basking area.
They are exceptionally agile and can move rapidly across both rough and smooth surfaces using their specialised adhesive toe pads.
Despite their attractive appearance, Blue-Tailed Day Geckos should not be regarded as handling reptiles. Their skin is delicate and they can shed both skin and tail tissue when roughly restrained.
Successful husbandry centres on a spacious vertical enclosure, abundant climbing structure, appropriate UVB, bright visible lighting, a localised basking area, high but fluctuating humidity, excellent ventilation and a varied omnivorous diet.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Phelsuma cepediana
Common name: Blue-Tailed Day Gecko
Family: Gekkonidae
Native range: Mauritius
Lifestyle: Arboreal
Activity: Diurnal
Adult length: Approximately 4–6 inches including the tail
Lifespan: Approximately 10–15+ years with excellent care
Experience level: Intermediate
Diet: Omnivorous
Temperament: Alert, fast and territorial
Adult enclosure: Approximately 18" × 18" × 24" minimum for one adult; larger preferred
Basking area: Approximately 30–32°C
General daytime temperature: Approximately 24–28°C
Cool area: Approximately 21–24°C
Night temperature: Approximately 18–22°C
Humidity: Approximately 60–80% with regular drying periods
UVB: Essential
Handling: Not recommended except when necessary
Social housing: Individual housing safest
Natural Distribution
The Blue-Tailed Day Gecko is native to Mauritius.
Mauritius supports a remarkable collection of endemic reptiles, many of which have historically been threatened by:
- Habitat destruction
- Introduced predators
- Invasive species
- Environmental change
Responsible captive breeding provides a sustainable source of animals for herpetoculture without placing additional pressure on wild populations.
Natural Habitat
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos inhabit warm, humid environments containing abundant vegetation.
They may utilise:
- Trees
- Palms
- Shrubs
- Broad-leaved plants
- Forest edges
- Vegetated areas around human habitation
They spend most of their time above ground.
Captive accommodation should therefore prioritise usable vertical space.
Appearance
Adult males can display spectacular colouration.
Colours may include:
- Bright green
- Turquoise
- Electric blue
- Red
- Orange
- Black
The tail can become particularly vivid blue.
Females generally display more subdued:
- Green
- Grey-green
- Brownish
- Turquoise
colouration.
Sexual Dimorphism
Adult males are generally considerably more colourful than females.
Males also develop more obvious:
- Preanal/femoral pores
- Broader tail base
- Reproductive structures
Juveniles can be considerably more difficult to sex accurately.
Colour Variation
Colour intensity can vary according to:
- Age
- Sex
- Temperature
- Lighting
- Stress
- Social status
- Health
Colour alone should never be used as the sole measure of health.
Adult Size
Adults generally reach approximately:
4–6 inches total length
including the tail.
Although relatively small, they are highly active and benefit considerably from spacious accommodation.
Behaviour
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos are strongly active during daylight.
Normal behaviour includes:
- Basking
- Climbing
- Hunting insects
- Exploring vegetation
- Territorial displays
- Feeding on nectar-like foods
- Drinking droplets
- Moving between exposed and shaded areas
They are highly visual reptiles and rapidly respond to movement around them.
Temperament
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos are generally nervous rather than aggressive towards keepers.
However, they are:
- Extremely fast
- Agile
- Capable of sudden jumps
- Difficult to safely restrain
They are best maintained primarily as display reptiles.
Handling
Routine handling is not recommended.
When an animal must be moved, guiding it into a secure container is generally preferable to catching it by hand.
Never:
- Grab the tail
- Squeeze the body
- Restrain the skin
- Chase the gecko excessively
- Handle in an unsecured room
Delicate Skin
Like other Phelsuma, Blue-Tailed Day Geckos possess delicate skin.
Rough restraint can cause sections of skin to tear away.
This defensive adaptation makes unnecessary handling particularly inappropriate.
Tail Loss
The tail can be shed when the gecko is severely stressed or improperly restrained.
Never lift or restrain the animal by its tail.
A regenerated tail may differ in appearance from the original.
Enclosure Size
For a single adult:
18" × 18" × 24"
should be considered a practical minimum.
Larger accommodation is preferred where possible.
Additional space allows:
- Greater exercise
- More climbing opportunities
- Better thermal gradients
- Better UV gradients
- Denser planting
- Greater behavioural choice
Vertical Space
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos are strongly arboreal.
Provide climbing structures throughout the full height of the enclosure.
A tall enclosure without appropriate furnishings provides little useful habitat.
Climbing Structure
Suitable furnishings include:
- Bamboo
- Natural branches
- Cork
- Vines
- Live plants
- Artificial foliage
Arrange climbing surfaces:
- Vertically
- Horizontally
- Diagonally
Bamboo
Bamboo is particularly useful for Phelsuma.
Smooth bamboo stems provide:
- Basking surfaces
- Climbing routes
- Resting areas
- Visual barriers
Use several different diameters and ensure all pieces are securely positioned.
Foliage
Dense foliage provides:
- Security
- Shade
- Drinking surfaces
- Climbing opportunities
- Humidity gradients
- Visual barriers
Suitable reptile-safe plants may include:
- Pothos
- Ficus
- Schefflera
- Bromeliads
- Other appropriate tropical plants
All plants should be free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.
Hides
Provide elevated cover using:
- Dense vegetation
- Cork
- Hollow bamboo
- Concealed areas behind plants
The gecko should always be able to move completely out of sight.
Enclosure Security
Escape prevention is essential.
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos can exploit surprisingly small openings.
Check:
- Doors
- Ventilation
- Cable ports
- Sliding tracks
- Lid fittings
before introducing the animal.
Substrate
Suitable substrates include:
- Organic topsoil
- Coco fibre
- Tropical soil mixtures
- Orchid bark
- Leaf litter
The substrate should retain some moisture while allowing adequate drainage.
Bioactive Housing
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos are excellent candidates for naturalistic bioactive enclosures.
A properly established system may contain:
- Live plants
- Natural soil
- Leaf litter
- Springtails
- Suitable isopods
Bioactive housing does not eliminate the need for routine enclosure maintenance and health monitoring.
Temperature Gradient
Provide a clear thermal gradient.
The entire enclosure should not be maintained at basking temperature.
Basking Temperature
Provide a localised basking area around:
30–32°C
The gecko must be able to move away easily.
General Day Temperature
Most of the enclosure can remain around:
24–28°C
Cool Area
Provide cooler shaded areas around:
21–24°C
Night Temperature
Night temperatures can generally fall to approximately:
18–22°C
A modest nighttime reduction is appropriate.
Overheating
Avoid allowing the entire enclosure to become excessively warm.
Small glass enclosures can overheat quickly, particularly during summer.
Always provide cooler shaded retreats.
Heating
Where supplemental heating is necessary, use appropriate overhead heating to create a localised basking zone.
Heating equipment should be safely controlled and monitored.
UVB
UVB is essential.
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos are strongly diurnal and naturally exposed to sunlight.
Appropriate UVB supports:
- Vitamin D3 synthesis
- Calcium metabolism
- Healthy skeletal development
- Natural basking behaviour
UV Gradient
The enclosure should provide:
- Suitable UV exposure around basking areas
- Moderate exposure
- Filtered exposure
- Complete shade
The animal must be able to regulate its exposure.
UVB Placement
UVB effectiveness depends on:
- Lamp output
- Distance
- Mesh obstruction
- Reflector
- Enclosure design
Follow current manufacturer guidance when selecting and positioning UVB equipment.
Visible Lighting
Bright visible lighting is extremely important.
These are active daytime reptiles.
Good visible lighting encourages:
- Natural activity
- Feeding
- Basking
- Colour display
- Plant growth
Suitable daylight LED lighting can be used alongside UVB and basking equipment.
Photoperiod
Approximately:
11–13 hours of daylight
is suitable depending on season.
Night Lighting
The enclosure should become dark at night.
Do not leave visible red, blue or purple lamps operating throughout the night.
Humidity
General humidity around:
60–80%
is appropriate.
Humidity should fluctuate naturally rather than remaining constantly high.
Humidity Cycle
Humidity will normally rise following misting and gradually decrease as the enclosure dries.
This fluctuation is desirable.
Misting
Light misting:
Once or twice daily
works well in many setups.
Frequency depends on:
- Ventilation
- Planting
- Substrate
- Room humidity
- Season
Allow enclosure surfaces to partially dry between misting sessions.
Hydration
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos frequently drink droplets from:
- Leaves
- Glass
- Bamboo
- Branches
Regular misting therefore provides important drinking opportunities.
Water Bowl
A small shallow clean water dish can also be provided.
Replace the water regularly.
Ventilation
Excellent ventilation is essential.
High humidity combined with stagnant air can encourage:
- Mould
- Bacterial growth
- Skin problems
- Respiratory disease
The enclosure should remain humid but fresh.
Diet
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos are omnivorous.
Their captive diet should include:
- Appropriately sized live insects
- Suitable nutritionally complete gecko diet
Dietary variety is important.
Live Insects
Suitable feeders include:
- Small crickets
- Small locusts
- Small roach nymphs
- Fruit flies
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Other appropriately sized captive-produced insects
Avoid excessively large prey.
Gut Loading
Feeder insects should be properly gut-loaded before use.
Suitable foods include:
- Leafy greens
- Vegetables
- Appropriate commercial gut-loading diets
Calcium Supplementation
Live insects should be appropriately dusted with calcium.
Requirements depend on:
- Age
- UVB provision
- Diet
- Reproductive status
Breeding females require particularly careful calcium management.
Multivitamins
A suitable reptile multivitamin can be offered periodically.
Avoid excessive supplementation.
Complete Gecko Diet
A nutritionally complete commercial gecko diet can provide the fruit and nectar-like component of the captive diet.
Prepare according to manufacturer instructions.
Remove uneaten food before it spoils.
Fresh Fruit
Small quantities of suitable soft fruit may occasionally be offered as enrichment.
Fresh fruit should not replace a nutritionally complete diet.
Feeding Frequency
Juveniles can generally be offered food:
Daily or almost daily
Adults can generally be fed:
4–5 times per week
using a varied combination of live insects and complete gecko diet.
Adjust feeding according to body condition and reproductive status.
Feeding Ledges
Elevated feeding stations are useful.
These allow the gecko to feed naturally without descending to the enclosure floor.
Food Enrichment
Natural feeding behaviour can be encouraged by:
- Offering live insects
- Varying feeding locations
- Using elevated feeding cups
- Allowing controlled hunting among foliage
Social Housing
Individual housing is the safest general recommendation.
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos can be strongly territorial.
Adult Males
Adult males should not be housed together.
Territorial aggression may result in:
- Bite injuries
- Chronic stress
- Feeding suppression
- Restricted access to basking sites
Male/Female Housing
Experienced breeders may maintain compatible male/female pairs in sufficiently spacious, densely furnished enclosures.
Females must be monitored carefully for:
- Persistent courtship
- Mating injuries
- Stress
- Feeding competition
Separate accommodation should always be available.
Female Aggression
Females may also show territorial behaviour.
Do not assume that females will automatically coexist peacefully.
Sexing
Adult males generally develop:
- More pronounced preanal/femoral pores
- Broader tail base
- More obvious reproductive structures
- More intense mature colouration
Females generally remain somewhat less intensely coloured.
Sexing juveniles may be difficult.
Breeding
Blue-Tailed Day Geckos can be bred successfully in captivity.
Only healthy mature animals in excellent condition should be bred.
Female Condition
Breeding females require excellent:
- Nutrition
- Calcium provision
- UVB
- Hydration
- Body condition
Repeated egg production can place considerable demands on females.
Egg Laying
Females generally produce:
2 eggs per clutch
although single eggs may occasionally occur.
Multiple clutches may be produced during a breeding season.
Egg Deposition
Eggs may be deposited in protected locations such as:
- Bamboo
- Cork
- Plant structures
- Concealed enclosure furnishings
The species produces adhesive eggs that may become firmly attached to the laying surface.
Do not forcibly remove attached eggs.
Egg Protection
Where eggs remain inside the adult enclosure, a ventilated protective cover may sometimes be placed around them.
This can help protect the eggs and contain newly hatched geckos.
Incubation
Eggs are generally incubated at approximately:
24–27°C
under stable conditions.
Incubation commonly lasts approximately:
45–70+ days
depending on temperature and other factors.
Avoid excessive incubation temperatures.
Hatchlings
Hatchlings are extremely small and fast.
Provide:
- Secure escape-proof accommodation
- Fine climbing structures
- Dense foliage
- Appropriate UVB
- Moderate basking temperatures
- Regular misting
- Tiny live prey
- Suitable complete gecko diet
- Appropriate supplementation
Hatchling Food
Suitable prey may include:
- Flightless fruit flies
- Pinhead crickets
- Tiny roach nymphs
- Other appropriately sized feeders
Hatchling Security
Escape prevention is critical.
Young day geckos can pass through tiny gaps around:
- Doors
- Ventilation
- Cable ports
- Sliding tracks
Check housing carefully before introducing hatchlings.
Quarantine
All newly acquired reptiles should undergo quarantine.
A minimum of approximately:
90 days
is a sensible starting point.
Monitor:
- Feeding
- Weight
- Faeces
- Skin
- Shedding
- Respiration
- Activity
Shedding
Healthy Blue-Tailed Day Geckos generally shed successfully when correctly hydrated.
Retained shed may occasionally occur around:
- Toes
- Tail
- Limbs
Avoid forcibly pulling firmly attached skin.
Toe Health
Healthy adhesive toe pads are essential for normal climbing.
Retained shed or contamination can interfere with grip.
Inspect feet periodically.
Signs of Good Health
A healthy Blue-Tailed Day Gecko should generally display:
- Clear bright eyes
- Strong grip
- Alert daytime activity
- Regular basking
- Active hunting
- Appropriate body condition
- Smooth coordinated climbing
- Healthy skin
- Normal faeces
Warning Signs
Seek veterinary advice for:
- Persistent food refusal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weak grip
- Tremors
- Soft jaw
- Swollen limbs
- Respiratory symptoms
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Severe retained shed
- Skin lesions
- Significant lethargy
Common Husbandry Mistakes
Inadequate UVB
These are strongly diurnal reptiles and require appropriate UVB.
Poor Visible Lighting
Bright daytime illumination is important for normal behaviour.
Enclosure Too Bare
They require abundant branches, bamboo and foliage.
Keeping the Entire Enclosure Too Hot
Provide a localised basking area with cooler shaded retreats.
Constantly Wet Conditions
Humidity should fluctuate and surfaces should partially dry.
Poor Ventilation
High humidity must be combined with good airflow.
Feeding Only Fruit
A balanced diet requires appropriate protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals.
Feeder Insects Too Large
Prey should be appropriately sized.
Housing Adult Males Together
Territorial aggression can result in serious injury.
Excessive Handling
Their speed and delicate skin make them unsuitable for routine handling.
Insecure Enclosure
Small gaps can quickly result in an escaped gecko.
Captive-Bred Animals
Captive-bred Blue-Tailed Day Geckos should be strongly preferred.
Advantages include:
- Known origin
- Established feeding
- Better adaptation to captivity
- Reduced parasite concerns
- Reduced collection pressure on wild populations
Responsible captive breeding and accurate record keeping help maintain sustainable populations within herpetoculture.
Responsible Ownership
Before acquiring a Blue-Tailed Day Gecko, ensure you can provide:
- A secure vertical enclosure
- Extensive climbing structure
- Dense foliage
- Appropriate UVB
- Bright visible lighting
- A localised basking area
- Cooler shaded retreats
- High but fluctuating humidity
- Excellent ventilation
- Regular misting
- Appropriately sized live insects
- Complete gecko diet
- Appropriate supplementation
- Long-term veterinary care
Suitability
Advantages
- Spectacular mature male colouration
- Highly active during daylight
- Manageable adult size
- Fascinating arboreal behaviour
- Excellent planted-display species
- Captive breeding achievable
- Well suited to naturalistic enclosures
Considerations
- Extremely fast
- Delicate skin
- Not suitable for routine handling
- Escape-proof housing essential
- UVB required
- Bright visible lighting required
- Requires live feeder insects
- Territorial behaviour
- Careful humidity management required
Summary
The Blue-Tailed Day Gecko (Phelsuma cepediana) is a spectacular Mauritian arboreal gecko whose vivid colouration and active daytime behaviour make it an outstanding naturalistic display species.
Successful husbandry centres on:
- Approximately 18" × 18" × 24" minimum adult accommodation
- Larger accommodation preferred where possible
- Extensive bamboo, branches and climbing routes
- Dense foliage and elevated cover
- A localised basking area around 30–32°C
- General daytime temperatures around 24–28°C
- Cooler shaded areas around 21–24°C
- Appropriate nighttime cooling
- Strong appropriate UVB
- Bright visible daytime lighting
- Approximately 60–80% humidity with regular drying periods
- Excellent ventilation
- Regular misting
- Appropriately sized gut-loaded live insects
- Suitable complete gecko diet
- Appropriate calcium supplementation
- Minimal unnecessary handling
- Individual housing as the safest default
When provided with appropriate UVB, bright lighting, abundant climbing structure, correct nutrition and carefully managed humidity, captive-bred Blue-Tailed Day Geckos can make exceptionally attractive and engaging display reptiles.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, collection, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of reptiles in your jurisdiction.
If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or reptile veterinarian.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026