Cave Gecko (Goniurosaurus spp.) Care Sheet

The Vivarium Vault: Comprehensive Care Sheets
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Cave Gecko (Goniurosaurus spp.) Care Sheet

​A complete guide for the successful keeping of this highly secretive, nocturnal gecko, emphasizing cool temperatures, high humidity, and minimal light.

​1. Overview & Commitment

  • ​Common Name: Cave Gecko, Chinese Cave Gecko (Focusing on Goniurosaurus luii)

  • ​Scientific Name: Goniurosaurus spp.

  • ​Natural Habitat: Moist, rocky caves, karst forests, and subterranean environments in Vietnam and Southern China. They are terrestrial and strictly nocturnal.

  • ​Size: Moderate, reaching 15 – 20 cm (6 – 8 inches) in total length.

  • ​Lifespan: 10 – 15+ years in captivity.

  • ​Temperament: Extremely shy, sensitive to light, and easily stressed by handling. They are display-only animals.

​2. Vivarium/Enclosure

​Cave Geckos need ample floor space and height to climb, with a strong focus on providing dark, tight hiding spots.

  • ​Minimum Enclosure Size (Pair/Trio): 60 x 45 x 45 cm (24 x 18 x 18 inches). They utilize both vertical structure and floor space.

  • ​Enclosure Type: Glass or PVC terrariums are suitable. The setup should be designed to block light from entering the hide areas during the day.

  • ​Structure: Provide rock stacks, slate crevices, cork bark tubes, and horizontal climbing branches.

  • ​Hides (Critical): Provide multiple small, tight, dark hides in both the warm and cool zones. They must feel totally secure in deep darkness during the day.

​3. Substrate (Moisture Management)

​The substrate must retain moisture to maintain the high required humidity.

  • ​Recommended Substrate: A deep layer of moisture-retaining material like Coconut Fiber (Coco Coir), Peat Moss, or a bioactive soil mix with a layer of leaf litter.

  • ​Moisture: The substrate should be kept damp, but a drainage layer is crucial to prevent waterlogging.

​4. Heating & Temperature

​Unlike desert geckos, Cave Geckos thrive in cooler, stable temperatures and cannot tolerate high heat.

  • ​Primary Heat Source: Under-Tank Heating Mat (UTH) or heat cable controlled by a Thermostat, covering no more than 1/3 of the floor space. Overhead heat is usually not necessary and can cause overheating.

  • ​Warm Spot Surface Temp (UTH): 27°C – 29°C (80°F – 85°F). This should be measured directly on the substrate surface above the UTH.

  • ​Ambient Temperature: 21°C – 24°C (70°F – 75°F).

  • ​Night Time Temperatures: Should drop naturally to 18°C – 21°C (65°F – 70°F).

  • ​:warning: Overheating Warning: Temperatures sustained above 29^\circ\text{C} (85^\circ\text{F}) are dangerous and can be fatal to this species.

    ​5. Lighting & UV

    ​UVB is generally unnecessary, and light must be managed carefully.

    • ​Ambient Light: Only low-level ambient room lighting during the day. Avoid bright, direct enclosure lighting.

    • ​Observation Light: Use a weak red or deep blue LED light for viewing them at night.

    • ​UVB: Not required due to their subterranean habitat and nocturnal nature. If used, it must be extremely low-level and not focused on their hide areas.

    ​6. Humidity & Hydration

    ​High, consistent humidity is crucial for shedding and respiratory health.

    • ​Ambient Humidity: Must be maintained between 70% and 85%.

    • ​Misting: Mist the enclosure heavily once or twice in the evening using dechlorinated water. The misting should raise the humidity near 100% temporarily.

    • ​Hydration: A shallow, sturdy water dish must be provided. They will also drink water droplets from leaves and walls.

    • ​Humid Hide: A permanently moist hide filled with sphagnum moss is recommended.

    ​7. Diet & Feeding

    ​Cave Geckos are insectivores that forage on the ground at night.

    • ​Staple Feeders (Variety is Key!): Crickets, Dubia Roaches, Mealworms, and Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL).

    • ​Feeder Size: Insects should be no wider than the space between their eyes.

    • ​Feeding Schedule: Feed juveniles daily or every other day. Feed adults every 3–4 days.

    ​Supplementation:

    • ​Calcium Powder (Pure): Dust insects at every feeding.

    • ​Calcium with D3 and Multivitamin: Dust insects 1–2 times per month on a rotating schedule.

    ​8. Handling & Maintenance

    • ​Handling: Avoid handling completely. They are fast, nervous, and easily stressed. Stress can lead to illness or tail dropping.

    • ​Maintenance: Maintenance should be performed quickly during the day while they are asleep and in their hides. Spot-clean waste daily.

    • ​Social: They can be housed in small groups of females or a single male with multiple females, but never two males.