Cave Gecko (Goniurosaurus spp.)
Cave Geckos are terrestrial eyelid geckos native to parts of East and Southeast Asia. They inhabit humid forests, rocky limestone areas, caves, crevices and densely sheltered ground-level environments.
The genus Goniurosaurus contains numerous species with different geographical distributions and environmental requirements. This guide provides general husbandry principles suitable for commonly maintained species, but the identity and natural range of the individual animal must always be established.
Cave Geckos are secretive, primarily nocturnal animals requiring cool temperatures, high environmental humidity, secure hiding places and minimal unnecessary disturbance.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Goniurosaurus spp.
Common names: Cave Gecko, Asian Cave Gecko, Chinese Cave Gecko
Family: Eublepharidae
Distribution: Parts of China, Vietnam, Japan and nearby regions, depending on species
Lifestyle: Terrestrial, rock-dwelling and crevice-dwelling
Activity: Primarily nocturnal
Adult size: Commonly approximately 15–25 cm, depending on species
Lifespan: Commonly 10–15+ years in captivity
Diet: Insectivorous
Reproduction: Oviparous (egg-laying)
Experience level: Intermediate
Species Identification
The name “Cave Gecko” is applied to multiple species within the genus Goniurosaurus.
Commonly encountered examples include:
- Goniurosaurus luii
- Goniurosaurus hainanensis
- Goniurosaurus araneus
- Goniurosaurus kuroiwae
- Other less frequently maintained species
These animals should not automatically be treated as environmentally identical.
Differences may occur in:
- Adult size
- Temperature tolerance
- Humidity requirements
- Seasonal cycles
- Colouration
- Behaviour
- Reproductive biology
Confirm the species and geographical origin of an animal whenever possible.
Hybridisation between different species or locality forms should be avoided.
Conservation and Responsible Sourcing
Many Cave Gecko populations have restricted natural distributions and may be vulnerable to habitat loss and illegal collection.
Acquire animals only from responsible, documented captive-bred sources.
Before obtaining or transferring an animal, verify:
- Correct species identification
- Captive-bred status
- Applicable CITES requirements
- Import or export documentation
- National wildlife legislation
- Any records required for lawful transfer
Wild-caught animals may carry parasites, exhibit significant stress and place additional pressure on vulnerable wild populations.
Enclosure Size
Cave Geckos require more usable floor space than height, although they will climb rocks, cork and other low structures.
For one average adult, an enclosure measuring approximately:
60 × 45 × 45 cm
is a sensible practical starting point.
Larger accommodation is encouraged, particularly for:
- Large species
- Active individuals
- Complex naturalistic setups
- Animals requiring multiple thermal and humidity zones
The enclosure should provide:
- Multiple secure hides
- Deep environmental cover
- A thermal gradient
- Humidity variation
- Low climbing opportunities
- Leaf litter
- Appropriate ventilation
- Easy access to fresh water
Juveniles can be maintained in smaller secure accommodation provided that environmental gradients and sufficient cover are maintained.
Solitary Housing
Housing Cave Geckos individually is the safest general approach.
Even animals that appear compatible may compete for:
- Hides
- Food
- Preferred temperatures
- Humid areas
- Resting locations
Cohabitation can result in chronic stress or injury without obvious fighting.
Never house two adult males together.
Males and females should not be kept permanently together simply for convenience. Breeding introductions should be planned, supervised and undertaken only by experienced keepers.
Individual housing also allows more accurate monitoring of:
- Feeding
- Body weight
- Faeces
- Shedding
- Reproductive condition
- General health
Enclosure Security
Cave Geckos can move quickly and may escape through small openings.
The enclosure should have:
- Securely closing doors
- Protected ventilation
- Secure cable openings
- No exploitable gaps
- Stable furnishings
- No accessible sharp edges
Heavy rocks and slate must be firmly secured.
Never place unstable rock structures directly on loose substrate where digging could cause them to collapse.
Hides and Security
Secure hiding places are essential.
Provide at least:
- A hide in the warmer area
- A hide in the cooler area
- A humid retreat
Additional hides are strongly encouraged.
Suitable hiding places include:
- Cork bark
- Rock crevices
- Slate structures
- Reptile-safe artificial caves
- Partially buried cork tubes
- Dense leaf litter
- Securely positioned wood
Hides should be relatively tight and dark while still allowing the animal to enter and turn comfortably.
The gecko should always be able to retreat completely from view.
Furnishing and Enrichment
Cave Geckos benefit from a structurally complex ground-level environment.
Provide:
- Cork bark
- Stable rock structures
- Low branches
- Leaf litter
- Live or artificial plants
- Tunnels
- Different substrate depths
- Visual barriers
- Multiple shaded routes through the enclosure
Although predominantly terrestrial, many individuals will climb low rocks, cork and branches.
All climbing structures must be stable and positioned to prevent falls or crushing injuries.
Substrate
Suitable substrates include:
- Soil-based tropical mixtures
- Coconut fibre mixed with soil
- Orchid bark
- Leaf litter
- Other safe moisture-retaining substrates
A naturalistic mixture should retain moisture without remaining waterlogged.
Provide sufficient depth to help stabilise humidity and allow natural investigation.
The enclosure should contain:
- Moisture-retaining areas
- Drier surface areas
- Clean resting surfaces
- Good ventilation
- A dedicated humid retreat
Avoid substrates that:
- Become excessively dusty
- Contain fertilisers or pesticides
- Mould readily
- Remain permanently saturated
- Contain strongly aromatic woods such as cedar
Paper-based substrate can be useful during quarantine or veterinary treatment.
Temperature
Cave Geckos generally require cooler conditions than many commonly maintained geckos.
Because requirements differ between species, temperatures should be adjusted according to the animal’s confirmed identity and natural range.
A useful general starting gradient is:
Warm Area
Approximately:
24–27°C
Cool Area
Approximately:
20–23°C
Night
A nighttime reduction to approximately:
18–21°C
is suitable for many commonly maintained species.
Some species may tolerate slightly different temperatures or require more pronounced seasonal variation.
Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above:
28–29°C
Excessive heat can rapidly cause:
- Heat stress
- Dehydration
- Abnormal inactivity
- Loss of appetite
- Neurological deterioration
- Death
The animal must always have access to cooler, humid and secure retreats.
Heating
Overhead heating generally provides a more natural and controllable thermal gradient than heating the entire enclosure from below.
Suitable options may include:
- Low-wattage halogen lamps
- Deep heat projectors
- Guarded ceramic heat emitters
- Appropriately positioned radiant heat sources
In a naturally warm room, additional heating may not always be required.
Every heat source must be controlled by an appropriate thermostat.
Heat sources positioned inside the enclosure must be securely guarded.
Use:
- Digital thermometers for ambient temperatures
- An infrared thermometer for surface temperatures
- Thermostat probes securely positioned near the heated area
Under-tank heaters should not be relied upon as the primary heating method, particularly beneath deep moisture-retaining substrate.
Always consider the risk of overheating during warm weather.
Lighting and UVB
Provide a clear day-and-night cycle.
Approximately:
11–13 hours of daylight
with seasonal variation if appropriate provides a sensible general photoperiod.
The enclosure should contain extensive shade and dark hides, but this does not mean the entire enclosure must remain dark throughout the day.
Low-level UVB can form part of a high-quality captive environment.
When UVB is provided, approximately:
UVI 0.5–1.0 in the primary exposed area
is a sensible starting target for many species.
The gecko must also have access to:
- Lower UV exposure
- Complete shade
- Dark secure hides
Do not select UVB solely according to the percentage printed on the lamp.
Actual exposure depends on:
- Lamp type
- Reflector
- Distance
- Mesh or screening
- Installation
- Lamp age
A suitable UV meter provides the most reliable way to assess actual exposure.
Nighttime Lighting
The enclosure should become properly dark at night.
Do not leave red, blue or other coloured viewing lights switched on overnight.
Cave Geckos can perceive light, and prolonged nighttime illumination may disrupt normal behaviour and daily rhythms.
If observation is necessary, use brief, low-level illumination rather than continuous nighttime lighting.
Humidity
A general ambient humidity of approximately:
65–85%
is a useful starting range for many Cave Gecko species.
Humidity can increase after misting and during the night before decreasing as surfaces dry.
High humidity should be combined with:
- Effective ventilation
- Clean substrate
- Dry resting surfaces
- Fresh water
- A humid retreat
- Natural humidity cycles
The entire enclosure should not remain permanently soaked.
Persistent wetness and stagnant air can contribute to:
- Skin disease
- Respiratory problems
- Bacterial growth
- Fungal growth
- Substrate deterioration
Humidity should be monitored using a reliable digital hygrometer, but readings should be interpreted alongside the condition of the enclosure and animal.
Misting
Light or moderate misting can help maintain humidity and provide drinking opportunities.
The frequency required depends on:
- Enclosure construction
- Ventilation
- Substrate
- Room humidity
- Temperature
- Planting
- Species
Misting in the evening can reflect the natural rise in humidity that occurs after dark.
Allow appropriate surface drying between misting periods.
The objective is environmental humidity rather than continually saturating every surface.
Any automated misting equipment must be cleaned and maintained regularly.
Humid Retreat
At least one humid retreat should always be available.
Suitable materials include:
- Moist sphagnum moss
- Moist soil
- Moist coconut fibre
- Other safe moisture-retaining substrate
The material should be moist rather than waterlogged.
Check humid retreats regularly for:
- Faecal contamination
- Mould
- Excessive saturation
- Drying
- Insects or other unwanted organisms
The gecko must always be able to choose between humid and drier locations.
Water
Fresh drinking water must always be available.
Provide a shallow, stable water container that the gecko can enter and leave safely.
Some individuals may also drink droplets following misting.
Water should be changed whenever contaminated, and the container should be cleaned regularly.
Signs potentially associated with dehydration include:
- Wrinkled skin
- Sunken eyes
- Poor shedding
- Thick urates
- Reduced activity
- Loss of body condition
Persistent hydration problems require a review of humidity, temperature, drinking opportunities and health.
Diet
Cave Geckos are insectivorous.
Offer a varied diet containing appropriately sized live invertebrates such as:
- Crickets
- Locusts
- Appropriately sized roaches
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Silkworms
- Mealworms
- Morio worms as occasional prey
- Waxworms as occasional prey
- Other suitable captive-produced invertebrates
A varied diet is preferable to dependence on a single feeder species.
All prey should be healthy and appropriately gut-loaded.
Avoid collecting insects from areas where they may have encountered:
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Parasites
- Environmental contaminants
Uneaten insects should not be allowed to remain in the enclosure where they could disturb or injure the gecko.
Feeding Frequency
A useful general starting point is:
Young juveniles: small meals approximately 4–6 times per week
Older juveniles: approximately 3–4 times per week
Adults: approximately 2–3 times per week
Feeding should be adjusted according to:
- Species
- Age
- Size
- Prey size
- Growth
- Activity
- Reproductive condition
- Body condition
Young animals require regular nutrition but should not be power-fed.
Adults should remain lean and muscular rather than developing excessive fat deposits.
Supplementation
Calcium and vitamin supplementation should be adjusted according to:
- Diet variety
- Feeder gut-loading
- UVB provision
- Age
- Growth
- Reproductive condition
- Product strength
A typical programme may include:
- Plain calcium used regularly
- Calcium containing vitamin D3 used more sparingly where appropriate
- A suitable reptile multivitamin used periodically
Do not combine multiple supplements containing the same vitamins without calculating the total amount being provided.
Excessive supplementation can be harmful.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek experienced veterinary or nutritional advice where necessary.
Handling
Cave Geckos are generally best regarded as observation animals.
They can be:
- Fast
- Secretive
- Easily stressed
- Capable of dropping their tail
- Vulnerable to injury if restrained incorrectly
Unnecessary handling should be avoided.
When movement is required:
- Work close to the ground
- Use slow movements
- Allow the gecko to walk into a secure container
- Never restrain it by the tail
- Avoid chasing it around the enclosure
- Keep handling brief
A dropped tail may regenerate, but it will not be identical to the original.
Behaviour
Cave Geckos commonly remain hidden during much of the day and become active after dark.
Normal behaviours may include:
- Exploring at night
- Hunting among leaf litter
- Climbing low structures
- Moving between hides
- Remaining motionless when disturbed
- Retreating rapidly from light or movement
Constant daytime hiding is not automatically evidence of poor health.
However, sudden changes in behaviour should prompt a review of:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Security
- Social stress
- Feeding
- Health
Shedding
Before shedding, the gecko may:
- Become duller in colour
- Spend additional time inside a humid retreat
- Reduce activity
- Refuse food temporarily
Cave Geckos normally consume much of their shed skin.
Check carefully for retained skin around:
- Toes
- Tail tip
- Eyes
- Limbs
Repeated retained shed may indicate problems involving hydration, humidity, temperature or health.
Do not pull firmly attached skin from the animal.
Persistent retained shed should be addressed with appropriate husbandry correction and veterinary guidance where necessary.
Cleaning
Remove faeces, urates, uneaten food and contaminated substrate promptly.
Regularly clean:
- Water containers
- Feeding dishes
- Soiled hides
- Frequently contaminated surfaces
Perform deeper cleaning when required rather than unnecessarily stripping a stable, clean enclosure according to an arbitrary timetable.
Only reptile-safe cleaning products should be used and thoroughly rinsed where appropriate.
Bioactive enclosures still require regular observation and maintenance.
Quarantine
New Cave Geckos should be quarantined away from established reptiles.
During quarantine, monitor:
- Appetite
- Body weight
- Faeces
- Urates
- Shedding
- Respiration
- Behaviour
- External parasites
- Limb and toe condition
Use separate equipment wherever practical.
A veterinary faecal examination may be appropriate, particularly for animals with uncertain histories.
Individual quarantine is especially important when several animals have been acquired together.
Common Health Concerns
Potential health problems include:
- Heat stress
- Dehydration
- Retained shed
- Metabolic bone disease
- Nutritional imbalance
- Obesity
- Internal parasites
- External parasites
- Skin infections
- Respiratory disease
- Egg retention
- Injuries caused by cohabitation
- Tail loss
- Trauma from unstable furnishings
Persistent abnormalities should be assessed by an experienced reptile veterinarian.
Sexing
Mature males commonly show more prominent:
- Preanal pores
- Femoral pores
- Hemipenal swellings at the base of the tail
Sexual characteristics may be difficult to assess accurately in juveniles.
Comparison should only be made between healthy, mature animals of the same species.
Avoid excessive restraint when examining the underside of the gecko.
Breeding
Breeding should only involve:
- Healthy adults
- Correctly identified species
- Correctly sexed animals
- Individuals of appropriate age and size
- Animals in suitable body condition
- Animals with documented origins
Do not breed different Cave Gecko species or locality forms together.
Females must have appropriate calcium reserves and access to suitable nesting substrate.
Introductions should be supervised and animals separated if aggression, persistent pursuit or stress occurs.
Eggs and Incubation
Cave Geckos commonly produce small clutches, often consisting of:
Two eggs
Females may produce multiple clutches during a reproductive season.
A deep, suitable laying area should be available before eggs are expected.
Incubation temperature and duration vary considerably between species.
For many species, incubation is undertaken at relatively cool temperatures, commonly within approximately:
20–25°C
Incubation may take approximately:
60–120 days or longer
depending on species and temperature.
Species-specific information should be obtained before breeding is attempted.
Eggs should not be rotated after development has begun.
Hatchlings
Hatchlings should be housed in secure accommodation where feeding, shedding and growth can be monitored accurately.
Provide:
- Small secure hides
- A shallow water container
- Suitable substrate
- A humid retreat
- Appropriate temperatures
- Effective ventilation
- Dense cover
- Appropriately sized prey
Hatchlings are small and can escape through gaps that would not contain an adult.
Begin offering suitable small insects after the first shed and once the hatchling is displaying normal activity.
Do not power-feed hatchlings.
Lifespan and Long-Term Commitment
Cave Geckos commonly live for:
10–15 years or longer
Before acquisition, consider:
- Species identification
- Long-term enclosure requirements
- Summer temperature control
- Access to suitable live food
- Supplementation
- Veterinary access
- Holiday and emergency care
- Legal and documentation requirements
Their intolerance of excessive heat can make active cooling or placement in a temperature-controlled room necessary during warm weather.
Final Husbandry Principles
Successful Cave Gecko husbandry depends on:
- Correct species identification
- Responsible captive-bred sourcing
- Individual rather than routine group housing
- Secure appropriately sized accommodation
- Multiple dark hides
- Stable climbing and rock structures
- Deep environmental cover
- Cool environmental temperatures
- Protection from overheating
- Appropriate humidity cycles
- Effective ventilation
- A constantly available humid retreat
- Fresh drinking water
- A varied gut-loaded insect diet
- Appropriate supplementation
- Minimal unnecessary handling
- Careful quarantine and monitoring
Cave Geckos can be rewarding and fascinating captives, but their cool-temperature requirements, secretive behaviour and conservation status should be understood before acquisition.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or invertebrate veterinarian.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026