Electric Blue Day Gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi) Care Sheet
The Electric Blue Day Gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi), also known as Williams’ Dwarf Gecko or the Turquoise Dwarf Gecko, is a small, intensely coloured diurnal gecko native to a tiny area of Tanzania.
Despite sometimes being confused with the blue-tailed day geckos of the genus Phelsuma, the Electric Blue Day Gecko is not a Phelsuma. Its correct scientific name is Lygodactylus williamsi.
Adult males are famous for their extraordinary turquoise to electric-blue colouration, contrasting with a dark throat and underside. Females and subordinate individuals are generally green, bronze or brownish rather than brilliant blue.
This species has an exceptionally restricted natural distribution and has suffered severe pressure from habitat loss and historic collection for the pet trade. It is therefore a species for which responsible captive breeding and accurate documentation are particularly important.
Electric Blue Day Geckos are tiny, fast and primarily display animals. They should not be considered suitable for routine handling.
Successful husbandry centres on a secure, densely planted arboreal enclosure, strong appropriate lighting, UVB, moderate warmth, fluctuating humidity, excellent ventilation, tiny live prey and suitable supplementation.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Lygodactylus williamsi
Common names: Electric Blue Day Gecko, Williams’ Dwarf Gecko, Turquoise Dwarf Gecko
Family: Gekkonidae
Native range: Tanzania
Lifestyle: Arboreal
Activity: Diurnal
Adult length: Approximately 3–4 inches including the tail
Lifespan: Approximately 5–10+ years with excellent care
Experience level: Intermediate
Diet: Primarily insectivorous with nectar/fruit-based foods also accepted
Temperament: Alert, extremely fast and territorial
Adult enclosure: Approximately 12" × 12" × 18" minimum for one adult; 18" × 18" × 24" or larger preferred
Basking area: Approximately 28–30°C
General daytime temperature: Approximately 23–27°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; adult males must not be housed together
Important Conservation Status
The Electric Blue Day Gecko has an extremely restricted natural range.
Wild populations have been severely affected by:
- Habitat destruction
- Forest degradation
- Historic collection for the international pet trade
The species is listed on CITES Appendix I.
This gives it the highest level of international trade control under CITES.
Keepers must ensure that animals are legally acquired and that all documentation required by their jurisdiction is retained.
Never purchase an animal of uncertain or undocumented origin.
Natural Distribution
Lygodactylus williamsi is endemic to Tanzania.
Its natural distribution is remarkably small and strongly associated with particular forest habitat.
This restricted distribution makes conservation of remaining wild habitat extremely important.
Natural Habitat
Electric Blue Day Geckos are strongly arboreal.
They are particularly associated with vegetation in humid forest environments.
Wild geckos spend substantial amounts of time:
- Climbing
- Basking
- Hunting insects
- Defending territories
- Moving among leaves and stems
- Seeking shelter within vegetation
Their captive enclosure should therefore provide abundant usable vertical structure.
Appearance
Adult males are among the most intensely coloured geckos in captivity.
Dominant males may display:
- Brilliant turquoise
- Electric blue
- Dark throat
- Dark underside
- Contrasting black markings
Females are generally:
- Green
- Bronze
- Olive
- Brownish
Juveniles may resemble females before mature male colouration develops.
Male Colouration
Male colouration is influenced by:
- Maturity
- Social status
- Stress
- Temperature
- Lighting
- Health
A male that is not continuously brilliant blue is not automatically unhealthy.
Subordinate males may suppress their typical adult colouration.
Adult Size
Adults commonly reach approximately:
3–4 inches total length
including the tail.
Their tiny size creates particular husbandry considerations involving:
- Escape prevention
- Feeder size
- Enclosure ventilation
- Handling
- Hatchling management
Behaviour
Electric Blue Day Geckos are highly active during daylight.
Normal behaviour includes:
- Basking
- Climbing
- Hunting
- Territorial displays
- Exploring vegetation
- Licking droplets
- Feeding on small amounts of nectar-like foods
They are visually alert and respond rapidly to movement.
Temperament
These geckos are generally not aggressive towards keepers, but they are extremely fast and easily stressed by restraint.
They are best maintained as:
display animals
rather than handling reptiles.
Handling
Routine handling is not recommended.
When movement is necessary, it is often safer to guide the gecko into a secure container rather than attempting to restrain it by hand.
Never:
- Grab the tail
- Squeeze the body
- Chase the animal excessively
- Allow handling in an unsecured room
Skin
Like many small day geckos, their skin is delicate.
Rough restraint can damage the skin.
This provides another important reason to avoid unnecessary handling.
Tail Loss
Electric Blue Day Geckos can shed their tails as a defensive response.
Never restrain an animal by its tail.
A regenerated tail may differ in appearance from the original.
Enclosure Size
For a single adult:
12" × 12" × 18"
should be regarded as a practical minimum.
Where possible:
18" × 18" × 24"
or larger provides better opportunities for:
- Climbing
- Planting
- Thermoregulation
- UV regulation
- Natural behaviour
Vertical Space
Vertical space is particularly important.
The enclosure should contain climbing opportunities throughout its height.
An empty tall enclosure provides little useful habitat.
Climbing Structure
Suitable furnishings include:
- Bamboo
- Thin branches
- Cork
- Vines
- Live plants
- Artificial foliage
Provide climbing surfaces at multiple:
- Heights
- Angles
- Diameters
Bamboo
Smooth vertical and diagonal stems can provide excellent climbing and basking surfaces.
Ensure all bamboo is securely positioned and contains no dangerous sharp edges.
Foliage
Dense foliage provides:
- Visual security
- Drinking surfaces
- Shade
- Climbing opportunities
- Humidity gradients
- Territorial barriers
Suitable reptile-safe plants may include:
- Pothos
- Ficus
- Schefflera
- Bromeliads
- Other appropriately sized tropical plants
Plants must be free from pesticides.
Visual Barriers
Visual barriers are particularly important if multiple animals are maintained in a large breeding enclosure.
Animals should be able to move out of one another’s sight.
However, group housing always requires careful observation.
Enclosure Security
Escape prevention is critical.
These geckos can pass through extremely small gaps.
Carefully check:
- Door gaps
- Ventilation mesh
- Cable ports
- Sliding tracks
- Lid fittings
before introducing the animal.
Ventilation Mesh
Mesh must be sufficiently fine to prevent the gecko itself escaping while still allowing effective airflow.
The same consideration applies to tiny feeder insects.
Substrate
Suitable substrates include:
- Organic topsoil
- Coco fibre
- Tropical soil mixtures
- Orchid bark
- Leaf litter
The substrate should retain some moisture without becoming permanently waterlogged.
Bioactive Housing
Electric Blue Day Geckos are excellent candidates for carefully designed bioactive enclosures.
A setup may include:
- Live plants
- Natural soil
- Leaf litter
- Springtails
- Small suitable isopods
Ensure cleanup-crew organisms cannot overwhelm very small hatchlings.
Temperature
Electric Blue Day Geckos require moderate tropical temperatures with access to a warmer basking area.
Basking Temperature
Provide a localised basking area around:
28–30°C
The gecko must be able to move away easily.
General Day Temperature
Most of the enclosure can remain around:
23–27°C
Cool Area
Shaded regions can remain around:
21–24°C
Night Temperature
Night temperatures can generally fall to approximately:
18–22°C
A natural nighttime reduction is beneficial.
Overheating
Do not maintain the entire enclosure at basking temperature.
Prolonged excessive heat can be dangerous, particularly in small glass enclosures.
Monitor temperatures carefully during summer.
Heating
Use gentle overhead heating where required.
A small basking lamp can create a localised warm area.
All appropriate heat sources should be safely controlled.
UVB
UVB is essential.
Electric Blue Day Geckos are strongly diurnal and naturally exposed to daylight.
Provide an appropriate linear UVB source.
UVB supports:
- Vitamin D3 synthesis
- Calcium metabolism
- Natural basking behaviour
- Overall health
UV Gradient
The enclosure should contain:
- Basking exposure
- Moderate UV
- Filtered UV
- Dense shade
The animal must be able to regulate its exposure.
Lighting
Bright visible lighting is extremely important.
These are active daytime reptiles.
Good lighting supports:
- Natural activity
- Feeding behaviour
- Basking
- Plant growth
- Natural colour display
High-quality LED daylight lighting can be used alongside UVB and basking equipment.
Photoperiod
Approximately:
11–13 hours of daylight
is appropriate depending on season.
Night Lighting
The enclosure should be dark at night.
Do not leave red, blue or purple bulbs operating throughout the night.
Humidity
General humidity around:
60–80%
is suitable.
Humidity should fluctuate naturally rather than remain constantly at maximum levels.
Humidity Cycle
Humidity commonly rises after misting and gradually falls as the enclosure dries.
This daily fluctuation is desirable.
Misting
Light misting:
Once or twice daily
is appropriate in many setups.
Frequency depends on:
- Ventilation
- Planting
- Room humidity
- Substrate
- Season
Allow some surfaces to dry between misting periods.
Hydration
Electric Blue Day Geckos commonly drink droplets from:
- Leaves
- Glass
- Branches
- Bamboo
Regular misting therefore provides important drinking opportunities.
Water Bowl
A small shallow clean water dish can also be provided.
Ensure it is stable and easily accessible.
Ventilation
Excellent ventilation is essential.
High humidity combined with stagnant air can contribute to:
- Mould
- Skin problems
- Respiratory disease
- Bacterial growth
The objective is a humid but fresh environment.
Diet
Electric Blue Day Geckos consume primarily small invertebrates but will also take nectar-like and fruit-based foods.
Dietary variety is important.
Live Insects
Suitable feeder insects include:
- Fruit flies
- Pinhead crickets
- Small crickets
- Tiny roach nymphs
- Small black soldier fly larvae
- Other appropriately sized captive-produced insects
Prey must be suitably small.
Feeder Size
Avoid offering insects that are excessively large.
A varied selection of small prey is preferable to a few oversized feeders.
Gut Loading
Feeder insects should be properly gut-loaded.
Provide nutritious foods before offering them to the gecko.
Calcium Supplementation
Live insects should be appropriately dusted with calcium.
Supplementation requirements depend on:
- UVB provision
- Age
- Diet
- Reproductive status
Breeding females require particularly careful calcium provision.
Multivitamins
A suitable reptile multivitamin can be used periodically.
Avoid excessive supplementation.
Nectar and Gecko Diet
Small quantities of suitable nutritionally complete gecko diet may be offered.
The diet can be presented in tiny elevated feeding cups.
It should supplement rather than completely replace appropriate live prey.
Fresh Fruit
Small amounts of suitable soft fruit may occasionally be accepted.
However, fresh fruit alone does not provide a nutritionally complete diet.
Feeding Frequency
Juveniles can generally be offered appropriately sized food:
Daily or almost daily
Adults can generally be fed:
4–6 times per week
depending on body condition and reproductive status.
Feeding Ledges
Elevated feeding stations are useful.
These allow the gecko to feed naturally without descending to the floor.
Social Housing
Social housing requires particular caution.
Electric Blue Day Geckos are territorial.
Individual housing is the safest general recommendation.
Adult Males
Never house adult males together.
Males are strongly territorial and may fight seriously.
A subordinate male may also suppress his normal blue colouration.
Male/Female Housing
Experienced breeders sometimes maintain:
1 male with 1 or more females
in sufficiently large, heavily planted enclosures.
However, females must be monitored carefully for:
- Persistent courtship
- Stress
- Bite injuries
- Feeding suppression
Separate accommodation should always be immediately available.
Female Aggression
Females may also show territorial aggression.
Do not assume that all females will coexist peacefully.
Sexing
Mature males generally develop:
- Brilliant blue colouration
- Dark throat
- More obvious preanal/femoral pores
Females generally remain:
- Green
- Bronze
- Olive
- Brownish
Sexing becomes considerably easier as animals mature.
Breeding
Captive breeding is extremely important for this species.
Only legally acquired, healthy captive animals should be bred.
Accurate records should be maintained.
Female Condition
Breeding females require excellent:
- Calcium provision
- UVB
- Hydration
- Nutrition
- Body condition
Repeated egg production can place substantial demands on such a small animal.
Egg Laying
Females typically produce:
2 eggs per clutch
although single eggs can occur.
Several clutches may be produced during a breeding season.
Egg Deposition
Eggs may be attached to:
- Bamboo
- Cork
- Glass
- Plants
- Enclosure furnishings
Once firmly attached, eggs should not be forcibly removed.
Egg Protection
Where eggs are deposited inside the adult enclosure, a protective ventilated cover may sometimes be placed around them.
This can help prevent:
- Damage
- Predation by adults
- Escape of newly hatched young
Incubation
Eggs are generally incubated at moderate temperatures around:
24–27°C
Incubation commonly takes approximately:
60–100+ days
depending on temperature and other conditions.
Avoid excessively high incubation temperatures.
Hatchlings
Hatchlings are exceptionally small.
They require:
- Escape-proof housing
- Fine climbing structures
- Dense foliage
- Appropriate UVB
- Moderate warmth
- Regular misting
- Tiny live prey
- Correct supplementation
Hatchling Food
Suitable prey may include:
- Flightless fruit flies
- Pinhead crickets
- Very small roach nymphs
- Other tiny captive-produced feeders
Hatchling Security
Escape prevention is one of the greatest challenges with hatchlings.
They can pass through extremely small gaps.
Ventilation must be secure without preventing adequate airflow.
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
Documentation During Quarantine
Because of the species’ protected status, identification and legal documentation should be retained independently of routine husbandry records.
Shedding
Healthy Electric Blue Day Geckos generally shed without difficulty when correctly hydrated.
Retained shed may occur around:
- Toes
- Tail
- Limbs
Do not forcibly peel healthy attached skin.
Toe Health
Healthy adhesive toe pads are essential.
Retained shed or contamination can impair climbing ability.
Keep enclosure glass and furnishings appropriately clean.
Signs of Good Health
A healthy Electric Blue Day Gecko should generally display:
- Clear bright eyes
- Strong grip
- Alert daytime behaviour
- 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
Confusing the Species with Phelsuma
The Electric Blue Day Gecko is Lygodactylus williamsi, not a Phelsuma species.
Buying Animals Without Documentation
This is a highly protected CITES-listed species.
Legal provenance is essential.
Weak UVB
These are strongly diurnal geckos and require appropriate UVB.
Poor Visible Lighting
Bright daytime illumination supports normal behaviour.
Keeping Them Too Hot
A basking spot is appropriate, but the entire enclosure must not become excessively warm.
Poor Ventilation
Humidity must be combined with good airflow.
Feeder Insects Too Large
These are tiny geckos requiring tiny prey.
Housing Adult Males Together
Serious territorial aggression can occur.
Excessive Handling
Their speed, small size and delicate skin make them unsuitable for routine handling.
Insecure Enclosure
Even tiny gaps may allow escape.
Captive-Bred Animals
Only legally sourced animals with appropriate provenance should enter responsible captive collections.
Captive breeding helps:
- Maintain sustainable captive populations
- Reduce pressure on wild populations
- Preserve genetic diversity
- Support long-term availability within responsible herpetoculture
Breeders should maintain accurate records of:
- Parentage
- Hatch dates
- Transfers
- Identification
- Required legal documentation
Responsible Ownership
Before acquiring an Electric Blue Day Gecko, ensure you can provide:
- Legally documented captive-bred stock
- A secure vertical enclosure
- Dense climbing structure
- Live planting or substantial foliage
- Appropriate UVB
- Bright visible lighting
- Moderate temperatures
- A localised basking area
- Fluctuating humidity
- Excellent ventilation
- Tiny live feeder insects
- Appropriate supplementation
- Long-term veterinary care
Prospective keepers must also understand the legal responsibilities associated with keeping and transferring a CITES Appendix I species.
Suitability
Advantages
- Exceptional male colouration
- Highly active during daylight
- Fascinating territorial behaviour
- Small adult size
- Excellent planted-display species
- Captive breeding achievable
- Interesting conservation significance
Considerations
- CITES Appendix I species
- Legal documentation is essential
- Extremely small and fast
- Not suitable for routine handling
- Escape-proof housing essential
- Strong UVB required
- Bright visible lighting required
- Tiny live feeder insects required
- Adult males are highly territorial
- Captive breeding should be approached responsibly
Summary
The Electric Blue Day Gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi) is one of the most spectacular small diurnal geckos in herpetoculture, but its conservation status places particular responsibility on its keepers.
Successful husbandry centres on:
- Approximately 12" × 12" × 18" minimum adult accommodation
- 18" × 18" × 24" or larger preferred
- Dense vertical climbing structure
- Secure escape-proof construction
- A basking area around 28–30°C
- General daytime temperatures around 23–27°C
- Appropriate nighttime cooling
- Strong appropriate UVB
- Bright visible daytime lighting
- Approximately 60–80% humidity with regular drying periods
- Excellent ventilation
- Regular misting
- Tiny gut-loaded live insects
- Appropriate calcium supplementation
- Minimal handling
- Individual housing as the safest default
- Careful retention of all required legal documentation
When maintained correctly and sourced responsibly, captive-bred Electric Blue Day Geckos can make extraordinary naturalistic display animals while helping maintain a sustainable captive population of this highly threatened species.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
The Electric Blue Day Gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi) is internationally protected under CITES Appendix I. Always check current national and international legislation and ensure all legally required documentation accompanies an animal before acquisition, transfer, breeding or sale.
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