Pictus (Ocelot/Panther) Gecko Care Sheet

Pictus (Ocelot/Panther) Gecko Care Sheet
Paroedura picta
Size:
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Hatchings are approximately 1 - 2 inches
Adults average between 4 - 6 inches
Temperature:
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85 – 88 F on the warm side, do not exceed temperatures of 90 F
75 – 78 F on the cool side
Heat:
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Under Tank Heating is highly recommended providing it is hooked up to a thermostat.
Heat lights can be used, but only red lights or emitters should be used.
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A thermometer should be placed on the warm and cool side of the tank.
Lights:
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No special lights (UV, Heat) are necessary, but sunlight is encouraged for the geckos day/night
cycles.
Pictus Geckos are a nocturnal species, therefore will sleep during the day and be active at night
Food:
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Pinhead - 1 week old crickets for babies, 2-3 week old crickets for adults (calcium dusted)
Variety of different works: Meal, Wax, Butter, Phoenix; depending on the size of the gecko will
also determine what is the appropriate size of worm.
Some worms are considered treats because of their high fat content; some of these worms are
wax, and butter.
It is important you don't leave live crickets in with your gecko for an extended period of time,
as they can bite and cause damage
Lifespan:
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10 - 15 years with optimum care.
Substrate:
Paper Towel
• Easy to clean but needs to be changed more frequent.
• Geckos may hide underneath it
• Recommended for hatchlings
Reptile Carpet
• Easily cleaned (be sure to clean at least once a week) as bacteria can quickly become a problem
on carpet
Housing:
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4 – 6 babies can be kept comfortably in a 10 gallon, individual pictus geckos should be kept in a
small critter keeper
3 adults could be kept in a 10 gallon comfortably, individual pictus geckos should be kept in a
2.5 – 5 gallon enclosure
Pictus Geckos are a terrestrial species, they for need a long enclosure vs a tall enclosure
2 hides should be offered to a single gecko, one warm hide and one cool moist hide. To achieve
a warm hide place hide on the warm side of the enclosure. To achieve a cool moist hide, place
hide on the cool side of the enclosure and place moist moss under hide, lightly mist moss daily.
Do not house 2 males together as they usually will fight each other, however you can house
multiple females or one male and females together.
Water:
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Shallow water dish that is large enough for the gecko to sit in should be offered
Mist once every day as humidity should be between 50 – 80%
Handling:
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When approaching move slow and come at the gecko from the side, lightly grasp the gecko
ensuring not to grab the tail
Try not to be up to high when holding the gecko as it can move quickly and can injure itself or
die from a high fall
Allow the gecko to move from hand to hand
When holding a baby or juvenile gecko be sure to secure them well without harming them.
They can move very quickly and can easily escape.