Care Guide
Overview
- Common Name: Lined Leaf-Tailed Gecko
- Scientific Name: Uroplatus lineatus
- Origin: Eastern Madagascar
- Size: 10-12 inches
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Temperament: Nocturnal, arboreal, shy
Enclosure Setup
Tank Size
- Minimum: 18" x 18" x 24" vertical
- Recommended: 24" x 18"x 24" vertical, prioritize height over floorspace
Substrate
- Our Mixture: Bio-active mix
Decor
- Vertical Cork bark tubes
- Branches and vines
- Dense foliage
Temperature and Heating
Temperature Gradient
- Basking Spot: 78°F
- Cool side: 72°F
- Night temps: Can drop to 65–72°F
Heating Equipment
- Halogen basking bulb (preferred)
- Ceramic heat emitter (if needed at night)
Humidity
- Target: 70-100% maintained with heavy misting 2-3 times daily, allow time to dry between mists to avoid mold
Lighting
- UVB: Recommended (Not required)
- Use 2.0-5.0 UVB tube placed over basking area
- Photoperiod: 10-12 hours daily
Diet
Staples
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Mealworms (in moderation)
- Occasional Superworms
Feeding Schedule
- Adults: 2-3 feedings per week
- Juveniles: every other day
Supplements
- Calcium:
- Without D3: Every feeding
- With D3: 1x per week
- Multivitamin: 1x per week
Water:
- Provide a shallow water dish but they mostly get hydration from water droplets on leaves and a water dish should NOT be considered the primary source of hydration
Behavior and Handling
- Very delicate and easily stressed
- Not a handleable species
- May drop tail or exhibit defensive behavior if stressed
- Best kept as a display species
Health and Common Issues
Signs of a healthy individual
- Bright, smooth scales
- Clear eyes
- Strong feeding response
- Regular burrowing
Common Problems
- Dehydration: Wrinkled or leathery skin
- Shedding Issues: Low humidity
- Stress: Refusal to eat, hiding excessively
These are common health problems but if your animal is sick or having issues PLEASE CONSULT A REPTILE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Key Care Tips
- Keep temperatures cool and stable
- Maintain high humidity with airflow
- Provide dense vertical cover
- Avoid excessive handling
- Focus on hydration via misting