Description: Nocturnal and terrestrial, these small geckos are also known as Panther gecko, Big head gecko, Ocelot gecko and Madagascar ground gecko. They are found only in southern Madagascar (and nearby islands) where they live in semi-desert/ savanna areas and dry forests, often found hiding in the leaf litter. Being true Gekkonids, they do not have eyelids. Juveniles are able to climb smooth surfaces but the small toe pads are not strong enough to hold adults. Adult size is typically between 4" and 6" but some of the more vigorous males can grow larger. Well cared for captives can live for up to 10 years.
Two naturally occurring pattern types are known, banded and striped with a white line down the back. Natural wild colors are mostly a combination of lighter and darker shades of brown. Many color and pattern variations have been produced by selective breeding. Now, red, gold, yellow and white combinations of colors with attractive patterns are available. Some of these morphs are xanthic (extra yellow or high yellow), anerythristic (lacking red resulting in other colors being more prominent), or hypomelanistic (reduced dark pigment).
These are not the kind of pets to be handled and should not be disturbed much while adapting to a new home. Males are territorial and should not be housed together. Females are usually okay together (also along with one male) but should be watched for signs of bullying and separated if necessary.

Temperature: 80 to 85°F daytime with a basking spot near 90°F and about a 5°F drop at night. A temperature gradient between one side of the enclosure and the other is preferred.

Humidity: Around 50 to 70%. Keep the substrate slightly moist at all times in the cool side of the tank near the water dish. This will create a humidity gradient.

Lighting: UV lighting is not needed but low levels could be beneficial. Daylight period should have seasonal fluctuations with an average of about 12 hours.

Feeding: Crickets, along with a few mealworms are fine as a staple diet but a variety of other insects should be given. A good vitamin/ mineral supplement should be given twice a week for adults and more often for young ones. A bowl of clean water should be available at all times along with spraying to allow them to lick up water droplets.

Habitat: A 10-gallon tank is adequate for a pair and a 15 or 20-gallon will work for a trio. Use a ventilated top that will hold in some humidity. Floor space is more important than height. Set it up as a desert/ savanna habitat with fine sand or coco fiber as a substrate and a few low rocks, logs or branches for climbing. At least one hiding spot or cave per gecko needs to be provided along with one that is always kept moist. Half coconut shells work well. A shallow dish of clean water is needed at all times.

Sexing: Pictus geckos can be sexed as young as 2 or 3 months and are sexually mature at around 7 months. Males have hemipenal bulges at the tail base and will usually grow larger and stockier than females.

Breeding: A winter cooling period lasting for a few months prior to breeding can be provided with a shorter day length to bring them into condition. The female should be at least a year old and be in excellent health. Be sure to keep her separate and give extra food, vitamin and calcium supplements beforehand also. Keep in mind that females that are bred too often will have shorter lives and will produce weaker offspring. 3 clutches per year are plenty and she should be separated from the male after this. Females can retain sperm and fertile eggs may still be produced without the male being present.
When all is ready, put the female in with the male and breeding should occur. Continue with the extra food, vitamins and calcium. Provide a nesting box with moist coco fiber, this will usually be where the eggs are buried. Two (sometimes only 1) small eggs may be laid per clutch every 2 to 3 weeks. Remember to remove the female after the 3^rd clutch.

Be careful not to change the orientation of the eggs when removing them for incubation. Placing a mark on the top of each one is very helpful in keeping them in the right position. Place the eggs on damp sand, coco fiber or vermiculite in a container that has some ventilation holes. Put this in an incubator at around 82 to 86°F. Hatching should take place in about 35 to 50 days. Pictus gecko sex is determined genetically and is not temperature dependant as it is in many other species.
Leave the hatchlings in the incubator until the yolk sac is absorbed. They are very delicate at first and should be housed in small enclosures on coco fiber, paper towels or cloth and fed tiny crickets. Stress is a problem for hatchlings and plenty of hide boxes need to be provided. A small bowl of water and daily light sprayings are also needed. Housing the babies together is not a problem for the first few months or so. The males should start to be separated after sexing becomes possible and should never be allowed to remain together after sexual maturity is reached.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna