Description: Active during the day, this spectacular little arboreal gecko is found in only one small area, the Kimboza forest in eastern Tanzania. They have only recently become sporadically available in the U.S. Hopefully, captive-breeding efforts will increase their numbers in captivity as they will likely be protected in the wild soon. They grow to around 3 or 4" in length and have adhesive toe pads. Life span is not known yet but similar species live for 3 to 10 years. Adult males have the beautiful blue coloration with black stripes on the head and black spots on the sides. Females and juveniles are a greenish in color, suppressed or dominated males may look this way also. Both sexes have a bright yellow and orange underside plus a dark "beard" (throat color); the male’s being darker. They can be kept singly, in pairs or several females with one male. Females get along with each other but males are territorial and should not be housed together, as they will fight. These small lizards are not too shy and may become tame.

Imported specimens often have mites. Be sure to give a close examination, quarantine and treat them if necessary.

Temperature: Daytime 78° to 85°F, basking spot near 90°F, 5° to 10°F drop at night is okay. A temperature gradient throughout the enclosure is beneficial.

Humidity: Moderately high, about 50 to 80%, frequent misting is beneficial. A humidity gradient throughout the enclosure is beneficial. Seasonal fluctuations may be provided.

Lighting: UV light is necessary as well as plant lighting, use a timer set for around 12 hours on and 12 hours off. Seasonal fluctuations may be helpful to stimulate breeding activity.

Feeding: Omnivorous will mainly eat live foods such as appropriately sized crickets, fruit flies and mealworms, etc. They also need soft fruits and nectar like banana, cantaloupe, and peaches, etc. Mix the fruits and nectar or honey together in a dish with fruit baby food and remove the leftovers before it spoils. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing geckos. A small dish of calcium can be placed in the tank. They can learn to accept food from your fingers. Clean water should be available at all times along with misting to allow them to lick up water droplets.

Habitat: A tank size of at least 10-gallons with a secure ventilated top will suffice for one or two geckos, a larger, taller tank would be more suitable. Set it up as an arboreal jungle habitat with sturdy plants, climbing branches, hiding places and basking sites.

Sexing: Adult males are blue, usually have darker beards, and a prominent row of pre-anal pores in the shape of a V. Two slight hemipenal bulges are visible at the base of the tail, one on each side. Adult females do not have hemipenal bulges, the pre-anal pores are less visible and they are a greenish color (juvenile and submissive males may look like females).

Breeding: Be sure to provide the female with more food and extra vitamin/mineral supplements prior to and throughout the breeding period. Two to four adhesive eggs are laid, often attached to the glass or a branch in a warm, humid spot higher up in the tank. Leaf axis, pits in branches or other sheltered spots may be preferred. Usually, the eggs can not be detached without breaking them and may be covered with a small transparent cup and left in place to hatch. Keep them moderately humid but avoid getting them wet. Temps should be kept at 80 to 86°F, hatching should occur in about 2 months.

The adults may go after the hatchlings so they should be carefully removed as soon they hatch. Care for them in a similar manor to the adults but with more and smaller prey items plus more vitamin/mineral supplement. Also keep them warm. Sexual maturity is reached after about 7 months.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna