What Geckos Can You Keep as Pets? (Top Choices Revealed

If you’ve ever watched a gecko sticking to glass or just chilling behind a leaf, you’ve probably wondered what it’d be like to keep one as a pet.

There are so many species (tiny ones, colorful ones, night-time ones, climbers, ground-dwellers) that it can get confusing fast. So what geckos can you actually have as pets?

Many gecko species make great pets, including leopard geckos, crested geckos, gargoyle geckos, African fat-tailed geckos, and tokay geckos. Each has its own look, needs, and personality, but all can live happily in a well-set-up tank with the right care.

Choosing the right gecko really comes down to what kind of pet experience you want. Some are calm and easy to handle. Others are fast, jumpy, or even bite a little.

Some do best in dry, desert-like setups. Others need humid, tropical tanks. Let’s take a closer look at what each one is like.

Leopard Geckos: The Classic Beginner Gecko

Leopard geckos are the most popular for a reason. They’re calm, easy to take care of, and usually ready to eat.

In the wild, they come from dry, rocky areas in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. They hide in burrows during the day and come out at night.

In a tank, they do well with warmth, hiding spots, and flat surfaces to walk on. Since they live on the ground, they don’t climb glass like some other geckos.

They have thick tails, gentle eyes, and a curious little face that makes them look friendly. Many people say they even notice when you’re around and will come up when it’s feeding time.

Why they’re great pets:

• Calm and rarely bite.

• Don’t need UVB lights (though a little can help).

• Eat crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and sometimes waxworms as treats.

• Can live 15–20 years with good care.

Basically, if you’re new to geckos, this one is a stress-free way to learn.

Crested Geckos: The Sticky-Toed Climbers

Crested geckos look like something out of a fantasy movie. They have eyelash-like crests, sticky toes, and tails that can stick to glass.

They come from New Caledonia, a humid island, so they like moisture and tall spaces.

They don’t have eyelids, so they lick their eyes to keep them clean. Totally normal. They have soft, velvety skin and usually jump instead of walking.

These geckos spend most of their time in trees. In a tank, they need a tall setup with branches, vines, and plants to explore.

Why they’re great pets:

• Eat a powdered fruit diet mixed with water, so live insects aren’t required.

• Calm once they get used to handling, and you can hand-feed them.

• Come in tons of colors and patterns called “morphs.”

If you want a pet that climbs and has personality, cresteds are a perfect choice.

Gargoyle Geckos: The Chunky Cousins of Crested Geckos

Gargoyle geckos are also from New Caledonia, but they’re chunkier and look a bit like mini dinosaurs.

They come in grays, browns, and oranges, often with stripes or spots. Some even have little bumps on their heads, which is why they’re called “gargoyles.”

Like cresteds, they need humidity, tall tanks, and hiding spots up high. They eat the same fruit mix, and sometimes insects for variety.

Why they’re great pets:

• Hardy and adaptable.

• Can live up to 20 years.

• Have fun personalities, some are calm, some a bit feisty.

• Not as soft as cresteds but still really interesting. People often keep both in separate tanks to enjoy the differences.

African Fat-Tailed Geckos: Calm and Gentle

If you like leopard geckos but want something a little different, African fat-tailed geckos are a close cousin. They’re calmer and like a bit more humidity.

They come from West Africa, where nights are warm and damp. Their tank is part desert, part forest (dry spots to bask and a humid hide to shed their skin).

Their tails store fat, which helps them survive when food is scarce. They usually have brown, tan, and white colors, sometimes with a bright white stripe down the back.

Why they’re great pets:

• Slow-moving and easy to handle.

• Don’t climb, so tank setup is simple.

• Less likely to drop their tails than other geckos.

They’re perfect if you want a calm, ground-dwelling lizard that doesn’t jump or run away.

Tokay Geckos: Bright, Bold, and Loud

If you want something striking, tokay geckos are it. Bright blue-gray with orange or red spots, and they’re really loud.

Males call out “to-kay, to-kay,” which is where their name comes from.

They’re from Southeast Asia and like warm, humid tanks with lots of hiding spots. But they’re not for everyone. Tokays can be territorial and bite hard if surprised or handled roughly.

Why they’re interesting pets:

• Stunning colors and patterns.

• Fun to watch and listen to.

• Can live more than 15 years.

They’re better for people who like to watch rather than handle their pets. Some may calm down over time, but most stay more look-than-touch.

Day Geckos: The Shimmering Jewel Lizards

If you want a gecko that looks like a living gem, day geckos are it. Bright greens, reds, yellows, even blues (they shine like a rainforest dream).

Unlike most geckos, they’re active during the day. They love sunlight, UVB lights, and climbing high.

The Madagascar giant day gecko can grow up to 10 inches and loves warm, humid tanks with plants.

Why they’re special:

• Active and visible during the day.

• Bright, amazing colors.

• Eat a mix of insects, fruit, and day gecko food.

They’re fast and delicate, so not good for frequent handling. If you enjoy watching them move and show off their colors, they’re one of the most rewarding pets.

Common Pet Gecko Species, Their Pros, Cons, and Care Level

This table helps, but just knowing facts isn’t enough. Let’s dig into what these geckos are really like day-to-day.

What About Tiny Species Like Mourning or House Geckos?

You might have seen tiny pale geckos running on walls at night in tropical areas. These are often house geckos or mourning geckos. You can keep them too, but they’re better for watching than handling.

Mourning geckos are interesting because almost all are female. They reproduce without males, basically cloning themselves. They’re small, active, and easy to feed but can escape through tiny gaps.

House geckos are tough. They’re quick, shy, and often kept in groups for display.

Both species are cheap and interesting, but really for people who like to watch more than hold.

How to Choose the Right Gecko for You

Before you get a gecko, think about:

• Handling vs. watching: Do you want a pet to hold, or mostly watch? Leopard and African fat-tailed geckos are easy to handle. Tokay and day geckos are better for watching.

• Environment: Dry or humid? Desert geckos are easier to care for. Tropical ones need misting and plants.

• Size and space: Some stay tiny (mourning geckos under 5 inches), others grow big (giant day geckos around 10 inches).

• Noise: Tokay geckos are loud. Most others are quiet.

The right gecko is the one whose lifestyle matches yours.

What Do Pet Geckos Eat?

Most pet geckos eat insects. Some also eat fruit mixes.

Common foods:

• Crickets

• Mealworms

• Dubia roaches

• Waxworms as treats

Crested and gargoyle geckos do well on powdered fruit mixes like Pangea or Repashy. Day geckos like fruit puree plus insects. Dust insects with calcium and vitamin D3 powder to keep bones strong.

Feeding live insects might seem messy, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it. Watching a gecko hunt is one of the most fun parts, they stalk, wiggle their tails, and pounce like little predators.

Setting Up the Right Habitat

Every gecko needs heat, humidity, and hiding spots.

For desert geckos like leopards, keep one side warm (88–92°F / 31–33°C) and a cooler side (around 75°F / 24°C). Add a humid hide for shedding.

Tropical geckos like cresteds or gargoyles need humidity around 60–80%. Misting daily or using a misting system helps.

Add branches, cork bark, and plants for climbers. Ground dwellers like caves and low hides. Use safe substrates like reptile carpet, paper towel, or coconut fiber. Avoid loose sand, it can cause impaction if swallowed.

Lighting depends on species. Most night-time geckos don’t need UVB, but day geckos need strong UVB to stay healthy.

How Long Do Pet Geckos Live?

Geckos can live a long time:

• Leopard geckos: 15–20 years

• Crested geckos: 15–20 years

• Gargoyle geckos: 15–20 years

• Day geckos: 10–15 years

• Tokay geckos: up to 20 years

They’re not short-term pets. Bringing one home is a real commitment, almost like adopting a small cat or dog in glass.

Can You Keep More Than One Gecko Together?

It depends.

Leopard and African fat-tailed geckos usually do better alone to avoid fighting. Females can sometimes share a tank if it’s big enough, but there’s risk.

Crested, gargoyle, and mourning geckos can sometimes live in groups if there’s enough space and food. But it’s safer to start with one and see how they act.

Tokay geckos? Always one per tank,they’re too territorial.

Even gentle-looking geckos have personalities. Some like being alone, some like company. It depends on the species.

What Makes Geckos Such Appealing Pets?

Geckos are different. They don’t bark, need walks, or take up much space. But each has its own little quirks.

A leopard gecko blinking at you while you feed it feels like trust. A crested gecko jumping from leaf to hand shows curiosity.

A day gecko basking in sunlight turns your living room into a tiny rainforest.

They’re quiet, clean, and endlessly interesting. Watching them move (the slow climb, tail flick, or soft blink) reminds you how alive even small creatures are.

Conclusion

There isn’t one single “best” gecko to keep as a pet. There’s the one that fits you.

If you want something gentle and easy to hold, go for a leopard or African fat-tailed gecko. If you like climbing, color, and personality, crested or gargoyle geckos will win you over. If you’re experienced and like a challenge, tokay or day geckos give incredible beauty and action.

Each gecko has its own story, from dry deserts to humid islands, and bringing one home means bringing a small piece of that world.