| Golden gecko | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Gekko |
| Species: | G. badenii |
| Binomial name | |
| Gekko badenii | |
 | |
| Synonyms | |
The golden gecko (Gekko badenii), also known commonly as Baden's Pacific gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to Vietnam.
The specific name, badenii, refers to Núi Bà Đen (Black Lady Mountain where Bà Đen is Black Lady), to which this species is indigenous. [3]
The golden gecko gets its common name from the gold-colored scales on its body. Males grow to around 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm) in total length (including tail), while females stay around 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm). [4] Males have a longer tail base, with fleshy knobs at the base of the tail. Pores appear on the insides of the legs, while females have none of these.
G. badenii has been reported from the Tây Ninh Province and Kon Tum Province of southern Vietnam (the latter following the recognition of Gekko ulikovskii as a synonym of this species). [1] [5]
The preferred natural habitat of G. badenii is granite rocky areas including those in lowland rainforest, at altitudes from sea level to 986 m (3,235 ft). [1]
The golden gecko is primarily an insectivore, but will also take some fruit. The golden gecko hydrates by drinking water from rainfall collecting on leaves.
The golden gecko is not very popular in the pet trade, so most specimens are wild caught. It requires a terrarium of a minimum of 20 US gallons (about 80 litres) for an adult, though a vertical 18 in x 18 in x 24 in (about 45 cm x 45 cm x 60 cm) Exo Terra tank could accommodate an adult due to the greater space. Two golden geckos of the same sex should not be housed together because they will fight. Captive hatchlings feed daily, and adults only need food every 5–6 days. Juveniles and adults will eat crickets and meal worms, wax worms, and fruits, such as bananas and mangos, which are rich in calcium. [4]
Gekko is a genus of Southeast Asian geckos, commonly known as true geckos or calling geckos, in the family Gekkonidae. Although species such as Gekko gecko are very widespread and common, some species in the same genus have a very small range and are considered rare or endangered.
Cyrtodactylus is a diverse genus of Asian geckos, commonly known as bent-toed geckos, bow-fingered geckos, and forest geckos. The genus has 354 described species as of 2023, which makes it the largest of all gecko genera.
The tokay gecko is a nocturnal arboreal gecko in the genus Gekko, the true geckos. It is native to Asia and some Pacific Islands.
The Oriental leaf-toed gecko, also known commonly as the Asian smooth gecko, Bowring's gecko, Bowring's smooth gecko, and the Sikkimese dark-spotted gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to East Asia.
Gekko smithii, commonly known as Smith's green-eyed gecko or the large forest gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to mainland Southeast Asia and Indonesia.
The Andaman giant gecko, also known commonly as the Andamanese giant gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is indigenous to the Andaman Islands
Gekko kuhli, commonly known as Kuhl's flying gecko, Kuhl's parachute gecko, or the gliding gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is found in Southeast Asia.
Canh's gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Vietnam.
Grossmann's gecko, also known commonly as the marbled gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Vietnam.
The Peking gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to China.
Adler's gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to southern China and northern Vietnam.
Gekko coi is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Sibuyan Island in the central Philippines.
Lauhachinda's cave gecko is an endangered species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Thailand.
Reeves's tokay gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Asia.
Russell Train's marble gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to southeastern Vietnam.
Gekko shibatai is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to the Ryukyu Islands.
The Siamese green-eyed gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Thailand.
Truong's gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Vietnam.
Bonkowski's gecko, also known commonly as kap ke Bonkowski in Laotian, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Laos.
Gekko horsfieldii, also known commonly as Horsfield's flying gecko, Horsfield's gliding gecko, and Horsfield's parachute gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Asia.
