Leopard geckos, scientifically known as Eublepharis Macularius, got the name because of their leopard-like appearance. They are known for their friendly and obedient nature. Leopard geckos make good pets but are high maintenance, so you should make proper living arrangements to keep them in your home. They can grow big in a little time. But the question is, how big do Leopard geckos get?
And what kind of housing would be suitable to keep them? To find answers to important questions like these, keep reading this article. Before digging for more information on the size of the Leopard gecko, it is important to learn some basic details about this unique creature.
Appearance, Personality, and Habitat—All About Leopard Geckos
As mentioned above, Leopard geckos have a leopard-like appearance. They have yellow skin with dark-colored spots on their bodies. They have a banded, thick tail that is used to store fats. They do not have eyelids, and their pupils are large to help them see at night. With toepads, they can climb vertical surfaces.
Leopard geckos have a docile and friendly personality. They can easily adapt to new environments, and once trained, they are easy to handle.
These geckos are naturally ground-dwelling and can be found in the Asian mountains, grasslands of the Middle East, and dry regions in the northern parts of India. They are nocturnal—which is why they are mostly found burrowing on grounds. That can help them escape the scorching heat during the daytime.
Growth Chart—How Big Do Leopard Geckos Get?
If you own a Leopard gecko, you would perhaps be interested in knowing how big these reptiles can get? They are small creatures, but it is important to know how big they get to make proper living arrangements for them.
As is the case with many other creatures, a male Leopard gecko is slightly bigger than a female Leopard gecko. An adult male leopard gecko weighs around 60 – 90 grams with an 8 – 10 inches long body. However, an adult female leopard gecko can be around 45 – 70 grams with a 7 – 8 inches long body. Their hatchlings are approximately 2.5 – 3 inches long and weigh about 3 – 5 grams.
To help you better understand their body size and weight measurements, we have added a table below showing their average measurements.
Leopard Gecko Growth Chart: Age, Body Size, Weight
| Leopard Gecko Age | Average Body Length | Average Body Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling | 3 – 4 inches | 2 – 5 grams |
| One Month | 4 inches | 15-20 grams |
| Two Months | 5 inches | 18-30 grams |
| Six Months | 5-6 inches | 25-60 grams |
| Eighteen Months | 8-11 inches | 40-90 grams |
By studying the above growth chart, you can understand how small a gecko is when born, but it can reach its maximum size in 18 months. A baby gecko weighs around 2 – 5 grams when born with a 3 – 4 inches body size. It grows to become an adult at 12 months of age and can weigh up to 120 grams. They keep growing till the age of 18 months, and that is when they achieve their maximum weight and length.
Diet for Optimal Growth of Leopard Gecko
Now, as we know how big do leopard geckos get, it is imperative to understand what food should be given to your Leopard gecko. They are carnivorous—meaning they mostly consume live insects. Other food options include crickets, mealworms, and occasionally some waxworms.
They can also consume small rodents or pinky mice. As they are nocturnal reptiles, they should be fed after the sunsets.
The amount and frequency of gecko’s diet depend on their age. A baby Leopard gecko needs to be fed every day, but an adult gecko eats on alternate days. They can be picky about their food so it is important to include a variety of items in their diet—such as waxworms, beetles, locusts, silkworms, and cockroaches.
Factors Affecting Leopard Gecko’s Growth
Geckos keep growing till they reach the age of 18 months. But there are certain cases when your Leopard gecko may stop growing or shows slow growth. Some of the factors behind a gecko’s slow growth are as discussed below.
Poor Living Conditions
If a gecko is being kept in a tank or enclosure that is too small, it will slow down its growth and will adversely affect its health. Sometimes, an enclosure doesn’t have adequate hides, which might affect a gecko’s privacy. This factor can also retard a gecko’s growth. To keep a Leopard gecko healthy and thriving, it is essential to make suitable housing arrangements for them.
Improper Lighting, Temperature, or Humidity Setting
Another reason your leopard gecko may have a slowed-down growth can be inaccurate lighting or temperature inside its enclosure. As they are naturally found in humid climates, they also need the same level of humidity. The tank’s humidity levels should be maintained between 60 to 70 percent. This will provide a suitable environment for the Leopard gecko to grow and remain healthy.
The tank’s temperature also should be well-maintained according to their needs. An ideal temperature range for Leopard geckos is 75 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. At night, however, you can bring the temperature of its tank down to 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
For appropriate lighting, you can invest in a red lamp or a black heat lamp. It is not bright like the other standard lighting. Geckos—being the nocturnal creatures—don’t like bright lighting. You can install a lighting source outside their enclosure so they can receive an adequate amount of light. For proper growth and health, Leopard geckos need 12 hours of light every day.
Improper Substrates and Flooring
To maintain humidity levels inside a gecko’s enclosure, it is essential to use the correct flooring and substrate. Using incorrect substrate can disturb the levels of humidity and cause impaction in geckos. So care should be taken to use the correct flooring and substrate inside a gecko’s tank. This will help retain moisture inside the tank, which will prove beneficial for the gecko’s growth and wellbeing.
Parasites
If a gecko becomes infested by parasites, it can cause a lot of problems to its growth. The gecko may experience diarrhea, might lose weight, and upset its growth.
Metabolic Bone Disease in Leopard Geckos
Metabolic Bone Disease is a common health issue in captive Leopard geckos. They sometimes become calcium-deficient which results in delayed growth. Their skeletons remain under-developed because their bodies cannot absorb the required levels of calcium. To help combat this deficiency, you can provide them with a calcium-rich diet and proper lighting.
Lack of Privacy
One uncommon factor behind a gecko not growing can be a lack of privacy. If you own multiple geckos, it is important to house them separately so they can have privacy. Bullying is also very common in geckos. Sometimes, one gecko becomes more dominant than others and can bully other geckos—occupy their hiding spaces or not let them eat or drink.
This can result in a gecko becoming malnourished—which subsequently results in stunted growth. Thus, to keep them healthy, you should house the geckos separately. Additionally, they also don’t like to be hand-held a lot. So it is better to avoid frequently handling them.
Conclusion
So, we hope our elaborate article has answered the commonly asked question of how big do leopard geckos get. These pets are easy to care for and have a reputation for being friendly, docile, and cute. But if not taken proper care of, they can become malnourished, under-developed, and even depressed. Thus, you need to take proper care and provide them with a suitable living environment to thrive and live peacefully. With a life span of 20 plus years, a Leopard gecko can be your company for a long time.