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Neon Day Gecko
Phelsuma klemmeri
The yellow-headed neon gecko. Tiny, incredibly flat, and with stunning fluorescent colors (blue, neon green, yellow, and black). Famous among keepers for its surprisingly calm and sociable demeanor compared to other Phelsuma, but demands enclosures that are literally 'escape-proof'.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Gekkonidae
Genus:Phelsuma
Species:Phelsuma klemmeri
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
50 - 70 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Ambient temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
18 - 22 °C
Basking spot
32 - 34 °C
Adult size
4.3 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 80 L
UVB
Low/Medium
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A very rare species originating from tiny patches of bamboo forests in northwestern Madagascar. Their habitat and habits are entirely and obsessively dependent on giant yellow bamboo.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Phelsuma klemmeri was described by Robert Mertens in 1991. Within the genus Phelsuma, it occupies a unique taxonomic position and is monotypic, with no recognized subspecies. Its genetics are highly prized for maintaining the distinctive fluorescent coloration in captive-bred lines.
Behavior and Habits: They differ radically from other large day geckos for two reasons. First: they are not perpetually skittish or frantic; rather, they tend to stay out in the open watching curiously and do not bolt at the slightest movement. Second: they are highly socially tolerant. They can be kept in small communal groups (one male with multiple females) without the brutal territorial murders typical of Phelsuma grandis, provided there is abundant food and space.
Morphology: Incredibly small (maximum 3.5 inches / 9 cm total length) and dorsoventrally flattened like sheets of paper. This flat anatomy allows them to slide into natural vertical cracks in bamboo stalks to hide. Their colors are blinding: highlighter yellow head and neck, bright metallic blue body fading into neon green, with two bold black lateral lines running down the flanks to the tail.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: ESCAPE PROOF. Being microscopic and flat, they will squeeze through ventilation holes of a few millimeters, door gaps, and cable grommets. A sealed enclosure (e.g. 18x18x24 inches) designed for dart frogs or insects with extremely fine mesh is required. The setup MUST include a forest of hollow bamboo canes with longitudinal slits cut into the sides, where they will safely sleep and lay their eggs.
Lighting and Heating: Despite their size, they are sun-worshipping heliothermic lizards. A 5.0 (or 6% T5) UVB tube is fundamental, plus a small halogen spot lamp to provide an isolated 90-93°F (32-34°C) basking area on the highest bamboo stalks. Ambient temperature around 77°F (25°C).
Humidity and Hydration: Less demanding than their relatives, they prefer a well-ventilated tank with humidity spikes (60-70%) created with brief, fine daily misting. They use the droplets to drink. Water bowls are useless and dangerous (drowning risk for neonates).
Feeding and Supplementation: Nectar and micro-prey. Given their tiny mouths, they devour fruit flies (Drosophila hydei and melanogaster), pinhead micro-crickets, and silverfish. A substantial part of their diet must include specific sweet powder diets for frugivorous geckos (Pangea/Repashy), which are indispensable for correct vitamin and calcium balance to avoid the terrible MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease).
Compatibility: Unlike most day geckos, they are relatively peaceful and can be housed in small groups consisting of one male and multiple females in a spacious terrarium. Multiple males must never be housed together to prevent fighting. They should not be cohabited with larger, aggressive lizard species.
Health and Common Diseases: Prone to metabolic bone disease (MBD) if adequate calcium, vitamin D3, and UVB lighting are not provided. Due to their small size, they can easily dehydrate. Skin shedding issues (dysecdysis) can occur if humidity levels drop too low.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
A very rare species originating from tiny patches of bamboo forests in northwestern Madagascar. Their habitat and habits are entirely and obsessively dependent on giant yellow bamboo.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 4.3 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 4.3 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 4.3 cm for this species, recorded as snout–vent length (SVL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
