{"product_id":"saint-maarten-thick-tailed-gecko","title":"Saint Maarten Thick-Tailed Gecko (Males only)","description":"\u003ch1 data-start=\"343\" data-end=\"412\"\u003eSaint Maarten Thick-Tailed Gecko (\u003cem data-start=\"379\" data-end=\"411\"\u003eThecadactylus oskrobapreinorum\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"414\" data-end=\"519\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"414\" data-end=\"434\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"435\" data-end=\"467\"\u003eThecadactylus oskrobapreinorum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"467\" data-end=\"470\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"470\" data-end=\"486\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Saint Maarten Thick-Tailed Gecko\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"521\" data-end=\"524\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"526\" data-end=\"545\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"547\" data-end=\"722\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"547\" data-end=\"556\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults typically reach 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in total length. The tail is notably thick and muscular, contributing to the species’ sturdy, powerful appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"1246\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"739\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Saint Maarten Thick-Tailed Gecko features a robust body with a wide head, strong limbs, and the characteristic thick tail that gives the species its name. Colouration is typically mottled in browns, greys, and charcoal tones, often with irregular speckling or broken banding that provides excellent camouflage against bark and stone. The skin has a slightly granular texture rather than velvet-like smoothness. Eyes are large and well-adapted for nocturnal vision, giving them a keen, alert expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1248\" data-end=\"1322\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1248\" data-end=\"1265\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Endemic to the island of Saint Maarten in the Caribbean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1647\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1336\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e In the wild, this species occupies tropical forests, rocky edges, and tree-filled habitats where it shelters in crevices, deep bark fissures, and natural hollows during the day. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic enclosures with vertical structures, abundant hiding areas, and moderate to high humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1933\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1663\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Saint Maarten Thick-Tailed Geckos are nocturnal, quick-moving, and highly alert. They spend most of the day concealed and become active hunters at night. They are not a handling-focused species and are better suited as display animals given their speed and sensitivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1935\" data-end=\"1938\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1940\" data-end=\"1955\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"2278\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"1971\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e A vertically oriented terrarium of at least 18 inches × 18 inches × 24 inches (45 × 45 × 60 cm) is recommended for an adult. Provide cork bark tubes, stacked branches, textured surfaces, and secure climbing areas. A soil or soil–coconut husk blend with leaf litter supports humidity and natural behaviours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2280\" data-end=\"2614\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2280\" data-end=\"2307\"\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain daytime temperatures between 78 to 85°F (26 to 29°C), with a slightly warmer basking area up to 88°F (31°C). Night temperatures can drop to 70 to 74°F (21 to 23°C). Humidity should remain between 60 and 80 percent, with regular misting to create humidity cycles and provide drinking opportunities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2616\" data-end=\"2791\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2616\" data-end=\"2629\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to moderate UVB (2 to 5 percent) on a 12-hour cycle is suitable. While primarily nocturnal, this species benefits from gentle UV exposure for overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2793\" data-end=\"3124\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2793\" data-end=\"2802\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a varied insect-based diet including crickets, roaches, silkworms, mealworms, and the occasional moth or waxworm. Juveniles should be fed frequently, while adults can be fed every 2 to 3 days. All prey should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and multivitamin supplements. Clean water should always be provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3126\" data-end=\"3391\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3126\" data-end=\"3153\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e When provided with secure hiding areas and stable humidity, they settle well and become active, enthusiastic nighttime predators. Their climbing ability is impressive, and they make excellent display animals in a densely furnished setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3576\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3420\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e As a fast-moving, alert gecko, handling should be kept minimal. Ensure all enclosure décor is stable to prevent collapse during climbing or rapid movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3578\" data-end=\"3581\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3583\" data-end=\"3601\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3602\" data-end=\"3837\"\u003eThe Saint Maarten Thick-Tailed Gecko belongs to the genus \u003cem data-start=\"3660\" data-end=\"3675\"\u003eThecadactylus\u003c\/em\u003e, a group of robust, adhesive-toed geckos native to the Caribbean and Central\/South America. This species is distinct for its thick tail and insular distribution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3839\" data-end=\"3842\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3844\" data-end=\"3862\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3863\" data-end=\"4076\"\u003eThere are no recognised morphs or selectively bred variants of the Saint Maarten Thick-Tailed Gecko. Captive individuals reflect natural variations in colour tone and patterning typical of wild locality specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43478999367895,"sku":"","price":300.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0016\/8611\/0252\/products\/C9D0FB6D-547D-4BCC-BDDA-5F13782CF1F2.jpg?v=1673809783","url":"https:\/\/tailsandscales.ca\/products\/saint-maarten-thick-tailed-gecko","provider":"Tails and Scales ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}