Chinese Cave Gecko Care Sheet (Goniurosaurus spp.)

Last updated and fact checked by: Joshua Halter 10/16/25 

The Chinese Cave Gecko is a striking, nocturnal gecko species known for its vivid eyes and banded tail. Native to the humid forests and rocky caves of southern China, these geckos thrive in humid environments that are rocky and dark with tons of places to hide. Because of their natural habitat, many Chinese Cave Geckos carry an internal load of Coccidia. De-worming and quarantining all new arrivals is paramount if you are going to keep them in a bioactive habitat.  

Natural History & Behavior

Chinese Cave Geckos inhabit cool, forested caves and rocky outcrops. They are crepuscular to nocturnal, preferring dim lighting and high humidity. Typically shy but calm in captivity, they do best with minimal handling. It is recommended to wash your hands after interacting with this species. While this is an intermediate species, they are amazing critters and make excellent display animals with their inquisitive nature. 

Enclosure & Bioactive Setup

• Minimum enclosure size: It is recommended to keep a single adult in a minimum of a 20 gallon long; however, this species greatly benefits from more space to help create different thermogradients, With that, a 40 gallon breeder for a pair is recommended. For a young gecko, an 18" x 18" x 18" can be utilized for the first few months (up to about 8 months old).  

• Bioactive recommendation: With the challenging humidity requirements in conjunction with low temperatures, it is recommended to use a bioactive soil that drains and aerates effectively. Here at the Bio Dude, we like to provide a shallow drainage layer (utilizing the Super Grow) with Terra Firma on top. While typically the Firma does not need a drainage layer, the microclimate requirements needed for this species are not easily achieved, so it is recommended for safety purposes to utilize this unique drainage with a bioactive substrate that has strong tunnel and burrow retention. Utilizing tropical springtails with smaller isopods, such as Dwarf Whites is recommended. Larger isopods can be used (such as Dairy cow), but keep in mind that these geckos can be delicate and sometimes the protein-voracious isopods can cause stress to them. If you choose to go the larger isopod route, be sure to include enough biodegradeables and food for them. Do not use a coco coir-only substrate for this species. 

• Substrate depth: 3–4 inches for burrowing and humidity retention. Be sure there are multiple levels of gradients and depth within the terrarium itself. Utilization of cork and rock partially buried into the substrate can help create starter burrows and caves, which these critters need to thrive.  Utilization of BioShot, Sphagnum moss, leaf litter and soft woods are a great additive to help boost your custodian population. 

• Décor: Utilize softer woods that can handle humidity, such as Cork Bark, Ghost wood or Mopani Rootwood. Utilizing rocks, such as slate stone is a great way to help boost your soil health while providing the rocky crevices this species needs. Plants such as ferns, live moss, pothos, aglaonemas, philodendron and more can be utilized. This species is not destructive with live plants, so even delicate plants that require higher humidity can be utilized. 

Temperature & Heating

• Ambient range: 68°F – 75°F (20°C – 24°C)

• Warm spot (optional): Up to 78°F (25°C), never exceeding 80°F.

• Night drop: Safe down to 65°F.

• Heating options: If you find yourself having issues getting to this temperature, you can affix a low wattage heat bulb (such as a 25 watt) to a thermostat. Due to a drainage layer being recommended with the Terra Firma, a heat pad is NOT recommended for this species. Hot temperatures will quickly hurt this gecko, so use a proper thermometer/hygrometer to ensure correct gradients are being hit. 

• Humidity: Misting the habitat daily is necessary to maintain the humidity around 60%, with microclimates reaching as high as 90% for short periods of time. When too dry, these geckos are prone to shedding and respiratory issues. Moss is another great option to put inside a humid hide and for mixing thoroughly with your bioactive soil. Be sure to provide a water dish that is kept clean and accessible. One of the first signs of improper husbandry (humidity-wise) is retained shed on skin post shed. 

Lighting

Though nocturnal, Chinese Cave Geckos benefit from a low-level UVB source (2–5%).

• Recommended UVB: Arcadia ShadeDweller or similar low-output UVB.  These geckos do benefit greatly from UVB being available. If you need a fixture, the Bio Dude Solar Lamp is recommended. 

• Photoperiod: 12 hours light / 12 hours dark.

• Plant Lights: The user must be careful when selecting a plant light. Being nocturnal and primarily dwelling in dark, rocky caves these geckos do not appreciate bright light. Utilization of an LED that only spans 40% of the habitat is recommended. The Bio Dude Solar Grow is a great go to for this species. Be sure that your critter can easily escape the light during the day. 

Diet & Gutloading

Chinese Cave Geckos are insectivores.

• Staple feeders: Dubia roaches, crickets, wax worms and black soldier fly larvae. Be sure to not feed prey items larger than the space between their eyes. Mealworms and Superworms are NOT recommended for this species. A varied diet is key. 

• Gutload: Use The Bio Dude Bug Grub and fresh veggies for feeder nutrition. Gutloading your insects is very important to the long-term wellbeing of your reptile. 

• Supplementation: Calcium (no D3 if providing UVB) every other feeding; multivitamin weekly. If NOT providing UVB, it is imperative to provide a Calcium Supplement with D3, as without UVB they will be unable to synthesize it themselves. 

• Feeding frequency: 3–4x per week for adults; juveniles more frequently. It is best to provide them just the amount that they will eat in one evening. 

Handling & Temperament

These geckos are delicate and stress easily. Limit handling to enclosure maintenance. Use gentle approaches to reduce escape attempts. It is also important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling. 

Health & Monitoring

• Shedding: Provide moist hides with sphagnum moss. Be sure to check eyes, toes and tail for retained shed. Warm water soaks are great for retained shed (do not try to peel it off yourself). 

• They always go to the bathroom in the same place! Pay attention to this when spot cleaning and doing health checks.

For complete supplies, care products, and bioactive kits: Visit The Bio Dude: https://www.thebiodude.com

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