Central American Banded Gecko - Baby

Application to Purchase Required - live animal purchases require a review of your setup. After placing your order, a Customer Care Specialist will reach out to review your husbandry and habitat. Approval for purchase is NOT guaranteed and if denied, the order may be cancelled. Upon approval, you will receive a link to set up a shipping date for your live animal. All animals ship via Fed Ex overnight.

Common Name: Central American Banded Gecko
Scientific Name: Coleonyx mitratus

Size when shipped:
Captive-bred juveniles, approximately 2.5"–4.5" total length depending on age.

Lineage: Imported by Bio Dude in 2020. These are F2 from Bio Dude lineage. 

In-house testing/treatment performed:

• Clean fecal
• Healthy body score
• Normal activity and behavior
• No missing toes 

Defining traits: Unique little geckos with an attitude. Typically fearless, they are not afraid to stand on their tip toes, shake their tail and open their mouth defensively. While somewhat skittish, they get used to human interaction quickly and make excellent geckos for kids. They are able to regrow their tail and are very forgiving of new keepers mistakes. Their adaptability is what makes them such amazing reptiles. 

Beginner to Expert: Beginner-friendly with a Bio Dude twist: an excellent species for attentive beginners through advanced keepers who appreciate a hardy, inquisitive, and nocturnal gecko that thrives in semi-arid to tropical bioactive systems. Perfect for keepers who enjoy observing natural behaviors in a secure, enriched environment.

Size: A small terrestrial gecko, typically reaching 5–7" as adults, with a thick tail designed for nutrient storage and stability. They tend to use their tail as a defense mechanism when stressed. 

Biological niche: A crepuscular to nocturnal insectivore found in leaf litter, tropical dry forest, scrublands, and semi-arid woodland habitats. They spend their days tucked into logs, bark, and burrows, emerging at night to explore and hunt. They thrive with multiple secure hides, deep substrate, and a naturally varied microclimate. 

Native range: Native to Central America, including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. This species inhabits regions ranging from tropical dry forest to warm, semi-arid savannas.

Group vs. Non-group: Best kept solo males due to territorial and stress-related behaviors.  They do great in pairs or small harems with only 1 male. Do NOT mix males as THEY WILL FIGHT. Female groups may be attempted by advanced keepers in very spacious, structured habitats, though solo housing remains the safest and most reliable long-term.

Terrestrial vs. Arboreal: Primarily terrestrial. While they may explore low branches, cork, and gentle slopes, they thrive on a ground-focused layout with leaf litter, bark shelters, burrowable substrate, and multiple microhabitats. Height is unnecessary; floor space is key.

Tank size: Minimum 18" x 18" x 18". A small harem can thrive in a 2' x 2' x 2' or 40 breeder. 

Substrate:

• Terra Firma + Terra Sahara mixed 50/50. Set up as a bioactive semi-arid or tropical dry forest habitat. 
• Cork rounds, bark slabs, and rock hides. This species loves slate stone. 
• Leaf litter and microfauna. Temperate springtails and isopods. 
• A moist hide for shedding and hydration

Temperature:

• Cool side: ~72–78°F (22–25°C)
• Warm side / basking area: ~85–90°F (29–32°C)
• Night drop: ~68–72°F (20–22°C)
• Use an overhead heat source to mimic warm surfaces and encourage instinctive thermoregulation. Avoid prolonged exposure above 92°F.

Humidity

• General ambient: ~50–70%
• Offer at least one humid hide with moist moss or hydrated substrate
• Maintain good airflow while allowing natural nighttime humidity rises
• Light evening misting helps create realistic microclimates without oversaturating the enclosure

Diet

• Appropriately sized crickets
• Dubia or turkistan roaches
• Black soldier fly larvae
• Mealworms or superworms (use in rotation)
• Occasional soft-bodied treats such as waxworms (sparingly)

Gut-load all feeders and use Bio Dude-approved calcium and vitamin supplementation according to age and growth stage.

Caresheet Link:

Central American Banded Gecko Caresheet 

Recommended terrarium supplies:

• The Bio Dude base bioactive kit
• Terra Sahara or a Sahara/Terra Firma blend depending on humidity target
• Cork flats, bark hides, and natural stone to create secure retreats
• Leaf litter and hardy microfauna cultures
• Arid- and dry-tropical–tolerant plants 
• Overhead heat source with thermostat
• Digital thermometer and/or infrared temp gun
• UVB strip + Solar Grow Plant Grow Fixture/Bulb. 
• Shallow water dish and designated humidity hide

Important Policies (Please Read Before Purchasing)

After purchasing, upload your habitat for approval here: 

After approval, we will email you the animal purchase contract found here

Read our Live Arrival Guarantee prior to purchasing here

Scheduling:

We care about long-term success. All live animals require a scheduled shipping date set after the approval process.  To book your shipping day, click here.

Live Arrival Guarantee

IUCN Red List – Coleonyx mitratus