[Vector]

I am new to the world of Phelsuma geckos. Right now, I am having a difficult time deciding what would be a good beginner species. I am looking at getting a Gold Dust Day Gecko, Grandis, Standingi, or Koch's Giant Day Gecko. Which of the three would you guys highly recommend for a novice to Phelsuma? Also, if there any other good beginner Phelsuma species, feel free to list them.

[acpart]

I'm not a Phelsuma expert, though I do have a gold dust (which was my first non-leopard gecko) and a P. klemmeri. As I understand it, P. standingi is frequently recommended for beginners since it can tolerate a more arid environment and I imagine the feeling is that the biggest challenge in keeping Phelsuma is providing the appropriate tropical environment. I have found P. laticauda (gold dust) to be a hardy, relatively easy beginner gecko. I've read that P. grandis, though often recommended as a beginner gecko may not really be. I'd highly recommend "Day Geckos in Captivity" by Leann and Greg Christenson" (which I've recommended before). I read it many times, particularly the section on caging and lighting, when I was preparing for my first Phelsuma.

Aliza

[daggekko]

Yes those are all good species for beginners. Gold Dusts stay relatively small. The other 3 you mention get quite large. I have 4 adult and 4/5(one is missing) juvenile gold dusts. Very easy in my opinion.

I'd highly recommend "Day Geckos in Captivity" by Leann and Greg Christenson" (which I've recommended before). I read it many times, particularly the section on caging and lighting, when I was preparing for my first Phelsuma.

Couldn't agree more. I have this book and LOVE it.

If you are doing good research you should be able to narrow down which species you want. When chosing make sure you keep your enclosure size in mind. Go larger if possible. I think it will greatly influence your success.

[gdaygecko]

I would recommend a giant day gecko because the smaller species have trouble eating sometimes. They only get a little bigger than a leopard gecko and are very hardy.

[terradas]

Phelsuma is a great group to work with. As far as beginner species, you are going to get similar answers across the board; golddust, standing's or mad. family.

Gold dusts are smaller and can be kept in a more modest-sized tank, you don't have to worry about feeding smaller species. Standingi tolerate drier, warmer conditions but require more space. Grandis/Kochi have similar care with grandis getting a little bigger, again having greater tank and humidity requirements.

It all comes down to which species you prefer, appearance wise, and which one you can care for best. I recommend using the search feature to look for care sheets on these species here and on google. In the end, it all comes down to your own reference.

[lauraleellbp]

I'm keeping both P. m. grandis and P. standingi, and of the two IMO the Standings are the easiest. Mainly as they don't need misting, rather, require a much more arid environment which is easy to provide with the proper level of heat lighting.

I love both, but my Standings have stolen my heart completely as they're so much more tame (though my grandis will let me handfeed, my standingi will walk right up and jump on my hand for food) and I love how they're always talking to each other.

[terradas]

Laura Lee, it's reassuring to hear such strong reviews for standingi. I was starting to wonder if I was hasty in getting my pair (hasn't been warm enough to ship). I'm looking forward to getting them even more now.

I have a month or 2 to figure out how to explain their existence to my wife now....

[LinkinParkRulez08]

I am trying to decide which I want as well. I have read Gold Dust are good starters, along with Grandis and standingi. I do have any, but is what I have read.