Crossing Over: Combining Lygodactylus Species in one Viv?

Airedale · #1 01-05-2011, 11:31 AM

I realize that I may be opening a can of worms with this one, but I would like to leave my options of new geckos open. I just would like to see if there are any people who believe that this is feasible. I have heard stories of people keeping two species in the same enclosure, but I want to hear some personal stories (good and bad). And please, I am just curious about this topic, so please don't start a bunch of angry posts about how it is wrong in morality and such if that is your belief. Just a simple, "I wouldn't do it" or "I don't believe it is a good idea" will suffice, and there is a good chance I will listen to all those opinions. Again, just a curiousity thread. Thanks!

Jim

hexentanz · #2 01-06-2011, 03:11 AM

I would not attempt it...

1.) There is the possibility of the two different species breeding.
2.) There is the possibility of one of the males or females getting killed when housed with another male or female due to the highly territorial nature of Lygodactylus.

Airedale · #3 01-06-2011, 08:13 PM

Good point... I totally forgot about the territorialness. Oops

hexentanz · #4 01-07-2011, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airedale

Good point... I totally forgot about the territorialness. Oops

Yeah it is easy to forget since one of the first things we drill in to our heads is one male per tank.

Chum · #5 01-08-2011, 05:58 AM

I have never tried to house two male geckos, so I can't say I have much experience to share.
However it is quite common for relatively agressive fish to tolerate males and female of other species if you make sure they do not look alike (color wise). I am thinking thay maybe something similar could be possible with geckos. On the other hand you can also risk that some of the teritoral behavior is not only due to the sexual drive, but also competition for food.

Maybe if you combine a species of lygo's with a small species of phelsuma - that should eliminate the risk of cross breeding and since they look quite different maybe they would not really care about each others presence.

Airedale · #6 01-08-2011, 01:57 PM

Thanks everyone. I decided that if I did get another gecko to go in that viv, I will just get another female williamsi. Seems safest, plus i get more chances to raise baby lygos.

hexentanz · #7 01-09-2011, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chum

I have never tried to house two male geckos, so I can't say I have much experience to share.
However it is quite common for relatively agressive fish to tolerate males and female of other species if you make sure they do not look alike (color wise). I am thinking thay maybe something similar could be possible with geckos. On the other hand you can also risk that some of the teritoral behavior is not only due to the sexual drive, but also competition for food.

Maybe if you combine a species of lygo's with a small species of phelsuma - that should eliminate the risk of cross breeding and since they look quite different maybe they would not really care about each others presence.

Just to add to this. If anyone does attempt placing Lygo's with Phelsuma. I have heard of people successfully doing this with Phelsuma klemmeri and only them so far. The tank also needs to be big with lots of hides and all geckos must be added at the same time. Following this method gives nobody any chance of setting up a territory before others are added!