Species Profiles

How to Care for Your Crested Gecko

crested gecko care sheet
~ BackwaterReptiles

How do you care for a crested gecko?

Crested geckos are becoming more sought after in the herpetology world, although they are still not as popular as their common cousin, the leopard gecko. We feel that crested geckos make excellent pets, but since they do require a bit more specific care, we’re going to discuss how to care for your pet crested gecko in this article.

crested gecko care sheet
Crested geckos make excellent pets.

What exactly is a crested gecko?

Crested Geckos (Rhacodactylus ciliatus) are a species of fancy-looking gecko that originate from New Caledonia. They are arboreal and are known for their cute appearance. Not only do these lizards possess the standard gecko stickiness that people are so fond of, they have distinctive ridges that run the length of their back up to their eyes where they form spiky little eyelashes.

Herp hobbyists often call crested geckos Cresties and they reach about eight inches in total length. They are also commonly bred in captivity which means they can be purchased from specialty breeders in many morphs and color schemes.

Cresties also have fun personalities. They can be super sweet and cuddly or somewhat stubborn and even a tad aggressive. Overall, they do tend to socialize well with people and they make great display animals that also enjoy being handled.

Fun fact about crested geckos: they can live up to 20 years in captivity when cared for properly.

What kind of cage and lighting will my crested gecko need?

Because crested geckos are arboreal creatures, you will need a taller cage rather than a cage with horizontal space. We advise at least a 20 gallon enclosure for a single adult lizard. Cages with screen tops are usually preferred.

Most owners like to create a naturalistic environment for their crested gecko. You can achieve this with living or faux plants in the enclosure. If you have a green thumb, real plants are great, but faux plants work fine for the purposes of allowing your gecko a place to climb, hide and entertain itself. We also advise adding some element of cork or wood that enables the gecko to climb and camouflage as well. Just keep in mind that you don’t want the tank to contain too much furniture or decor.

During the daylight hours, cresties like the temperature to be between 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temps can drop to the 70s range. You can achieve this by using a combination of heat and UV lamps and heating pads. We always advise investing in a good thermometer when owning any species of reptile. This will help you to monitor and maintain comfortable temps for your pet.

Always keep in mind when placing heating elements in your crested gecko’s enclosure that one side of the cage needs to remain cooler to allow your gecko to thermoregulate. You must create a warmer basking side and allow for the other area of the cage to be colder. Like any human, the gecko will choose to be warmer or cooler depending upon its needs.

It’s important to line your crested gecko’s cage with the proper kind of substrate. We typically use coconut husk and soil mixture as it makes it easier to maintain a good humidity level. Other good options are paper towels or reptile carpet if you don’t mind the minimalist, non-natural look.

One final element that is important to keeping your crestie healthy is moisture. Humidity levels should be no lower than 50 percent and ideally stay around 70 percent. This can be achieved through a humidifier, spritzing the cage regularly with water or through evaporation of moisture from the substrate. It’s all a matter of personal preference that depends largely upon how much time the owner wants to invest in monitoring the gecko’s cage.

handling a crested gecko
Crested geckos are usually calm and don’t mind being held.

What should I feed my pet crested gecko?

Did you know that crested geckos do not need to be fed live insects? Modern science has actually formulated a powdered food that you simply mix with water and put in a dish for your gecko. It’s almost as simple as feeding your cat or dog! These pre-made meals contain everything your crested gecko will need nutritionally to thrive, so they come highly recommended by many owners and breeders. They are also commonly sold in pet stores nowadays as they are such a convenient alternative to live insects.

If you happen to own a crested gecko that is not captive bred, it might be a bit tougher to get the gecko to eat food out of a dish. Not to worry! In this case, just feed your gecko a mixture of live insects such as crickets, mealworms, wax worms and roaches. You should also offer fruit as a treat. Not only is it good for the gecko’s diet, it’s very entertaining to watch them eat it.

Drinking water is something that your crested gecko should always have access to. Simply provide a shallow water dish for your gecko that is always clean and free of debris. Misting and allowing water to collect on leaves and fixtures is also acceptable in addition to a water dish.

What happens if my crested gecko loses its tail?

Like many species of lizard, crested geckos can drop their tail if its necessary. This is a defense mechanism and allows them to flee from predators unscathed.

Unlike many other species, the tail of a crested gecko will not grow back. Once a crested gecko loses its tail, it becomes known as a “frogbutt” and will simply have a stump on its rear-end for the rest of its life. We think they look rather cute this way, although we don’t advise purposefully making your gecko drop its tail since it can be a sign of stress on the animal.

If you are interested in learning what to do if your own pet crested gecko loses its tail, feel free to read our article discussing that very subject.

Once a crested gecko loses its tail, it is gone for life. The gecko is only affected cosmetically and now has the honor of being known as a “frogbutt” gecko.

Conclusion

Crested geckos are unique little lizards with a lot to offer potential owners. They are very adorable and have quirky personalities once you get to know them. We also like the fact that they exhibit a variety of patterns, colorations and morphs.

If you are interested in a pet crested gecko of your own, Backwater Reptiles has crested geckos for sale. We recommend getting a baby because it’s so much fun to watch them grow up.

~ BackwaterReptiles

What are the best pet aquatic frogs?

We’ve already discussed the best pet terrestrial frogs and the best pet arboreal frogs. In this article, we’ll dive into the topic of the best pet aquatic frogs. In our opinion, three amphibians make the best aquatic pet frogs – Budgett’s frogs, Surinam toads and Fire-bellied toads.

Budgett’s Frogs as pets

Budgett’s frogs are also commonly known as Freddy Krueger frogs, but their scientific name is Lepidobatrachus laevis. No matter what name this species goes by, we’re sure you’ll never forget about them once you’ve had the chance to learn more.

We’ll wager that the first thing you notice about the Budgett’s frog is its comical appearance. Due to their aquatic lifestyle, these frogs are semi blob-like. They have rounded and jiggly bodies with small legs, bulbous eyes on top of their heads, and extra long fingers that helped them achieve their alternate name of Freddy Kruger frog.

This species of frog is highly known for its piercing shrieks and grunts and its intimidating attitude. When it feels threatened, the Budgett’s frog will open its mouth very wide and show off its two sharp teeth. They also inflate sort of like a balloon in order to make themselves appear larger and more threatening to potential predators.

Budgett’s frogs can grow to be quite large, however interestingly enough, their enclosure doesn’t need to be big in order for them to thrive. We do highly advise keeping them separately from one another though as they are prone to cannibalism.

Although they are big eaters, Budgett’s don’t require much in terms of aquariums/enclosures to keep them happy. They should have warm water in the 77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit range, little or no substate, lightweight or minimal cage decor and a platform that allows them to completely leave the water if they so choose.

Despite the fact that they don’t require much in terms of maintenance and care, we do advise that you have some prior experience with amphibians, preferably those with primarily aquatic lifestyles before owning a Budgett’s frog. They do require a clean tank and water and lots of food, they live 15 to 20 years, plus they grow quickly, so we recommend doing your research and making an informed decision about whether or not you can properly care for a Budgett’s frog.

If you have decided you are ready to own a Freddy Krueger frog of your own, Backwater Reptiles sells them. Rest assured that you will be receiving a healthy frog with proven Frog Ranch genetics.

budgets frogs as pets
This photo shows the stumpy, blob-like appearance of the Budgett’s frog. They are almost so ugly that they become cute. Wouldn’t you agree?

Surinam Toads as pets

It’s splitting hairs whether or not you consider the Surinam Toad (Pipa pipa) a frog, but either way, it is most certainly an amphibian. And this amphibian also makes for an incredibly cool aquatic pet.

The first thing you are likely to notice about the Surinam toad is its bizarre appearance. These toads are flat with triangular heads, itty bitty eyes and long fingers. They have been described as resembling frog roadkill. Their flattened appearance is perfect for their aquatic environment where they spend most of their time attempting to mimic dead leaves on the bottom of bodies of water. In other words, they most certainly do not resemble traditional toads or frogs upon first glance.

The reproductive habits of these toads is what makes them truly unique and amazing. After an intricate mating ritual, female toads develop a thick skin on their backs where fertilized eggs attach and embed themselves. Once the baby toads are ready to hatch, froglets emerge straight from the skin of the mother’s back leaving behind large holes.

In reality, Surinam toads are not very active pets. In addition to being fully aquatic, they honestly don’t do much other than sit around. They are a lot more active during mating rituals, but during most of the year they simply float or sit in the water and swim to the top for air every 15 to 30 minutes. The exception is when they are eating. They are ambush predators and when prey is near their mouth, the explode and essentially inhale their prey item. It’s quite fun to watch.

If you are prepared to house a fully aquatic toad and you might even be interested in a pair to try and breed, Backwater Reptiles has Surinam Toads for sale. You can also learn more about how to care for this bizarre-looking toad by reading our blog article dedicated to them.

surinam toad appearance
Surinam toads are flat and pointy with eyes the size of pinheads. They are truly a sight to behold.

Fire Bellied Toads as pets

Interestingly enough, because they are such commonly kept beginner frogs, fire bellied toads (Bombina orientalis) are often looked down upon within the herp enthusiast community. But we think they actually have quite a bit to offer, whether you’re new to keeping amphibians or not.

The first thing we think is awesome about fire bellied toads is that they are diurnal, or active during the day. This might not seem like a big deal, but most amphibians are actually secretive and prefer to come out when it’s dark. Being diurnal can be cool because it actually allows you to observe your pet’s behavior and get to know its personality and quirks.

Fire bellied toads are also very forgiving when it comes to habitat. They are easy to maintain and can acclimate, even if their owner unintentionally makes mistakes. This makes them excellent options for beginners or children learning to care for their first non-furry pet.

This hardy amphibian gets its common name from its bright orange/red tummy which indicates to potential predators that it is harmful to eat. It secretes a toxin from its skin that makes it unappetizing to anything that would try to eat it. But not to worry – unless you are eating your pet, the secretions from its skin are not harmful to humans.

Another reason fire bellied toads are so popular is that they are actually very easy to come by. Many pet stores carry them and they are relatively inexpensive. Again, they make excellent beginner pets.

If you are interested in owning a fire bellied toad of your own, but you want to learn more about how to care for one, feel free to check out our blog article dedicated to this very topic.

fore bellied toad underside
This photo shows off the lovely black and orange/red mottled underside of the fire bellied toad. This coloration is actually how this species got its common name.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer to call them frogs or toads, in our opinion, Budgett’s frogs, Surinam toads and Fire-bellied toads make the best aquatic pet frogs.

Each species we discussed in this article is unique and quirky. Maybe you’re drawn to Budgett’s frogs because of their nearly amorphous shape. Or maybe you like the colorful tummies of fire-bellied toads. No matter which species on this list is your favorite, we’re comfortable saying that each of these three amphibians makes a great pet for families or individuals in the market for an aquatic frog.

Do Tarantulas Need UV Lighting?

~ BackwaterReptiles

Do pet tarantulas need UV lighting as part of their enclosure?

Pet tarantulas are popular for many reasons. Some people like the way they look. Others enjoy the fear factor associated with them. Many simply love that they are low maintenance pets. But a very commonly asked question we get when people are considering getting their own pet tarantula is whether or not it’s necessary to provide them with UV lighting.

In this article, we will explore why it’s not necessary to provide your spider with UV lights. We will also talk about what the reasons are that some owners choose to use lighting set ups for their arachnids anyways.

do tarantulas need uv lighting

Your tarantula does not require UV lighting

Truthfully, most species of tarantula are the most active at night. The sun and other bright lights certainly don’t harm them any more than they would any other animal, but in general, wild tarantulas prefer darker environments. This is why when they are kept as pets, it’s not necessary to provide your tarantula with UV lighting.

In fact, tarantula cages should not be kept in direct sunlight. Spiders should also always be provided with a retreat where they can go to hide if they choose.

Why do some tarantula owners use lights?

Because different spiders have slightly different enclosure requirements and do better with different humidities and temperatures, some owners choose to use lights to regulate variables within the enclosure.

Lights do not need to produce UV rays, but some tarantula keepers use lights to help raise the temperature within the enclosure. This is especially useful for people who live in colder climates or like to keep the ambient temperature in their home rather cool.

Lights can also be useful to create a natural night and day Circadian rhythm. For many spiders, this can help feeding responses, molt timings and other natural functions occur on schedule and with no hiccups.

Another reason a tarantula owner might wish to use lights is to regulate humidity. Some spiders are burrowers, some are arboreal and others are desert dwellers. Lighting that creates heat can help moisture evaporate from substrate to create the proper humidity that your spider requires.

juvenile antilles pink toe tarantula
Keep in mind that different tarantula species have different environment requirements to stay healthy. Some owners will choose to use lighting to help meet those requirements.

What items should your tarantula enclosure include?

So if my tarantula doesn’t need UV lights to be healthy, what does it need in order to thrive in captivity?

First, when you decide to care for a tarantula, make sure you know whether it is arboreal or terrestrial. Arboreal spiders need cages that have more vertical space, while terrestrial spiders need cages that have more floor space. So your biggest order of business before deciding whether or not to use lights is a proper cage.

Tarantula enclosures also need substrate. What kind you get will be determined by what type of spider you have. Typically, coconut husk and potting soil mixtures work well for most species.

A hide is another essential piece of furniture within your spider’s enclosure. The hiding spot needs to be big enough to conceal the tarantula, but not too heavy that it could injure it. Spiderlings need a hide too, but exercise caution when choosing. It needs to be light weight and practical in addition to functional.

A water dish or water source is something else that you should include, even though most tarantula owners never see their pet getting a drink. Spiderlings shouldn’t have a full water dish for safety reasons, but you can put a moist sponge in a small dish within the cage. Larger spiders are not usually at risk to drown, so a normal lightweight water dish should suffice.

Depending on which spider species you own, you will need to regulate temperature and humidity. This is where research comes into play and whether or not you wish to use lights to obtain the proper specs.

antilles pink toe spiderling

Nighttime lighting for your tarantula

Because most tarantulas are most active at night, you’ll want to keep it pretty dark in order for them to comfortably eat and explore. But you can still watch your tarantula if you use night time lights that are specially created just for this purpose.

Night viewing light bulbs simulate moonlight and allow owners to observe their pets when the lights go out. They are especially useful for night time feedings or if you want to sneakily observe your tarantula during the molting process.

exa terra night heat lamp
Bulbs such as the one pictured can help keep temperatures up at night and also allow for owners to view their pet during times when they are most active.

Conclusion

In the wild, tarantulas tend to avoid harsh light and are most active at night. This means that when they are kept as pets in captivity, UV lighting that mimics the rays of the sun is not necessary for their wellbeing.

Bear in mind that some tarantula owners do use various forms of lighting to help regulate variables such as temperature and humidity within their spider’s enclosure. There are also night time viewing lights that allow owners to watch their spiders at night while still mimicking normal night/day cycle patterns.

Ultimately, the choice on whether or not to utilize lights for your pet tarantula depends on your unique circumstances.

Are Tarantulas Good Pets?

are tarantulas good pets
~ BackwaterReptiles

Do tarantulas and spiders make good pets?

Are you considering a pet tarantula but you’re not sure if a spider would suit your lifestyle, home and family? We always encourage research to make sure you can physically care for an animal before adopting, but overall, if you are prepared, we feel tarantulas can make excellent pets.

are tarantulas good pets
Tarantulas can be great pets if you are familiar with their body language, habits and care requirements.

Are tarantulas good pets for beginners?

Some species of tarantula can make great pets for beginners. There are quite a few species such as Rosehair tarantulas (Grammostola rosea), Mexican Redknee tarantulas (Brachypelma smithi) and Brazilian Black tarantulas (Grammostola pulchra) that are known for their calm demeanors. They are less likely to be aggressive and more inclined to allow themselves to be handled.

As far as actual care requirements go, nearly all tarantulas are very low maintenance. They need very little other than a place to hide, food, water and a basic enclosure to thrive. In other words, you don’t have to do a lot as an owner to make a pet tarantula happy. This means that they can be good for young ones who are just learning about the responsibilities of owning a pet.

Just keep in mind that certain species of spider are not suitable for beginners. These are usually the more aggressive species such as Goliath Bird Eaters, King Baboons and Orange Baboons. Because these species are typically more aggressive, we usually only recommend them as display pets that are not handled. Ultimately, this usually means that they are best kept by more experienced arachnid owners.

Tarantulas are pets that should mostly be kept in their enclosure, however there are some species that enjoy time outside their enclosure to explore.

What should I know before getting a pet tarantula?

As far as exotic pets are concerned, be aware that tarantulas are pretty dull. Unless it’s meal time, they feel threatened, or they are molting, they don’t do a whole lot other than chill out. Some even prefer to remain hidden throughout the day when we are awake, so you might not even see your spider all that often.

We also like to advise people that although tarantulas can be handled and some don’t even seem to mind people at all, they cannot be tamed. They are not a domesticated animal and their behavior cannot be predicted with 100 percent accuracy. They can’t be “trusted” and don’t expect your tarantula to bond with you the way a cat or dog or even an iguana might. They are simply not capable of it.

Another thing to keep in mind when considering whether or not a tarantula is a good pet for you is that they are venomous and can be dangerous. While their venom is really only extremely harmful to small children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, tarantulas can and will bite if they feel the need to do so. Therefore, there is always inherent risk in owning a pet tarantula.

Tarantulas can live quite a long time, depending upon the gender and the age at which you acquire the spider. Certain species can live longer than a dog or cat. Be mindful of this commitment when purchasing a tarantula.

Lastly, if you are squeamish about insects at all or don’t want live insects in your house, a tarantula would not make a good pet for you. Tarantulas eat live insects such as roaches, mealworms, crickets and wax worms. You will need to either keep a supply of your own on hand or purchase live insects frequently from a supplier in order to feed your spider.

purple pink toe tarantula sling
Spiderlings are very fast and can be shy and skittish. Exercise extreme caution if you decide to handle yours.

What can I expect from a pet tarantula?

As we’ve already established, tarantulas are mostly display pets. They shouldn’t be held or moved from their cage too frequently as it tends to stress them out and can be potentially dangerous to both owner and spider. So don’t expect a loving bond with your tarantula.

You can expect your spider to be secretive and hide a lot during the day. Most species are most active at night and stay burrowed or in a dark space when they are not hunting.

Mealtime will usually be a fun experience when you own a pet tarantula. It’s fascinating to observe your spider catching and eating insects.

If you obtain your tarantula as a baby or spiderling, you can expect it to grow quickly. Young spiders molt a lot as they grow so you will be able to witness this amazing process. Tarantulas can even regrow lost limbs during molts!

What species of tarantula should I get?

So, you’ve decided that a pet tarantula is a good fit for you and your household. Now comes the tougher part – what species should you select?

Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. We even wrote a separate blog article discussing what we think are the best pet tarantulas.

However, each owner will have different experience levels and traits they are looking for in a pet spider. The list we supplied is by no means all inclusive.

If you’re in the market for something more exotic, browse our selection of tarantulas for sale on our website. You will be able to see tarantulas that come in many sizes and colors and make your own educated decision on the species that would make the best pet for you.

brazilian salmon pink birdeater close u
Tarantulas can make great pets if you are prepared to care for an arachnid.

Conclusion

We always encourage potential buyers of exotic pets to do their research prior to getting any kind of animal. Make sure you can properly deal with the animal’s food, housing and human interaction requirements before you commit.

That being said, tarantulas can make excellent pets for the right kind of people. If you’re into creepy, crawly, multi-limbed invertebrates that eat living insects, a tarantula could be a good fit. They don’t actually require much maintenance and they don’t need to be walked, handled or given attention frequently (or at all.)

So, what’s our final verdict on whether or not a tarantula is a good pet? YES! They are certainly great for people who want a pet that requires minimal effort and enjoy watching their pet rather than playing with it. A tarantula won’t play fetch with you, cuddle you on your couch or go on vacation with you, but it can provide satisfaction in its own spidery way.

Will My Amphibian Glow?

~ BackwaterReptiles

Did you know that new research has just revealed that many species of amphibian are fluorescent?

Scientists have just discovered that many species of amphibians have the ability to glow when they absorb a certain type of blue light and then are photographed with special lenses. However, while your pet frog, salamander or siren might possess the ability to glow, you likely won’t ever be able to witness this phenomenon unless you possess special equipment.

This frog appears radioactive, although it has only been exposed to blue light.

What exactly has the new research found?

According to biologists at St. Cloud University in Minnesota, Jennifer Lamb and Matt Davis, many, or maybe even all, amphibians including frogs, salamanders, toads and their distant cousins are fluorescent! Humans just are unable to see this glowing without special equipment.

It’s no secret that other species such as jellyfish, chameleons, scorpions, corals, penguins and even sea turtles are bioluminescent. (Bioluminescence, by the way, is different than fluorescence. Bioluminescence is when the animal emits its own light using chemical processes or the help of other creatures such as bacteria.) However, when it comes to land-based animals, scientists have mainly studied through the lens of UV lights.

Amphibians have been discovered to be fluorescent under blue light, which is more typically found in deep sea habitats. What this means is that you can only see the animal glowing after shining the light on it and allowing it to absorb the light and emit a responsive wavelength. This is likely why no one has really suspected that amphibians possessed this trait until now.

The scientist team at St. Cloud essentially ran around after dark in an aquarium testing various amphibian species. They found that all of them glowed, even in different life phases.

Different amphibians glow differently, but it seems to be a fairly universal trait amongst them.

What does the discovery that amphibians glow mean for practical applications?

The bottom line is that research is usually not done just for the sake of gaining knowledge. Most intense studies are conducted with the hopes of learning something astounding that could lead to new developments in technology, particularly in the fields of medicine and conservation.

Thus far, it can be deduced that because fluorescence is such a wide-spread trait in amphibians, it must have developed early on in the evolution of the amphibians as a group. However, scientists have yet to figure out the cause or purpose of this interesting discovery.

Researchers are also thinking that the area that glows could be a good indicator as to its function or functions. For instance, certain species were rather dull when exposed to the light, but their cloaca (place where amphibians eliminate waste and mate) glowed strongly. This might serve as a cue in mating rituals. Salamanders tend to glow on their bellies but not their backs, which could be an indicator to potential predators to avoid eating them.

Scientists aren’t exactly sure if other animals that aren’t amphibians can see the fluorescence that is emitted. Different species have different adaptations and particularities in their vision that might enable or disable them from being able to see an amphibian’s glowing.

Previous examples like the development of a green fluorescent protein used in medicinal applications won the Nobel prize for chemistry in 2008. Therefore, the hope is that this discovery could lead to a similar application. Perhaps it might lead to a new type of experimental imaging.

Another practical application for this discovery is much simpler and easier to understand for those of us who are not Nobel scientists. Field researchers who conduct studies on amphibians and their place in the ecosystem could use the fluorescent trait to locate tricky-to-find amphibians at night when they are most active. Perhaps the days of collecting and surveying specimens using a flashlight and net are over?

fluorescent salamander
The salamander on the left was photographed under normal conditions. The photo on the right shows the same salamander after being exposed to blue light.

Can I see my own pet amphibian glow at home?

Unfortunately, observing your pet frog glowing at home is not a very likely incident. You would need to possess the proper blue light emitter and the proper lens to see the filtration of that light after it’s been absorbed. It’s not as simple as shining a black light on your pet scorpion…which is another story and fun little experiment in and of itself!

So, while you can rest easy knowing that your pet frog, toad, salamander, siren or amphiuma is that much cooler because it fluoresces, you still won’t be able to reproduce the phenomena at home.

Conclusion

The discovery that amphibians can fluoresce is an exciting one for scientists. The potential applications are not only helpful but likely profitable in the right hands.

We’re all for anything that could potentially help conserve our planet’s precious amphibian friends, so hopefully scientists can delve deeper into this phenomenon and learn the why and how behind it.

Sources

Please note that all information and photographs of glowing amphibians are from the sources listed below.

https://www.wired.com/story/amphibians-glow