Common name: SHTCT Leopard Gecko
Scientific name: Eublepharis macularius
Origin of species: Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwestern India, Iran (arid rocky deserts)
Size: 7–10 inches (adult)
Weight: 45–70 g
Lifespan: 15–20 years in captivity
SHTCT = Super Hypo Tangerine Carrot Tail
Super Hypo: No black body spots at all (0).
Tangerine: Strong orange coloration on the body, varying from light orange to deep tangerine.
Carrot Tail: At least 15% (often much more) of the tail base is solid bright orange.
When combined, you get a gecko with a clean, spot-free orange body and a bold orange tail base.
Personality: Docile, calm, and very handleable
Handling: Easy to tame, one of the best morphs for beginners
Behavior: Crepuscular (most active during dawn/dusk), ground-dwelling, loves burrowing and hiding
Enclosure: 20-gallon long tank minimum for one adult; larger is better for enrichment
Substrate: Reptile carpet, tile, paper towel, or packed soil (avoid loose sand for juveniles)
Temperature:
Warm side (belly heat): 88–92°F
Cool side: 75–80°F
Night: ~70–75°F
Humidity: Low (30–40%), with a humid hide for shedding
Lighting: UVB optional but highly recommended for long-term health
Hides: Provide at least 3 (warm, cool, humid)
Type: Insectivore
Staple foods: Dubia roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae
Occasional treats: Hornworms, silkworms, superworms, waxworms (fatty)
Supplements:
Calcium with D3 (every feeding for juveniles, every other for adults)
Multivitamins (weekly)
Feeding schedule:
Juveniles: daily
