BLACK WATER (Eublepharis macularius)

BLACK WATER (Eublepharis macularius)

$600.00

Full Description

Here’s a complete care guide for the Black Water Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) — a rare melanistic morph line similar to the Black Night, known for its intensely dark body coloration and selectively bred traits.

Black Water Leopard Gecko Care Guide

Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
Morph Type: Line-bred melanistic morph
Similar To: Black Night, Black Pearl, Midnight

Note: “Black Water” is a line name, not a genetic mutation. Its care is identical to other leopard geckos, with special consideration for light sensitivity and stress reduction due to its dark pigmentation.

Morph Overview

Trait Description
Coloration Very dark (charcoal to near-black), often with reduced patterning
Eyes Dark brown to black
Pattern Minimal or speckled; some may be nearly patternless
Genetics Line-bred; not a simple dominant/recessive trait
Behavior Similar to standard leos but may be more light-sensitive

Size & Lifespan

Feature Details
Length 7–10 inches (18–25 cm)
Weight 50–90g (adult)
Lifespan 15–20 years

Enclosure Setup

Tank Size

Age Recommended Size
Juvenile 10–20 gallons (long)
Adult 20–40 gallon breeder

Floor space is more important than height for leopard geckos.

Substrate

Safe Choices Avoid
Slate or ceramic tile Loose sand (especially calcium sand)
Reptile carpet Wood chips/bark
Paper towel (temp/quarantine)
Packed soil/clay bioactive mix (advanced)

Hides (Minimum 3)

  1. Warm Hide — on the heated side

  2. Cool Hide — on the opposite end

  3. Humid Hide — filled with moist moss or coco fiber to aid shedding

Decor

  • Natural rocks, bark, fake or live plants

  • Enclosure with shaded areas to reduce stress from overhead lighting

  • Low basking surfaces (they are terrestrial)

️ Temperature & Humidity

Zone °F °C
Warm side 88–92°F 31–33°C
Cool side 75–80°F 24–27°C
Nighttime 68–75°F 20–24°C
Humidity 30–40% (ambient), 70–80% in humid hide

Heating

  • Under Tank Heater (UTH) controlled by a thermostat is essential

  • Optional: Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) for nighttime temps

  • No need for overhead basking bulbs — they can cause stress

Lighting

  • UVB: Optional (low-level UVB such as 2.0–5.0 is beneficial but not required)

  • Day/Night Cycle: 12 hours light / 12 hours dark

  • Light Sensitivity: Black Water morphs benefit from low-light setups with shaded hides

Use indirect or dim lighting. Too much brightness can wash out coloration and cause stress.

️ Diet & Supplementation

Feeder Insects (gut-loaded)

Insect Notes
Dubia Roaches High protein, easy to digest
Crickets Affordable and active
BSF Larvae (Calciworms) Great calcium source
Mealworms Good in moderation
Superworms Use sparingly (high fat)
Waxworms Treat only

Feeding Schedule

Life Stage Frequency
Juveniles Daily
Adults Every 2–3 days

Supplements

Supplement Frequency
Calcium (no D3) Always in tank
Calcium + D3 1–2× per week
Multivitamin 1× per week

✅ Dust insects with appropriate supplement before feeding

Maintenance

  • Daily: Remove droppings, replace water

  • Weekly: Clean hides and decor

  • Monthly: Deep clean the tank or refresh substrate (unless bioactive)

⚠️ Morph-Specific Considerations

Issue Recommendation
Light Sensitivity Provide shaded hides and low ambient light
Stress Reactivity Avoid bright lights and heavy handling
Color Fading Overexposure to UV or stress may dull color
Genetic Line Strength Source from ethical breeders to avoid inbreeding issues

Handling Tips

Tip Why
Handle during evening Matches their natural activity
Short sessions (5–10 min) Reduces stress
Always support body Prevents injury and builds trust
Avoid during shedding Sensitive during this time

✅ Quick Checklist

✔ 20–40 gal long tank
✔ UTH with thermostat
✔ 3 hides (warm, cool, moist)
✔ Gut-loaded insect diet
✔ Calcium + vitamin supplementation
✔ Ambient light control (dim is best)
✔ Spot-clean daily
✔ Clean, moist hide for shedding
✔ Gentle, infrequent handling

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