GECKO MANDARIN BLACK NIGHT - DARK (Eublepharis macularius)

GECKO MANDARIN BLACK NIGHT – DARK (Eublepharis macularius)

$400.00

Full Description

Here’s a detailed care guide for the Mandarin Black Night – Dark Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius), a striking morph that combines the deep pigmentation of the Black Night line with the vivid tangerine-orange of the Mandarin line. The “Dark” designation refers to individuals with prominent dark coloration (near-black or deep charcoal) and muted but visible orange patterning.

Mandarin Black Night – Dark Leopard Gecko Care Guide

Morph Overview

Trait Description
Morph Name Mandarin Black Night – Dark
Scientific Name Eublepharis macularius
Morph Type Line-bred (Black Night × Mandarin)
Appearance Nearly black or dark gray body with traces of deep orange or tangerine; often includes Eclipse traits (solid/partial black eyes)
Experience Level Intermediate to Advanced

Size & Lifespan

Trait Value
Adult Length 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
Adult Weight 50–90 grams
Lifespan 15–20 years (in captivity)

Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

  • Juvenile: 10–20 gallons

  • Adult: 20–40 gallon breeder (36″ x 18″ floor space ideal)

Substrate Options

✅ Safe ❌ Unsafe
Slate or ceramic tile Loose sand / calcium sand
Paper towels Wood chips, bark, gravel
Reptile carpet Small-particulate substrates
Bioactive (advanced)

Hides & Furnishings

  • Warm Hide (placed over heating element)

  • Cool Hide (for thermoregulation)

  • Humid Hide (filled with moist sphagnum moss or eco-earth for shedding)

  • Include: climbing features, low décor, foliage, and rocks

️ Temperature & Humidity

Zone Fahrenheit Celsius
Warm side 88–92°F 31–33°C
Cool side 75–80°F 24–27°C
Nighttime 68–72°F 20–22°C
Humidity 30–40% ambient, 70–80% in humid hide

Heating Tips

  • Use a UTH (under-tank heater) on a digital thermostat

  • Monitor belly heat with a digital thermometer probe

  • Avoid overhead basking bulbs unless needed to maintain ambient temps

Lighting Considerations

  • UVB is optional but beneficial (5% UVB linear strip like Arcadia ShadeDweller)

  • Due to potential Eclipse traits and Black Night lineage, these geckos are often light-sensitive

  • Avoid bright white overhead lights

  • Use dim ambient lighting and ensure multiple shaded hides

Feeding & Supplements

Diet

Type Common Feeders
Staples Dubia roaches, crickets, BSFL, mealworms
Occasional Superworms, silkworms, hornworms
Treats Waxworms (rare, high-fat)

Feeding Schedule

Age Frequency
Juveniles Daily
Adults Every 2–3 days

Supplementation

Supplement Frequency
Calcium (no D3) Always available
Calcium + D3 1–2× weekly
Multivitamin 1× weekly

Always gut-load feeder insects 24 hours before offering.

Maintenance

  • Daily: Spot-clean feces, replace water

  • Weekly: Wipe surfaces, clean hides

  • Monthly: Replace substrate (unless bioactive); deep clean enclosure

⚠️ Morph-Specific Considerations

Trait Note
Dark pigmentation These geckos absorb more heat — use caution with heating elements
Light sensitivity Common with Eclipse-influenced eyes; provide shaded areas
Color stability Bright orange tones may fade if exposed to high stress or intense lighting
Genetic considerations Avoid breeding two Black Night line animals without outcrossing — potential for health concerns from inbreeding
Handling Typically calm but shy; may be reclusive during daytime due to photophobia

Handling Tips

  • Start slow: short, calm handling sessions after a 1–2 week acclimation

  • Handle during dusk or evening

  • Avoid sudden lights or noise

  • Support the entire body while handling

✅ Care Summary

Category Recommendation
Enclosure Size 20–40 gal horizontal space
Substrate Tile, paper towel, or bioactive
Heat Source UTH + thermostat (88–92°F hotspot)
Lighting Low UVB optional; avoid harsh lights
Humidity 30–40% ambient; humid hide required
Diet Insectivorous; gut-loaded feeders
Supplements Calcium (daily), D3/multivitamins (weekly)
Enrichment Hides, rocks, tunnels, safe décor
Handling Gentle, infrequent, stress-aware
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