What Types of Geckos Are Aggressive?

Beginning reptile enthusiasts often gravitate to colorful and inquisitive geckos. Some ornate varieties may appear playful and inviting, but only professional handlers should safely handle the more aggressive species. Although some geckos--such as leopard geckos, day geckos and African fat-tailed geckos--have docile demeanors, other geckos bite and exhibit aggressive behavior.

  1. Tokay Gecko

    • Children and adults alike often admire the purple, blue and orange spots of the Tokay gecko, an Asian species.The gecko can look attractive in a pet store, but it has aggressive tendencies. Tokay geckos can pack a powerful bite. Unlike some gecko species, the Tokay gecko can climb the glass walls of its enclosure, making it quick to attack hands that reach into its home. When evening approaches, Tokay geckos make an aggressive, barking-like sound to communicate with fellow geckos.

    Gargoyle Gecko

    • The chubby, sand-colored gargoyle gecko has bright, welcoming eyes and a slender nose. Don't let this attractive species of gecko trick you. Gargoyle geckos exhibit aggressive behaviors when housed in groups. Tail chewing among group members can leave some geckos lethargic and refusing to eat. To make a gargoyle gecko easier to handle, keep it housed by itself. When breeding this species of gecko, keep a careful eye on the mating pair and remove the female immediately after the breeding concludes. When handling an individual gargoyle gecko use a loose, gentle grip. Pinching or squeezing the gecko can result in a bite.

    Bibron's Gecko

    • The Bibron's gecko calls southern Africa home. When kept as pets, male Bibron's geckos can become aggressive. Once this type of gecko reaches its full size of eight inches in length, use caution around its adult jaws during feeding time. Place crickets, spiders or small mammals in a feeding box, then place the gecko in the box to eat. Reaching into a Bibron's gecko's home to feed it could result in an aggressive bite. Admire this species of gecko outside the clear glass walls of its tank, as Bibron's geckos resist hands-on play.