Thinking about bringing a black night leopard gecko to your home? First, learning as much as possible about the animal is crucial. So, here’s everything you need to know about this leopard gecko morph.

In many respects, leopard geckos are ideal as household pets. In general, they are friendly, approachable, and low-maintenance pets. The black night leopard gecko was first developed by two Dutch breeders, Ferry Zuurmond and Roy Sluiter, after 15 years of research.

Below is everything you need to know about black night leopard gecko and how to properly take care of it.

The Appearance of Black Night Leopard Gecko

The black night leopard gecko is among the most beautiful and unique creatures you will ever see. Their hands often have five fingers, making them quadrupeds. They have a sleek, all-black appearance with no discernible design. They get their name from their coloring, a deep black with a relatively brighter underside.

Their stunning, uniform black color is not the consequence of a random mutation but rather generations of selective breeding between dark Leopard geckos. Because of their highly dark coloring, these gecko morphs are formally classified as hypermelanistic.

Nighttime Black leopard adult geckos measure around 7-10 inches. They have long, thin tails compared to their broad, triangular heads. Small scales cover their skin, and a tiny claw-like device on each toe helps them crawl.

Morphs and Color Variations

As mentioned earlier, this leopard gecko morph was created in the Netherlands by two experienced breeders, Ferry Zuurmond and Roy Sluiter. The breeders produced the Black Knight leopard gecko after 15 years of in-depth research.

So, it shouldn’t be surprising that this gecko is one of the rarest morphs. As a testament to this morph’s uniqueness, individuals are willing to spend up to $4000 to get the Black Night leopard gecko home.

When it comes to morphs, you can find some rare geckos that are solid black or others that are black but with spotted or patterned bodies.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a solidly black gecko, you’ll have to dig deeper into your pockets as they cost more.

Diet and Nutrition Requirements

Like other geckos, Black Night leopard geckos are insectivorous and require a diet primarily consisting of insects. Wax worms, crickets, butter worms, silkworms, and locusts are just some commercially produced insects you can feed these leos.

However, never feed them insects such as moths, butterflies, and moths since they might be toxic or cause health complications.

The frequency of feeding your Black Night leopard gecko will depend on its age and growth stage. Baby geckos need to eat 2-3 times a day since they require more energy for robust growth and development.

On the other hand, juveniles above three months need to feed once daily to replenish their energy reserves and maintain optimal growth.

As for adult geckos, you’ll need to eat once after 2-3 days since they don’t grow much and don’t need much nutrition in their old age.

More importantly, you should ensure that your leopard gecko’s terrarium has a bowl of clean water. The water dish should be cleaned and refilled daily to ensure the lizard stays hydrated.

Another essential part of feeding your leopard gecko is to ensure that it receives all the vital nutrients through supplementation. Calcium insufficiency is the primary concern for leos and most reptile pets.

Calcium deficits can lead to metabolic bone disease, a degenerative disorder of the skeleton that increases the risk of fractures, disfigurement, and even death if not treated.

Therefore, when thinking about your Black Night leopard gecko diet, you must ensure that they get enough calcium and vitamin D3 supplements. Essentially, you can supplement the Leo’s diet with calcium and vitamin in two ways:

• Gut-loading: This is where you feed crickets on a high-calcium diet 24 or 12 hours before the Black Night leopard geckos eat them. Crickets store calcium in their guts and release them into the gecko’s digestive system once they are ingested and digested. This is a better way to get more nutrients to the body.
• Dusting: This is a supplementation technique where pet owners dip insects into a calcium or vitamin powder to carry the nutrients into the Leo’s gut once consumed.

Some experts also claim that if you put a bowl of calcium or vitamin supplements next to the water dish, your gecko may lick the powder and get the necessary supplementation.

Important Pointers When Feeding You Black Night Leopard Gecko

• Although a Black Night gecko can last 10-14 days without food, you should never starve it for that long intentionally.
• Don’t overfeed your geckos, as it leads to obesity and many health issues. Instead, experts recommend letting the gecko eat as much as possible in 10-15 minutes and removing the remainder from its cage.
• The insect you feed your gecko should be the same size as the space between its eyes. Never give geckos insects that are too big, as they can cause impaction. 
• Leopard geckos should never be given fruit since their digestive systems are not evolved to process sugars.

Black Night Leopard Gecko & Terrarium Requirements

Tank Size

Like typical leopard geckos, Black Night Geckos need a terrarium that provides the perfect space to live comfortably and exercise. Although the size of the terrarium will depend on the number of geckos you have, a general rule is to provide at least 20 gallons of space per gecko.

The gecko’s terrarium should also have appropriate heating, lighting, and humidity. Conversely, you’ll need to provide enrichments, smooth and soft substrate, and hiding spots.

Finally, keeping the terrarium clean by regularly spot-cleaning and deep cleaning the enclosure is essential. This can be done by removing the soiled substrate and replacing it with a fresh substrate, as well as cleaning any surfaces that have become soiled.

In terms of the material, glass tanks with a secure lid are suitable for Black Night leopard geckos. Glass terrariums are ideal since it’s easier to keep the temperature and humidity in such tanks at optimal levels. They also allow the gecko to have a clear view of its surrounding.

The tank’s geometry should also be taken into account. Because Black night Leos are ground-dwelling creatures, they do well in horizontally long aquariums. To keep your chameleon or another tree-dwelling reptile healthy and happy, steer clear of tall, skinny tanks.

Temperature

Leopard geckos are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature changes depending on where they are. Because of this, you need to keep the temperature in their tank stable and give them a temperature gradient, with warm and cool areas inside the terrarium.

When your Black Night leopard gecko needs extra warmth, it’ll spend some time in its hotspot, and when they’re feeling too toasty, it’ll head to its cool place.

The ideal daytime temperature for your gecko should be around 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with the basking spot heating up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The overnight temperature in the leos cage should be approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

A thermometer must be used to measure the temperature in both the hotspot and the cooler area of the tank to ensure that the temperature in the tank is within a safe range

You can help your Black Night leos stay warm in a variety of ways:

• Ceramic heaters: Unlike bulbs, they don’t give off light; they only heat the terrarium. They perform heating-related duties under all stable conditions.
• Light bulbs: Red or black reptile lights give heat and nonintrusive illumination. However, they should not be utilized as sole heating devices and should be used in conjunction with heating pads.
• Heating pads: Basically, heaters that are installed beneath the tank. They are affordable and use little power. In addition, because the heat mats are put in one section of the tank, they help generate the needed temperature gradient without heating the entire enclosure.

However, never use heat pebbles or other forms of direct heating since they might burn your gecko’s silky, sensitive skin.

Humidity

Since leopard geckos are native to Asia’s arid plains, the comparable conditions from these environments should be mimicked in captivity. Furthermore, since the humidity in their natural habitat ranges between 30-40%, you must ensure that the same is replicated in captivity.

Geckos will naturally burrow and move to a cooler, more humid area of their habitat if they become overheated, so providing them with such a place can be helpful. Therefore, you must add several humid hides inside their terrariums.

Remember, the humid hide should have a humidity level between 70-80% during the shedding period. Without these conditions, black Night leos are at high risk of developing retained skin, especially in areas such as between the toes and around the eyes.

If you want to ensure that the humidity levels inside the humid hide stay within the recommended range, you’ll need to add a hydrophilic substrate such as Eco Earth, peat moss, or coconut coir. Then, spray the humid shelter with water until it’s damp, and check on it frequently to see if it’s dried out.

Another essential part of maintaining ideal humidity inside your Leo’s tank is to place a bowl of water where it can quench its thirst when thirsty.

Lighting

Since Black Night leopard geckos are nocturnal, so they don’t need a specialized lighting setup. Essentially, too much lighting can affect their sleep pattern as they are susceptible to bright light.

Typically, leopard geckos can survive with minimal lighting in their enclosures. Actually, leopard geckos may function normally and thrive on incidental light that enters their tank from outside because they are crepuscular animals.

Regardless, daytime light is essential for growth and helps create and regulate the lizard’s circadian rhythm. If you decide to put lights in your gecko’s cage, please remember that too much brightness can cause stress. From experience, minimal natural light entering the tank is better than harsh artificial lighting.

In most reptile forums, some keepers claim to use full-spectrum light for their Black Night leopard geckos to supply UVB light.

While further research is needed to assert whether this practice is warranted, many people believe this is a good idea since it will encourage the lizards to create vitamin D3, which is essential for healthy bone growth.

Choice of Substrate

You should give serious thought to the type of substrate you use for your Black Night leopard gecko. This is because, as terrestrial lizards, leos spend a great deal of time engaging with the substrate in their tank; they hunt, eat, run and even lay eggs on the flooring.

Usually, you need to go for substrates that are not likely to get dusty or ingested by your reptile friend. These include newspapers, excavator clay, large river pebbles, reptile carpet, paper towel, and stone slates.

However, never use substates with tiny ingestible particles such as sand, wood chirpings, calcium sand, and walnut shells quartz. These substrates may get dusty, cause respiratory infection, or get ingested and cause impaction. 

Enrichments and Decorations

Like their natural desert habitat, a Leo’s vivarium should have a wide range of components that it can interact with to stay active and kill boredom. Being in an enclosed space without anything to engage with can increase stress levels in geckos.

Keepers can add rocks, logs, and hides to keep their Black Night gecko happy and revitalized. Even though geckos aren’t interested in plants, adding some greenery to the terrarium helps create a more natural appeal.

You can add anything you deem essential, but try not to make the cage look cluttered or less spacious.

Black Night Leopard Gecko Health Complications

When it comes to the Black Night Leopard gecko, you should be aware of a few potential health complications.

• Metabolic bone disease, or MBD: This condition is caused by vitamin D3 deficiency and can be aggravated by inadequate calcium consumption. Consequently, bones become so brittle that they cannot sustain the body’s structure. To ensure your gecko doesn’t develop this problem, ensure they have access to a good UVB light source and a balanced diet that includes calcium supplements.
• Respiratory infections: Leopard geckos can develop respiratory infections because of various factors, including poor husbandry, overcrowding, or a compromised immune system. Symptoms of respiratory disorders include breathing difficulties, sneezing, and a discharge from the nose or mouth.
• Impaction: Black Night leopard geckos can become impacted if they ingest substrate or large insects that cannot pass through their digestive system. This can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary care.
• Dehydration: Black Night Leopard Geckos can become dehydrated due to improper food and humidity levels in their habitats. Long-term dehydration can have devastating effects on health and even be fatal in extreme circumstances.

If you observe any changes in appearance or behavior in your gecko or are worried about their health for any other reason, you should talk to a vet specializing in reptiles. They will be able to identify and treat any health problems.

Breeding Black Night Leopard Geckos

Black Night gecko morphs are easy to breed since they don’t have any special requirements as long as they are healthy. If you’re looking to produce some Black Night Leopard Geckos, you’ll need to follow some basic steps.

First, ensure your gecko is mature enough—at least 18 months old. Then, provide your geckos with warm temperatures and plenty of humidity. A good rule of thumb is 85–90°F during the day and 70–80°F overnight, with a relative humidity between 30-40%.

A male can be placed in the same tank for successful breeding with two females. Females can produce roughly five clutches in a breeding season, with each clutch containing two eggs. You need to provide a laying box with a substrate that is easy to burrow so that females can lay their eggs.

After mating and laying eggs successfully, put the eggs in an incubator and offer the right temperature and humidity for hatching. Remember, Black Night leopard geckos can only be reproduced when you mate two black leopard gecko morphs.

Shedding in Black Night Leopard gecko

It’s natural for any reptile to shed its skin periodically. When your Black Night gecko grows, its skin won’t be able to stretch with it. Your leopard gecko will undergo a series of shedding moments to accommodate the growth.

How often your leopard gecko sheds will depend on its age. When they are young, geckos shed their skin every week or two.

When they are adults, they shed about once after every 4-8 weeks. Although shedding is inevitable, you can do a few things to ensure that it’s stress-free as possible.

The first step is to assert that the humidity and ventilation levels in their enclosure are appropriate. During a long shedding cycle, an excellent moisture-holding substrate, such as paper towels or bedding, can assist in maintaining high humidity levels.

Likewise, to prevent bacteria or mold from growing on their skin in that period, good ventilation will enable the region to remain dry.

Additionally, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any “stuck sheds” so you can assist in their removal if necessary. This is particularly critical when they are near the toes, face, or other sensitive places.

Warm water is used to loosen stubborn sheds, and then a moistened paper towel, Q-tip, or another non-sharp device is used to remove the retained skin carefully.

Hibernation In Black Night Leopard Geckos

Hibernation or brumation is a crucial part of the wild’s Black Night gecko life cycle. Although there are things you can do to ensure that your leo doesn’t hibernate, don’t be surprised if your gecko sleeps for an extended period during the colder months.

You won’t need to do much if your lizard goes into hibernation. Just Provide it with a comfortable and humid environment.

Additionally, don’t try to wake it too soon, as you might interfere with a natural process and create more problems.

Life Expectancy

Captive-bred leopard geckos have an estimated lifespan of 10 to 20 years. However, for a rare line-bred morph like Black Night, the average life expectancy is around 15 years.

Therefore, this is one of the best pets if you’re looking for a long-life friend or companion.

Black Night Leopard Gecko Behavior: Handling Insights

Although Black Night morphs are typically non-aggressive and quiet, they may hiss or take flight in response to danger. This is an innate protection mechanism and usually does not signify hostility.

Naturally, leos are solitary animals and do not typically enjoy being handled. Therefore, it is best to minimize handling as much as possible, especially for young geckos, to reduce stress.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t interact with or handle them. Once you establish rapport and get them comfortable around you, you can hold them once or twice a week for less than 15 minutes.

However, ensure you start with brief handling sessions that last four to five minutes, then lengthen them as the lizard gets more comfortable.

It’s important to note that it is natural for your leopard gecko to be skittish at first – but if you give them plenty of time and opportunity to get used to you, they should become calmer around you over time.

What is the Estimated Price of the Black Night Leopard Gecko?

Being one of the rarest leopard gecko morphs, it isn’t surprising that the Black Night Leopard gecko price starts from around $2000. Some breeders have even priced these rare morphs at about $4000. So, be ready to splurge if you want to add this lizard to your household.

Conclusion

The Black Night Leopard Gecko is among the most attractive, striking, and highly sought-after leopard gecko morphs.

Combining the mantle-black looks and the docile and low-maintenance nature, this lizard is ideal for companionship and aesthetic appeal.

Unfortunately, their dazzling appeal and rarity in the pet market have made them have a hefty price tag that may dissuade most keepers from buying them.