🦎 Introduction
Is your gecko male or female? Knowing your pet’s sex is important for housing, breeding, and even behavior management. But unlike mammals, reptiles like leopard geckos and crested geckos don’t make it obvious.
In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn how to visually identify your gecko’s gender, what age is best to check, and how to do it safely.
🕓 When Can You Sex a Gecko?
- Leopard Geckos: ~6 to 8 weeks old (earlier for males)
- Crested Geckos: ~4 to 6 months (some wait 8+ months)
👉 You need a clear view of the underside near the tail base.
🔍 What to Look For (Male vs Female)
🧔 Male Gecko Features
- Hemipenal bulges: Two symmetrical bumps under the tail base
- Pre-anal pores: Small V-shaped row of dots above the vent, more pronounced and waxy
- Thicker tail base (stores reproductive organs)
👩 Female Gecko Features
- Flat tail base (no bulges)
- Pre-anal pores either absent or faint
- Smoother skin near vent
- Generally slimmer frame (though this varies)
🧠 Male vs Female Behavior Differences
While not always consistent, some patterns include:
| Behavior | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Territorial | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rare |
| Vocal (crested) | ✅ More likely | ❌ Less common |
| Tail wagging | ✅ Dominance sign | ✅ Receptive signal |
| Co-housing friendly | ❌ Rarely with other males | ✅ Usually with females |
🧴 Tools You Might Need
- Bright flashlight or phone light
- Clear plastic container (if needed to calm gecko)
- Magnifying glass (for crested geckos)
- Gentle handling technique
🛑 Do NOT flip your gecko upside down abruptly or hold them tightly. Let them crawl onto your hand naturally and lift gently.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sexing too young (under 4 weeks = inaccurate)
- Assuming all waxy pores mean male
- Using behavior alone to guess gender
- Not comparing to confirmed reference images
🧪 Can I Use DNA or Ultrasound?
- Yes, for breeders or rare species, but for common pet geckos like leopard and crested, visual sexing is accurate enough once they’re old enough.
🐾 Conclusion
Identifying your gecko’s gender can feel tricky at first, but with time and the right technique, you’ll be able to spot the difference confidently.
If you’re ever unsure, take a clear photo and consult a vet or breeder—don’t guess if planning to house geckos together.