Unlike the more "primitive" geckos (such as leopard geckos) that have movable eyelids, the tokay's eyes cannot close.
![tokek gecko tokek gecko](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWZjWv8Ml0A/Tv3chUXGBqI/AAAAAAAAABM/j0nxZQt1IVw/s1600/15.jpg)
The overall color tends to darken with age. The base color can be off-white, grayish or various shades of blue, with orange red, brown or maroon colored splotches scattered over the entire dorsal area. The tokay's color and pattern is strikingly beautiful, and no two specimens look exactly alike. This is the largest species in the family, and some males can grow to an impressive 12 to 14 inches in total length, with females slightly smaller. Tokays will also vocalize when introduced to a cagemate or when courting. Territorial specimens will make a barking type of call and startled individuals will often scream in surprise, fear or protest. Tokays are highly vocal geckos and are capable of producing many different sounds.
![tokek gecko tokek gecko](https://st2.depositphotos.com/50125584/46600/i/600/depositphotos_466008832-stock-photo-closed-up-of-gecko-in.jpg)
Is it just me, or is that kind of humorous? (Maybe I just need to get out more.)Īnyway, the tokay gets its common name from vocalizations these lizards make that are described as a kind of "to'-ko," or "to'-kay" sound. The tokay is classified in the family Gekkonidae, subfamily Gekkoninae, genus Gekko and species gecko. I have always found the scientific name of the tokay gecko to be somewhat amusing because it is so repetitive. However, if you are interested in maintaining a species that is large, colorful and interesting to observe, then a tokay may be right up your ally. This does not necessarily mean that the tokay is not a good terrarium subject, it just means that those people who like to handle their lizards on a regular basis may prefer a gecko species that is a bit more docile, such as a leopard gecko.