Geckolepis maculata Golden Fish-scaled Gecko
Also known as:
Peters’ Spotted Gecko
Chez Arol grounds, Masoala National Park, Toamasina province, MadagascarMay 1, 2007
Golden Fish-scaled Gecko (Geckolepis maculata)
This is officially the worst photo from this Madagascar trip that I kept. I spotted this gecko on the side of my sister's bungalow while we were wrangling the large snake that had been in her bathroom. After I got this one shaky handheld photo from a distance, it ran up into the raffia roofing and was never seen again, though I looked many times over the course of a few days.

Here is a list of all the reptiles and frogs I saw on this 2007 trip to Madagascar.

Ankarana Special Reserve, Diana region, MadagascarMay 4, 2007
Golden Fish-scaled Gecko (Geckolepis maculata) Golden Fish-scaled Gecko (Geckolepis maculata)
The geckos in this genus are known for their very large scales that are connected very loosely to the skin and easily fall off when the lizard is touched. This one looks like it has remained untouched in the recent past.

Here is a list of all the reptiles and frogs I saw on this 2007 trip to Madagascar.

Akanin'ny Nofy, Atsinanana region, MadagascarApril 28, 2023
Golden Fish-scaled Gecko (Geckolepis maculata) Golden Fish-scaled Gecko (Geckolepis maculata) Golden Fish-scaled Gecko (Geckolepis maculata) Golden Fish-scaled Gecko (Geckolepis maculata)
Madagascar herp expert Dr. Mark Scherz has told me that the taxonomy for Geckolepis is in serious need of study, so these may or may not end up being the same species as the ones I saw up north on my previous trip. Note that the last one here is demonstrating the scales-partly-sloughed-off trick.

Here is a list of all the reptiles and frogs I saw on this 2023 trip to Madagascar.

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