Although the name suggests that electric blue geckos are both blue and capable of giving an electric shock, neither is actually true.
Only dominant adult males display the striking blue coloration. Females typically have a greenish, copper-toned skin. When two males live close to each other, only the dominant one turns blue, while the other retains the same coloration as the female.
Neither males nor females can produce electricity — the word “electric” simply refers to their vivid colour.
Today, electric blue geckos are found in only one small area of about eight square kilometres in Tanzania. Deforestation and capture for the pet trade have made the species critically endangered.
The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) manages the species’ studbook to help maintain a healthy and genetically diverse zoo population.