Crested Gecko

General Information

 * Scientific Name: Correlophus ciliatus
 * Lifespan: 15-20 years
 * Length: 8 inches (with tail, 4.0-4.5 inches without)
 * Nocturnal
 * Herbivore and Insectivore
 * Arboreal

Geographic Range and Habitat
Crested Geckos are from the island of New Caledonia. They spend their time in trees in the humid forests in the Southern part of the island.

Availability
Crested Geckos are one of the most common pets in the reptile-keeping hobby and are usually available at any pet or reptile stores.

Behaviour and Handling
Newly bought Crested Geckos should be allowed about a month to get used to their new environment before being handled. Crested Geckos have fragile skin and bodies and can become injured without proper handling. They are flighty before they are tamed, but even tame ones are unpredictable at times and will randomly jump. When these geckos are frightened or startled they can either bite (no big deal) or drop their tail, which will not grow back.

Housing and Substrate
Baby Crested Geckos can be held in a 10-gallon tall terrarium. Adult Crested Geckos will need an upgrade to a 20-gallon tall terrarium. The terrarium should be on the taller side because they are an arboreal animal. Vines, leaves, branches, plants, logs, and/or ledges should be available in the terrarium for cover, and climbing space. That being said, they terrarium should not be over-crowded.

Possible substrates that can be used are reptile carpet, peat moss/soil mix, and coconut fibre because of their abilities to hold humidity. Mosses can be added to add humidity.

Heating and Lighting
A heating pad or low-wattage heat lamp can be used to warm the enclosure. The temperature of the enclosure should be 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Crested Geckos can tolerate night-time temperature drops down to around 65 degrees. There should be a hot and cool side of the enclosure.

Diet and Vitamins
One reason why Crested Geckos are very popular pets are because they do not need to eat insects to thrive. Powdered Crested Gecko Diet should be the main part of their diet. The Diet should be replaced every day. In addition, they can be fed fruits like bananas, mangos, raspberries, etc... and insects like crickets and mealworms that are dusted with calcium and vitamin D3.

Water and Humidity
A shallow water dish should always be available to the Crested Gecko. The humidity of the enclosure should stay between 50-70%. It is recommended to mist the terrarium once or twice a day to ensure the humidity levels stay between the 50-70% mark.

Sites Used

 * http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Crested-Gecko/
 * http://www.pangeareptile.com/store/crested-gecko-care-sheet-en.html