Crested Gecko — Care Sheet & Morphs

Husbandry requirements

Crested Gecko — origin: New Caledonia — forests.

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min18 °C

Cool side20–22 °C

Warm side24–26 °C

A room-temperature species: above sustained ~28-29 °C, risk of death — above all do not overheat

Enclosure (adult)

45 × 45 × 60 cm

Vertical, densely planted terrarium

Plenty of branches and foliage; height > width

Humidity

60–80 %

Mist in the evening; let it dry out between mistings

Substrate

Coco fibreBioactiveAbsorbent paper

UVB

Optional

Optional; a low UVB (Ferguson zone 1) is beneficial

Water source

Always available

Misting + a small dish

Origin

Diplodactylidae

New Caledonia — forests

Feeding & health

Diet

Omnivore — complete powdered diet (CGD, e.g. Repashy/Pangea) — Complete powder + occasional insects (crickets, dubia)

Powdered diet = very simple; supplement with calcium if feeding insects

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 1–2 eggs/young. Several clutches per season

Health watch points

MBD (calcium/D3 deficiency)
Tail loss
Floppy tail syndrome
Impaction
Overheating

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 4 documented genes and 1 named combos for Crested Gecko.

Lilly WhiteInc.d
AxanthicRec
CappuccinoInc.d
Soft ScaleInc.d

Named combos — 1 documented combined morphs

Frappuccino

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Crested Gecko × Crested Gecko

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the crested gecko.

How big does an adult crested gecko get?▾

As an adult, it measures 20 to 25 cm including the tail. Many individuals lose their tail at some point in their life without regenerating it, which has no impact on their wellbeing.

What terrarium should be set up for this arboreal gecko?▾

This is an arboreal species: it needs a vertical terrarium of at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm, taller than it is wide. Fill it generously with branches and foliage so it can climb and perch.

What temperature should it be kept at, and what is the main danger?▾

The crested gecko is kept at room temperature, around 24-26°C on the warm side and 20-22°C on the cool side, without an intense basking spot. Warning: sustained temperatures above 28-29°C become fatal, so the real danger is overheating, not cold.

What humidity level, and how should misting be managed?▾

Maintain humidity at 60 to 80%. Mist preferably in the evening, then let the terrarium dry out between mistings to avoid stagnant moisture.

What does a crested gecko eat?▾

Its diet is remarkably simple: a complete powdered crested gecko diet (CGD, such as Repashy or Pangea) forms the basis of its feeding. You can add a few occasional insects, crickets or dubia roaches, supplementing with calcium when you do.

Does it need UVB?▾

UVB is optional for this nocturnal gecko. Low-level lighting, of the Ferguson zone 1 type, still provides some benefit.

How long does it live?▾

Well kept, it lives 15 to 20 years, making it a long-term companion despite its small size.

Is it easy to handle?▾

It's docile but a very keen jumper: handling is possible as long as you stay gentle and work above a safe surface, since it readily leaps from one hand to another.

Is it suitable for a beginner?▾

Yes, it's an excellent lizard to start with: it's content with the ambient temperature of a temperate room, and its powdered diet greatly simplifies care.

What health problems should be watched for?▾

The points to watch are metabolic bone disease (calcium or D3 deficiency), floppy tail syndrome, impaction, tail loss, and above all overheating. Good calcium intake and controlled temperature prevent most of these issues.

What substrate should be used?▾

Coco fibre, bioactive soil or absorbent paper are generally used. A suitable substrate limits the risk of impaction, particularly when the gecko picks up its food from the ground.

Where does the crested gecko come from?▾

It originates from the forests of New Caledonia. This forest habitat explains both its arboreal needs, its preference for a humid atmosphere, and its low tolerance for excessive heat.

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