Gargoyle Gecko — Care Sheet & Morphs

Husbandry requirements

Gargoyle Gecko — origin: Endemic to the south of Grande Terre, New Caledonia (South Pacific). A forest-dwelling species from a temperate to warm environment..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min18 °C

Cool side20–24 °C

Warm side24–27 °C

A forest species tolerant of cool conditions: maintain a moderate ambience. DO NOT exceed 28-29 °C, excessive heat is dangerous and even fatal. No intense hot spot is necessary; a slight gradient is enough. A night-time drop to 18-22 °C is beneficial. During heatwaves, cool the room.

Enclosure (adult)

45 × 45 × 60 cm

Vertical arboreal terrarium (height greater than length), abundantly furnished with branches, vines and foliage (real or artificial) for climbing and hiding.

Minimum dimensions given for ONE adult; provide larger if possible. Rear juveniles in a small volume to make feeding easier. Cross-ventilation (mesh) is essential to avoid stagnant humidity. One adult per terrarium (a territorial and sometimes cannibalistic species).

Humidity

50–70 %

Moderate ambient humidity of 50-60% during the day, rising to 70-80% after the evening misting. Let it dry out partially between two sprayings: constantly high humidity without ventilation promotes respiratory and skin infections.

Substrate

Coconut fibreSphagnum (moss) for humid zonesBioactive substrate (soil/coco/leaf-litter mix) with microfaunaPaper towel (simplified husbandry / quarantine / juveniles)

Avoid fine, dry, ingestible substrates (sand, shavings) that pose an impaction risk, especially in young animals. A substrate that retains a little moisture helps maintain humidity and good sheds.

UVB

Optional

Not strictly mandatory for this nocturnal species if calcium + vitamin D3 intake through the diet is rigorous. Low-level UVB (T5 tube 5-6%, forest/shade type, at a distance) remains beneficial for metabolism and well-being. Provide shaded areas and respect a day/night photoperiod.

Water source

Always available

Clean water available at all times in a small, shallow dish. Evening misting: many individuals drink the droplets off the décor. Renew the water daily and clean the dish to limit bacteria.

Origin

Diplodactylidae

Endemic to the south of Grande Terre, New Caledonia (South Pacific). A forest-dwelling species from a temperate to warm environment.

Feeding & health

Diet

Omnivore / Frugivore — Varied insects: crickets, roaches (Blaptica dubia), black soldier fly larvae (calci-worms); occasionally wax moths as a treat. Prey dusted with calcium (with D3 if no UVB).

Diet staple: a complete fruit-paste gecko diet such as CGD (Crested Gecko Diet / Pangea / Repashy), offered 2-3 times a week, supplemented with insects 1-2 times a week. A more carnivorous species than the Crested Gecko, capable of eating small geckos: never house it with smaller conspecifics or other small species.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 2–2 eggs/young. Generally 2 eggs (sometimes 1) per clutch, with several successive clutches over a breeding season (often every 3-5 weeks). Incubation of about 60-90 days depending on temperature (ideally 22-26 °C; avoid high incubation temperatures). Provide a humid lay box (sphagnum/vermiculite box). A breeding female has increased calcium needs (risk of egg retention and exhaustion).

Health watch points

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from a calcium/vitamin D3 deficiency or an unbalanced diet
Dysecdysis (incomplete sheds), especially on the toes and tail tip, linked to too-low humidity
Digestive impaction after ingesting unsuitable substrate
Stomatitis / mouth rot and respiratory infections promoted by stagnant, poorly ventilated humidity
Egg retention (dystocia) in the female and obesity from overfeeding

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Gargoyle Gecko.

Frequently asked questions

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

What size does an adult gargoyle gecko reach?▾

As an adult, it measures about 20 to 25 cm in total length, of which 11 to 13 cm from snout to vent, with a stockier and heavier body than the crested gecko. Its characteristic cranial bumps and prehensile tail give it that look of a little gargoyle.

What terrarium does it need?▾

Provide a vertical arboreal terrarium of at least 45 x 45 x 60 cm for an adult, taller than wide, furnished with branches, vines and foliage to climb. Cross-ventilation is indispensable to avoid stagnant humidity, and a single adult must occupy the terrarium: the species is territorial and sometimes cannibalistic.

What temperature should it be given, and what is the real danger?▾

Maintain a moderate ambience, between 20 and 24 °C on the cool side and 24 to 27 °C on the warm side, with a nighttime drop down to 18 °C that is beneficial to it. No intense basking spot is necessary: the real risk is overheating, because above 28-29 °C the heat becomes dangerous, even lethal.

What humidity and what substrate should you choose?▾

Ambient humidity should stay around 50-60 % during the day, rising to 70-80 % after the evening misting, while letting it partially dry out between two sprays. For the substrate, favour coconut fibre, sphagnum moss or bioactive soil, and avoid sand and fine chips that expose youngsters to a risk of impaction.

What does the gargoyle gecko eat?▾

The basis of the diet is a complete fruit purée for geckos, offered 2 to 3 times a week, supplemented with insects such as crickets or roaches 1 to 2 times a week, dusted with calcium. More carnivorous than the crested gecko, it may even go after small conspecifics or other small species: never house it with anything smaller than itself.

Does it need UVB lighting?▾

It is not strictly mandatory for this nocturnal species if the intake of calcium and vitamin D3 through the diet is rigorous. A low UVB nevertheless remains beneficial for its metabolism, provided you also keep shaded areas.

How do you manage water and drinking?▾

A small, clean and shallow water dish must be available at all times, renewed daily. The evening misting counts just as much: many individuals prefer to drink the droplets deposited on the décor.

How long does a gargoyle gecko live?▾

Its lifespan is between 15 and 20 years in captivity, a commitment to take into account before adopting it.

Is it docile and easy to handle?▾

It is docile with habit, but can prove defensive in its terrarium, through a posture or warning bites. It is also capable of dropping its tail and then regenerating it: unlike the crested gecko, the regrowth is almost identical to the original.

Is this species suitable for a beginner?▾

Its difficulty is rated beginner to intermediate: the upkeep remains simple, with a moderate ambient temperature and a largely frugivorous diet, but a little experience is needed to manage its sometimes defensive temperament and to avoid any cannibalism between individuals.

What health problems should be watched for?▾

The points to watch are metabolic bone disease from a calcium or D3 deficiency, incomplete sheds linked to too low humidity, digestive impaction after ingesting an unsuitable substrate, and, in the breeding female, egg retention.

Where does the gargoyle gecko come from, and can you acquire a wild-caught one?▾

It is endemic to the south of Grande Terre, in New Caledonia, where the export of wild individuals is prohibited. All the specimens on offer therefore come from captive breeding: it is best to turn to a serious breeder.

Track your gargoyle gecko on ReptiNode

Create a free tracking log: weight, meals, sheds, health record, QR codes and breeding projects — with the built-in genetics calculator for over 200 species.

Create a free account