New Caledonian Giant Gecko — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult New Caledonian Giant Gecko get?

An adult New Caledonian Giant Gecko typically measures 30–43 cm.

Husbandry requirements

New Caledonian Giant Gecko — origin: Endemic to New Caledonia (Grande Terre and surrounding islands), humid forests. A species protected by New Caledonian law: the capture and export of wild specimens are strictly prohibited. Although not listed under CITES, almost all animals available in the trade are captive-bred (always favour a breeder with traceability). Non-venomous..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min18 °C

Cool side20–24 °C

Warm side24–28 °C

A cool-forest species: NO hot spot (basking) needed. Ideal ambience 22-27°C during the day, with a beneficial night-time drop. CAUTION: temperatures exceeding 30°C are dangerous, even fatal, for this species. Use gentle supplementary heating only if the room is too cold, never an intense heat lamp.

Enclosure (adult)

60 × 45 × 90 cm

Vertical / arboreal terrarium

Minimum for one adult; larger is strongly recommended (e.g. 60x60x120 cm). A tall, richly furnished terrarium: sturdy branches, plants (natural or artificial) and vertical hides (cork tubes, boxes). One individual per enclosure due to territorial aggression, except a compatible and monitored breeding pair.

Humidity

50–80 %

Moderate humidity of 50-60% during the day, with peaks of 70-80% after night-time misting. Good ventilation is essential: the terrarium must dry out partially between two mistings to avoid skin and respiratory infections.

Substrate

Coconut fibreBioactive substrate/soilSphagnumMoss

A moisture-retaining substrate; a planted bioactive floor suits an adult very well. Paper towel during quarantine or for juveniles. The animal spends most of its time up high.

UVB

Optional

Not essential (a nocturnal species), but low-level UVB (5-6% / Ferguson zone 1) is beneficial and improves calcium metabolism. Always provide shaded areas and hides.

Water source

Always available

Fresh water available at all times in a bowl, supplemented by regular misting. Many individuals prefer to drink the droplets off the décor and the walls.

Origin

Diplodactylidae

Endemic to New Caledonia (Grande Terre and surrounding islands), humid forests. A species protected by New Caledonian law: the capture and export of wild specimens are strictly prohibited. Although not listed under CITES, almost all animals available in the trade are captive-bred (always favour a breeder with traceability). Non-venomous.

Feeding & health

Diet

Omnivore / Frugivore — Complete commercial fruit pastes (such as CGD Pangea, Repashy), insects (crickets, roaches), rarely small vertebrates

Staple = complete frugivorous pastes offered 2 to 3 times a week, supplemented with insects dusted with calcium (alternating with and without D3). High calcium needs. Watch for obesity in sedentary adults; limit vertebrates.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 2–2 eggs/young. A clutch of 2 large eggs, with several clutches possible per season. Incubation of about 60 to 90 days at a rather cool temperature (22-26°C). Late sexual maturity (2-3 years). Provide a humid lay box.

Health watch points

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from a calcium/vitamin D3 deficiency
Dysecdysis (difficult sheds, particularly on the toes) linked to unsuitable humidity
Stomatitis / mouth infections
Egg retention (dystocia) in the female
Respiratory infections (an environment that is too warm, too humid or poorly ventilated)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for New Caledonian Giant Gecko.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the new caledonian giant gecko.

How big does an adult New Caledonian Giant Gecko get?▾

An adult New Caledonian Giant Gecko typically measures 30–43 cm (total adult length. the largest living gecko in the world. massive, heavy body (200-400 g, sometimes more depending on the locality), soft velvety skin hanging in folds, tail very short relative to the body.).

What temperature and humidity does a New Caledonian Giant Gecko need?▾

A gradient of roughly 20–24 °C on the cool side to 24–28 °C on the warm side. Humidity 50–80 %.

What does a New Caledonian Giant Gecko eat?▾

Omnivore / Frugivore: Complete commercial fruit pastes (such as CGD Pangea, Repashy), insects (crickets, roaches), rarely small vertebrates.

Is the New Caledonian Giant Gecko a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. Territorial and very vocal (growls, clucks, barks, cries). Often aggressive in its enclosure ('cage aggressive') but frequently docile once out and handled calmly. A powerful bite that can injure. To be kept alone; only bonded, compatible and closely monitored pairs may cohabit, as individuals actively defend their territory. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–40 yrs.

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