New Caledonian Giant Gecko — Care Sheet & Morphs

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 can the New Caledonian giant gecko grow?▾

It is quite simply the largest living gecko in the world: from 30 to 43 cm in total length, with a massive body that can weigh from 200 to 400 g, or even more depending on the locality. Its soft, velvety skin hangs in folds, and its tail is surprisingly short for such an imposing body.

What terrarium suits an animal of this size?▾

Plan on at least 60 x 45 x 90 cm in height for an adult, but a more generous volume, for example 60 x 60 x 120 cm, is strongly recommended. It needs sturdy branches, plants and several vertical hides, because this arboreal species climbs and perches constantly.

Can two giant geckos be housed together?▾

As a rule no: each individual should have its own terrarium, because the species is territorial and its bite is powerful. Only an already-established, compatible and closely monitored pair can sometimes cohabit, as each will otherwise fiercely defend its territory.

Why is this gecko said to be vocal?▾

Unlike most geckos, it communicates through a whole range of sounds: growls, chuckles, barks and screams, especially when it feels disturbed in its terrarium. This is one of the reasons it is often described as aggressive in its enclosure but docile once out and handled calmly.

What temperatures suit it, and what is the main risk?▾

This cool-forest species needs no hot spot at all: aim instead for 20 to 24 °C on the cool side and 24 to 28 °C on the warm side, with a nighttime drop to 18 °C. The danger comes from excess heat rather than cold: above 30 °C, temperatures become dangerous, even lethal.

What humidity should be maintained?▾

Aim for 50 to 60% during the day, with peaks of 70-80% after nighttime misting, while ensuring good ventilation so the terrarium dries out partially between two sprayings. A substrate such as coco fibre or a bioactive soil helps stabilise this level.

What does the New Caledonian giant gecko eat?▾

Its diet is based on complete commercial fruit purées, offered 2 to 3 times a week, supplemented with calcium-dusted insects. Its calcium requirements are high, and obesity must be watched for in adults that move little.

Does it need UVB lighting?▾

It is not essential for a nocturnal species, but low-level UVB remains beneficial for calcium metabolism. Always provide shaded areas where it can escape the light.

What is its lifespan, and what does that imply?▾

Well kept, it can live 20 to 40 years, sometimes more: this is a very long-term commitment, to be considered seriously before adoption.

Is this species suitable for a beginner?▾

It is rather better suited to a keeper with some experience: its territorial temperament, powerful bite and imposing size call for thoughtful handling, even though the animal often becomes docile once out of the terrarium.

What health problems should be watched for?▾

The main points of vigilance are metabolic bone disease in case of calcium or D3 deficiency, difficult sheds on the toes, stomatitis, and in females egg retention.

Can one obtain a wild-caught animal?▾

No: the species is protected under New Caledonian law, and the capture or export of wild individuals is strictly prohibited. Animals in the trade must come from captive breeding, with good traceability.

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