Crested Gecko and Gargoyle Gecko
Rhacodactylus Ciliatus and Rhacodactylus Auriculatus
         
General Information:Both Crested (above left) and Gargoyle (above right) Geckos are native to the island of New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific. Crested geckos reach up to 25cm (10 in) in length including the tail, weighing around 50g (1.8oz). Gargoyle Geckos reach a similar size. They live on average 10 – 15 years, although they have not been kept in captivity for long enough for this to be certain. Both species are nocturnal, sleeping through the day and becoming active in the early evening.
Crested Geckos have a crest running from each eye to the tail, and small hair-like projections above the eyes, leading to their other common name, the Eyelash Gecko. Colours include brown, yellow, orange, red and grey. They may drop their tails as a defence mechanism, and once lost it will not regrow.
Gargoyle Geckos get their name from the bumps on their skulls which resemble horns. Several colours are available, including brown, white, grey, orange and red. Patterns of stripes and blotches are also common. Tails may be lost as a defence mechanism, but will be regrown.

Housing: Both species should be kept in tall glass vivaria to allow them to climb as they would in the wild. A rough size of 18”x18”x24” (WxDxH) is suggested for one adult gecko of either species – anything much bigger will leave a gecko feeling overwhelmed and threatened. The floor should be lined with coconut fibre, hummus or similar, which will hold moisture well. Plenty of branches and vines should be provided for climbing and hiding.

The vivarium should be maintained at 24°C (75°F) during the day, reduced slightly at night time. These temperatures can be achieved using a small heat mat on the side or back of the vivarium. Keeping the humidity high is also important, by regular misting with a clean plant spray bottle and by placing a water bowl in the vivarium. Although both species are nocturnal, meaning a UV light is not strictly necessary, using one for 12 hours a day helps simulate a day-night cycle and may bring out your gecko’s colours.

Feeding: You should provide livefood such as crickets (no bigger than your gecko’s head, and don’t leave too many in the vivarium or they may bite your gecko), as well as non-citrus fruits such as banana, peach and apricot. Livefood should be dusted with a mineral supplement such as Nutrobal to ensure that your gecko gets all the nutrients it requires.

Common Problems and Questions: Males should not be kept together, but females usually live happily together, or you can keep one male with as many females as you have space for.
Both species handle well provided you are gentle. They may jump but do not grab their tails, as these will be shed and, in the case of Crested Geckos, will not grow back.