The Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) was thought extinct until rediscovered in New Caledonia in 1994.
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The Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) was thought extinct until rediscovered in New Caledonia in 1994. Since then it has become one of the most popular pet reptiles thanks to easy care requirements — no UVB needed, room temperature suitable, complete commercial diet available. Crested Geckos are arboreal, nocturnal, and famously hardy.
Native to the southern islands of New Caledonia in the Pacific. Lives in tropical rainforest, arboreal in trees and shrubs.
Adults 20–25 cm length including tail, 35–55 g.
Distinctive "crests" (eyelash-like projections) from above eyes along the neck and back. Toe pads (and tail tip) are sticky — they climb glass.
Hundreds of colour morphs: red, yellow, dalmatian, harlequin, pinstripe, lily white, and many combinations.
Generally tolerant. Adults usually accept handling well. Juveniles are jumpy and may leap dramatically — handle low to soft surfaces.
Crested Geckos drop their tails readily (autotomy) and cannot regrow them — tailless Crested Geckos are common.
Minimum: 45 × 45 × 60 cm (vertical) for one adult. Larger preferred. Arboreal — height matters more than floor space.
Provide:
60–80%. Mist enclosure 1–2 times daily (morning and evening). Allow some drying between mistings.
Complete commercial Crested Gecko Diet (CGD) by Pangea, Repashy, or others — mixed with water to slurry. Replace every 2 days.
Avoid feeding only fruit — calcium and protein deficiencies result.
15–20 years.
Common concerns:
Pros:
Cons:
Not suited for very dry climates without humidity management.
Do they need live insects? Not strictly. Complete commercial diet is sufficient. Insects add enrichment.
Why don't tails regrow? The species lacks the regeneration mechanism present in many gecko species. Tailless Crested Geckos are common and live normally.
Do they need UVB? Older advice: no. Modern advice: low-output UVB plus dietary supplementation is the safer practice.
Are they good for kids? Yes — among the easiest reptiles for older children.
How long do they live? 15–20 years.
The Crested Gecko — Easy Tropical Gecko Without Heat Lamps
10–12 minutes
Crested gecko clinging to a leaf, crests prominent, big eyes. Caption: "ROOM TEMPERATURE REPTILE".
Studio photograph of a crested gecko clinging to a green leaf, prominent eyelash-like crests above eyes and along back, large lidless eyes, soft tropical background, gentle natural lighting, 85mm lens at f/2.5, professional pet reptile photography, alert curious expression.
The crested gecko is one of the easiest tropical reptiles — lives at room temperature, eats commercial powder food, and tolerates handling. Today we cover the New Caledonian origin, setup, diet, social housing, health, and whether a crested gecko fits your home.
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro Hook 01:00 Origin: New Caledonia 02:30 Setup: Arboreal Vivarium 04:00 Diet: Commercial Powder Diet 05:30 Handling and Temperament 07:00 Health: MBD, Tail Loss 08:30 3 Biggest Mistakes New Owners Make 10:00 Is a Crested Gecko Right For You? 11:00 Outro
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"The crested gecko is the easiest tropical reptile you can own. No heat lamp. No live insects required. Lives at room temperature. Eats a commercial powdered diet mixed with water. Today: complete crested gecko ownership."
"Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are native to southern New Caledonia, a French Pacific island. Considered extinct from 1866 to 1994, when a population was rediscovered. The species has since exploded in captivity. Hundreds of colour morphs are now bred. The species is rarely wild-collected today. Crested geckos are nocturnal, arboreal, omnivorous. They have adhesive toe pads and can climb glass."
"Tall arboreal vivarium minimum: 45 × 45 × 60 cm for one adult. 60 × 45 × 90 cm preferred. Substrate: bioactive (orchid bark, sphagnum) or paper towel for quarantine. Plenty of vertical climbing — cork bark, branches, vines, plants (live or fake). Temperature: 22–26°C ambient day, 18–22°C night. No basking lamp required at normal room temperatures. Above 28°C is dangerous. Humidity: 60–80%. Mist nightly. Lighting: low-level UVB recommended but not strictly required. Water: shallow dish plus misting."
"Modern crested gecko keeping uses commercial complete diets: Pangea, Repashy, Black Panther Zoological. Mix with water to yogurt consistency. Offer 3–4 times weekly. Optional insects: occasional small dusted crickets or dubia roaches for variety. Treats: small piece of fruit baby food occasionally. Never: avocado, citrus, insects from outdoors."
"Crested geckos tolerate handling well after a settling-in period. Pick up gently, supporting the whole body. Never grab the tail — it autotomises. Unlike leopard geckos, the tail does NOT regrow. Sessions 10–15 minutes, every other day. Avoid during shed."
"Lifespan 15–20 years. Metabolic bone disease — preventable with commercial diet. Floppy tail syndrome — from inadequate vertical hiding. Dehydration. Tail loss permanent. Find an exotics vet."
"Mistake one: heat lamps. Crested geckos overheat easily. How to avoid: room temperature only. Mistake two: small horizontal vivarium. Crested geckos climb. How to avoid: tall arboreal setup. Mistake three: grabbing the tail. Permanent loss. How to avoid: support body, never tail."
"Checklist: Tall vivarium possible. Room temperature stable (22–26°C). Misting routine acceptable. Exotics vet identified. 15-20 year commitment. Tick four — the crested gecko is excellent."
"That is the crested gecko — easy tropical reptile from New Caledonia. Next species? Comment below. Subscribe and the bell. Next week: the bearded dragon — the friendly Australian lizard." (End screen: subscribe button, 'watch next: Bearded Dragon' thumbnail, channel logo)