Crested Gecko Care Guide

Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are arboreal New Caledonian geckos native to the humid forests and forest margins of Grande Terre and surrounding islands. These environments are characterized by dense vegetation, moderate temperatures, and frequent moisture from rainfall and nightly condensation. Crested geckos are primarily nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden among foliage and bark before emerging at dusk to forage. In the wild, they rely heavily on vertical structure for movement, shelter, and thermoregulation, and exhibit a diet centered on fruit, nectar, and opportunistic invertebrate prey. Understanding the ecological pressures and behaviors that shaped this species is essential for recreating conditions that support long-term health and natural activity patterns.

Natural Habitat & Behavior

In the wild, crested geckos inhabit humid forests and forest edges with dense vegetation, where they spend most of their time above ground on trunks, branches, and broad-leafed plants. They are arboreal and nocturnal, becoming active at dusk and throughout the night. Crested geckos are primarily frugivorous but opportunistically consume insects and other small invertebrates. Adults are territorial and solitary, particularly males, and rely heavily on cover and vertical space for security and thermoregulation.

Enclosure Requirements

Crested geckos require vertically oriented enclosures that allow for climbing and exploration. While an adult can be housed in an enclosure measuring 18” x 18” x 24”, larger enclosures offer improved environmental stability and behavioral enrichment. At Hollywood Hills Exotics, adult breeding crested geckos are maintained in 24” x 18” x 36” vivariums, which provide additional vertical space and allow for more complex habitat design. Interior furnishings should include branches, vines, vertical hides, and dense foliage to create a layered habitat. Textured backgrounds and cork bark increase usable surface area and promote natural movement while reducing stress.

Temperature & Heating

Crested geckos prefer cooler temperatures than many reptiles and are particularly sensitive to heat. Ideal daytime temperatures range from 70–78°F (21–26°C), with nighttime drops to 65–72°F (18–22°C). Temperatures above 82°F can cause significant stress and may be fatal if sustained. Supplemental heat is rarely necessary and should only be used if ambient temperatures consistently fall below the ideal range. Heat mats are not recommended; if heating is required, low-output overhead heating is safest.

Lighting & UVB

Although crested geckos are nocturnal, low-level UVB lighting is increasingly recommended. UVB exposure supports natural vitamin D₃ synthesis and calcium metabolism, contributing to bone strength and overall health. Low-output UVB systems such as the Arcadia ShadeDweller or Arcadia 6% UVB can be used when installed at appropriate distances. UVB should be provided alongside a consistent day–night light cycle to support normal circadian rhythms.

Humidity & Hydration

Crested geckos require higher baseline humidity than gargoyle geckos. Daytime humidity should generally range from 60–80%, with nighttime spikes reaching 80–100%. Evening misting mimics natural rainfall and allows geckos to drink water droplets from surfaces. Enclosures should partially dry out between misting cycles to prevent stagnant conditions and respiratory issues. A shallow water dish may be offered but is often used less frequently than surface moisture.

Substrate

A well-draining, moisture-retentive substrate supports proper humidity and enclosure health. Bioactive substrates such as ABG-style mixes or commercial bioactive soils work well and allow for naturalistic setups. A thick layer of leaf litter helps regulate humidity, supports microfauna, and recreates the forest floor conditions crested geckos encounter in the wild.

Diet & Nutrition

Crested geckos are primarily frugivorous and rely heavily on commercial crested gecko diets formulated to meet their nutritional needs. These diets should serve as the primary food source and be offered regularly. Live insects such as crickets, Dubia roaches, or black soldier fly larvae can be offered as supplemental enrichment but are not strictly required for most individuals. Insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium, with vitamin D₃ added if UVB lighting is not provided. Excessive protein supplementation should be avoided, as crested geckos have lower protein requirements than gargoyle geckos.

Health & Longevity

With appropriate care, crested geckos commonly live 15–20 years or longer. Long-term health depends on maintaining proper temperature ranges, consistent humidity cycles, balanced nutrition, and clean, enriched enclosures. Common health issues such as dehydration, retained shed, and metabolic bone disease are largely preventable and are typically the result of improper husbandry rather than inherent fragility.

Social Housing

Crested geckos are naturally solitary and should not be cohabitated. Males must never be housed together, and female cohabitation is also discouraged due to stress and resource competition. The only acceptable pairing is one male and one female for breeding purposes, and introductions should be brief and closely supervised. Once breeding has occurred, individuals should be separated and returned to individual enclosures to prevent injury and chronic stress.