Crested Gecko
Species Description

The Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) derives its common name from the distinctive crests of skin running from above each eye to the tail, creating an eyelash-like appearance that gives them tremendous character. This species is sometimes called the Eyelash Gecko, New Caledonian Crested Gecko, or simply "Crestie" among enthusiasts. The crests vary in size and structure between individuals, with some displaying prominent, fringed crests while others have smaller, simpler ridges.

Scientifically, this species was originally described as Rhacodactylus ciliatus in 1866 but was reclassified into the genus Correlophus in 2012 based on genetic studies. The older scientific name still appears in some literature and among hobbyists who haven't adopted the taxonomic change. The species name ciliatus means "fringed" or "bordered with hairs," directly referencing the distinctive cranial crests.

In their native New Caledonia, indigenous Kanak people have traditional names for these geckos, though they're not commonly used in the international pet trade. The remarkable story of this species includes being thought extinct for decades—considered lost between 1866 and 1994 when a research expedition rediscovered them. This "Lazarus species" narrative adds to their mystique and appeal. Since rediscovery and the establishment of captive breeding programs, they've become one of the world's most popular pet reptiles, with thousands bred annually in countless color morphs and patterns.

Crested Geckos are medium-sized lizards measuring 7-9 inches in total length from snout to tail tip, with males typically reaching the larger end of this range. They have stocky, robust bodies with relatively short limbs and long, prehensile tails that aid in climbing and balance. The tail comprises roughly half the total length and serves as a fat storage organ, with well-fed geckos displaying thick, plump tails.

Their most distinctive feature is the row of skin projections or crests extending from above each eye, over the head, and down the back to the tail base. These crests vary significantly in size and structure—some individuals have tall, fringed crests resembling eyelashes, while others display minimal crests that barely protrude. Crest development doesn't necessarily indicate health or quality but represents natural variation within the species.

Coloration in wild-type Crested Geckos ranges from browns and grays to olive greens, often with darker patterning including stripes, spots, or banding. However, decades of selective breeding have produced an astounding array of colors and patterns. Common morphs include reds, oranges, yellows, creams, and near-whites, with patterns ranging from solid colors (patternless) to heavily patterned (harlequin, pinstripe, tiger, flame). Some morphs like "Lilly White" display reduced pigmentation creating pastel appearances.

The skin texture is soft and somewhat loose-fitting, covered in small, velvety scales that give them a smooth appearance. They lack the rough tubercles found on some gecko species. The head is proportionally large and triangular when viewed from above, with prominent eyes featuring vertical pupils. Unlike many geckos, they have moveable eyelids—though very small—and primarily rely on licking their eyes to clean them, creating an endearing behavior.

Their feet are equipped with lamellae (toe pads) covered in microscopic setae that enable them to climb smooth vertical surfaces including glass. Each toe also bears a small retractable claw for gripping bark and branches. The prehensile tail wraps around branches for additional support during climbing. However, like many geckos, they can drop their tails when threatened—a defensive mechanism called autotomy. Unlike some species, dropped tails never regenerate in Crested Geckos, leaving a stubby tail base permanently.

Sexual dimorphism is subtle in juveniles but becomes apparent in adults. Males develop prominent hemipenal bulges at the tail base and visible pores in front of the vent. Females lack these features and often remain slightly smaller. Behavior provides additional clues—males vocalize more frequently and may display territorial aggression toward other males.

Crested Geckos are renowned for their calm, docile temperaments that make them exceptional pets for beginners and experienced keepers alike. They rarely display defensive behaviors, almost never bite, and generally tolerate handling well once acclimated to human interaction. Individual personalities vary—some become quite bold and curious while others remain more reserved—but even shy individuals are typically manageable with patient, gentle handling.

These geckos are primarily crepuscular to nocturnal, meaning they're most active during twilight hours and throughout the night. During daylight, they typically remain motionless in sleeping spots, often wedged into foliage or pressed against vertical surfaces where their camouflage conceals them. As evening approaches, they stir and begin moving, and by full darkness they're actively hunting, exploring, and feeding. Many captive specimens adjust somewhat to human schedules, particularly around feeding times.

Vocalization is more common in Crested Geckos than many other species. They produce various sounds including chirps, squeaks, and barking noises, particularly during breeding season or when startled. Males are more vocal than females, often calling at night or when encountering other geckos. These vocalizations, while surprising to new keepers, are completely normal behaviors and add to their appeal as interactive pets.

Hunting and feeding behaviors vary between insect prey and fruit. When hunting insects, they stalk slowly and deliberately before launching quick strikes with their jaws. They're less active hunters than some gecko species, often relying on insects wandering within range. For fruit-based foods, they lick enthusiastically with broad tongues, often becoming messy feeders with fruit mixture on their snouts. They also lick their eyes regularly to clean them—a charming behavior that owners quickly come to recognize.

The prehensile tail is central to their arboreal lifestyle, providing balance and additional gripping surface while climbing. They use it constantly, wrapping it around branches for security. However, they readily drop their tails when threatened—a defensive mechanism that allows them to escape predators while the wiggling tail distracts attackers. In captivity, tail loss can occur from mishandling, stress, or attacks by cage mates. The tail never regenerates, leaving a stumpy base, though this doesn't significantly impact quality of life.

Social dynamics are generally peaceful. Females can often coexist harmoniously in appropriately sized enclosures with adequate resources, though monitoring for aggression is essential. Males are territorial and must never be housed together as they will fight violently. Male-female pairs or small harems (one male, multiple females) can work but require careful monitoring, particularly during breeding season when males may over-breed females. Many keepers choose to house Crested Geckos individually to avoid any social complications.

Creating an appropriate habitat for Crested Geckos is straightforward, making them accessible to beginning reptile keepers. The minimum enclosure size for a single adult is 18x18x24 inches (vertical), though larger enclosures of 18x18x36 inches or 24x18x36 inches provide more space for climbing and environmental enrichment. These are arboreal animals that utilize vertical space extensively, making height significantly more important than floor area.

Exo Terra and Zoo Med manufacture excellent glass terrariums with front-opening doors ideal for Crested Geckos. Screen enclosures work in humid climates but make maintaining proper humidity challenging in drier regions. Glass enclosures with ventilation through top and bottom screen panels balance humidity retention with adequate airflow. The enclosure must be escape-proof—Crested Geckos are accomplished climbers that will exploit any gaps or weak screen sections.

Substrate options range from simple to complex. Paper towels or reptile carpet provide easy cleaning and eliminate impaction risk, ideal for beginners or quarantine situations. Coconut fiber or forest floor substrate creates more naturalistic appearance and helps maintain humidity. Bioactive setups using drainage layers, separation barriers, soil-based substrates, and clean-up crews (springtails and isopods) create self-maintaining ecosystems requiring minimal intervention. Avoid substrates like calcium sand or any particulate material posing impaction risks.

Temperature requirements are among the simplest of any reptile species. Crested Geckos thrive at typical room temperatures of 72-78°F without supplemental heating in most climate-controlled homes. They benefit from slight nighttime drops to 65-72°F. Critically, they suffer in prolonged temperatures above 82°F, which can be fatal. In warm climates, air conditioning may be necessary during summer months. No basking spot is required or desired. Monitor temperatures with digital thermometers, though elaborate thermal management is unnecessary.

Humidity management requires daily attention but isn't complicated. Maintain 60-80% relative humidity through misting in the evening and again in early morning if the enclosure dries significantly. The enclosure should dry partially during the day to prevent bacterial growth while remaining humid. Incorporating live plants dramatically stabilizes humidity while providing climbing surfaces and hiding spots. Use a digital hygrometer to monitor humidity accurately—analog hygrometers are notoriously inaccurate.

Lighting should provide a natural 12-hour day/night cycle without excessive intensity. LED fixtures designed for planted terrariums work excellently, supporting live plants while providing adequate but not harsh illumination. UVB lighting is optional—Crested Geckos obtain vitamin D3 through their diet and don't strictly require UVB. However, low-level UVB (2.0-5.0 bulbs) may provide enrichment and marginal health benefits if desired. Avoid bright basking lights that create excessive heat.

Furnishing should emphasize vertical climbing opportunities and security. Include multiple bamboo poles, branches, and cork bark at various angles creating complex three-dimensional climbing paths. Add artificial or live plants—pothos, snake plants, bromeliads, and ficus species work excellently. Include several hiding spots at different heights where geckos can retreat and feel secure. Magnetic feeding ledges make offering food convenient and encourage natural elevated feeding behaviors. Ensure all decorations are securely positioned—falling branches can injure geckos or trap them.

Crested Geckos are omnivores that feed on insects, fruit, nectar, and pollen in their natural habitat. This varied diet is easily replicated in captivity using commercially prepared powdered diets—a revolutionary development that has made Crested Gecko feeding incredibly simple compared to exclusively insectivorous reptiles. These prepared diets provide complete balanced nutrition eliminating the need for complex supplementation or constant insect management.

The foundation of captive Crested Gecko diet consists of powdered gecko diets specifically formulated for frugivorous species. Multiple reputable brands exist including Repashy Crested Gecko Diet, Pangea Fruit Mix Complete, Lugarti's Premium Crested Gecko Diet, and Arcadia EarthPro Custodian. These powders are mixed with water to a consistency resembling applesauce or yogurt, then offered in shallow dishes every other day for adults or daily for juveniles.

Many keepers offer multiple flavors to provide variety and prevent diet fatigue. Crested Geckos often have flavor preferences—some prefer banana or watermelon while others favor fig or apricot varieties. Experiment to find your gecko's favorites. Prepared diet should remain available for 24 hours before being removed and discarded. Never leave fruit mixture in the enclosure for multiple days as it spoils rapidly and harbors harmful bacteria, particularly in warm, humid conditions.

Insect supplementation, while not strictly necessary with complete prepared diets, provides enrichment and dietary variety. Offer appropriately-sized crickets, dubia roaches, or black soldier fly larvae once or twice weekly. Size prey items no larger than the space between the gecko's eyes. Lightly dust insects with calcium powder before offering. Some Crested Geckos enthusiastically hunt insects while others show minimal interest—respect individual preferences.

Gut-loading insects ensures maximum nutritional value when offering them. Feed crickets and roaches high-quality vegetables, fruits, and commercial gut-load products for 24-48 hours before feeding them to geckos. Starved insects provide minimal nutrition and may bite geckos while attempting to feed themselves. Remove uneaten insects after 15-20 minutes to prevent harassment.

Supplementation beyond prepared diets is typically unnecessary as they contain balanced vitamins and minerals. If feeding primarily insects or homemade fruit mixtures (not recommended), dust with calcium powder at every feeding and provide multivitamins once weekly. Over-supplementation causes problems as readily as deficiency, so with complete prepared diets, additional supplementation is counterproductive.

Hydration comes primarily from misting sessions when geckos lick water droplets from surfaces and vegetation. Provide a shallow water dish though many Crested Geckos rarely drink from standing water, preferring droplets. Change water daily regardless of whether it's been consumed. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes and wrinkled, loose skin—rare when proper misting protocols are maintained.

Feeding frequency varies with age. Juveniles should have access to food daily to support rapid growth. Subadults and adults thrive on every-other-day feeding schedules. Some individuals naturally eat less during cooler months or breeding season—this is normal if body condition remains good. Monitor body weight through tail thickness and overall appearance, adjusting feeding frequency to maintain healthy weight without obesity. Crested Geckos can become overweight if overfed, leading to health problems and shortened lifespans.

Crested Geckos are among the hardiest reptile species when provided with appropriate care, though they can develop health problems from husbandry errors or genetic issues. Their robust constitutions and adaptable natures make them forgiving of beginner mistakes compared to more sensitive species. Most health issues stem from nutritional imbalances, temperature extremes (particularly overheating), improper humidity, or trauma from falls or cage mate aggression. Captive-bred animals from reputable breeders are typically healthy and parasite-free. A healthy Crested Gecko maintains good body weight with a thick tail, displays clear eyes and clean skin, feeds regularly, and shows active nocturnal behavior.

Crested Geckos' hardy constitutions and simple care requirements result in relatively few health problems when basic husbandry is maintained. Their 15-20 year lifespan makes preventive care through proper nutrition and environmental management essential. Establishing care with a reptile veterinarian provides access to expert guidance when questions or concerns develop. With appropriate husbandry, these resilient geckos thrive for decades with minimal health intervention required.

Crested Geckos generally tolerate handling well and can become quite tame with regular, gentle interaction. However, new acquisitions should be given one to two weeks to settle into their environment before beginning handling sessions. This acclimation period allows the gecko to establish feeding routines, learn its surroundings, and reduce stress levels from the significant change of moving to a new home.

When beginning handling, approach slowly during evening hours when the gecko is naturally awake and alert. Avoid grabbing from above, which triggers predator-escape responses. Instead, place your hand in the enclosure and encourage the gecko to walk onto it voluntarily, or gently scoop from underneath, supporting the entire body. Crested Geckos are surprisingly lightweight—adult specimens typically weigh 35-55 grams—so handle gently to avoid causing stress through rough contact.

Handle for 10-15 minutes maximum, several times weekly if desired. More frequent handling is generally well-tolerated but provides no additional benefit for taming and may become stressful. During handling, remain calm and move slowly. Young Crested Geckos are particularly jumpy and may leap suddenly when startled. Always handle over soft surfaces or while seated to prevent injury from falls. Their powerful toe pads grip firmly on skin, making them less prone to accidental drops than smooth-skinned species.

Recognize stress indicators including rapid breathing, continuous escape attempts, tail waving, or defecation during handling. If these occur, return the gecko to its enclosure immediately. Most Crested Geckos calm down within minutes of being picked up, becoming relaxed and exploratory. However, respect individual personalities—some geckos remain nervous regardless of handling frequency while others become remarkably bold and interactive.

Never pull on or restrain the tail, which drops easily as a defensive mechanism. Tail loss in Crested Geckos is permanent—the tail never regenerates. While this doesn't impact health or longevity, it does affect appearance and balance. Avoid handling for 48 hours after feeding to prevent regurgitation, and never handle during shedding when skin is sensitive and more prone to damage.

Crested Geckos make excellent candidates for gentle interaction and can even be held during quiet activities like reading or watching television. Their calm natures and low tendency to bite make them safe for supervised handling by responsible children. However, they should never be regarded as toys—they're living animals requiring respect and gentle treatment. The primary joy of Crested Gecko ownership comes from their engaging personalities, easy care, and fascinating behaviors rather than constant handling.

Crested Geckos rank among the best reptile choices for beginners, combining hardy constitutions with simple care requirements and attractive appearances. Their moderate size, quiet nature, and tolerance of typical household temperatures make them suitable for apartments and smaller homes where space or climate control is limited. Unlike many exotic pets, properly maintained Crested Geckos are odorless and require minimal daily attention beyond basic observation.

The financial commitment for Crested Gecko ownership is modest and accessible for most budgets. Initial setup costs including enclosure, minimal equipment, decorations, and accessories typically range from $200-350 depending on whether you choose simple or elaborate furnishings. The gecko itself costs $40-200 for common morphs, with rare color varieties commanding higher prices. Monthly maintenance costs for prepared diet and utilities run $15-25. Budget for annual veterinary wellness exams and maintain emergency funds for unexpected health issues.

These geckos work excellently for families with children when proper supervision and handling education are provided. Their docile temperaments, minimal bite risk, and interactive behaviors make them engaging pets that teach responsibility. Adult supervision during handling sessions is important, particularly for younger children who may become overly enthusiastic. However, children as young as 6-7 years can participate meaningfully in Crested Gecko care under guidance.

Legal considerations are minimal—Crested Geckos are legal in virtually all jurisdictions without permits or special licenses. Always verify local regulations before acquiring any exotic pet, as laws vary and can change. The 15-20 year lifespan represents a significant long-term commitment extending through potential life changes including moves, college, career changes, or family situations. Consider whether you can reliably maintain care for two decades or have contingency plans for rehoming if necessary.

Space requirements are manageable with vertical enclosures fitting easily on furniture or stands. However, consider placement carefully—high-traffic areas may stress geckos during daytime sleeping hours. Bedroom placement works well if occasional nighttime activity noises won't disturb sleep. Multiple Crested Geckos can be kept in appropriately sized enclosures, though separate housing eliminates any risk of aggression or over-breeding.

Prospective keepers should honestly assess their commitment to daily misting, regular feeding schedules, and weekly enclosure maintenance. While Crested Gecko care is simple, it's not zero-maintenance. They depend completely on their keepers for survival and wellbeing. For individuals or families seeking an engaging, manageable reptile pet that's forgiving of beginner mistakes while remaining interesting long-term, the Crested Gecko represents an outstanding choice that has earned its position as one of the world's most popular pet reptiles.