Gargoyle Gecko Care Sheet

Gargoyle Gecko Care Guide

Published: February 5th, 2024

Gargoyle geckos, originating from New Caledonia near Australia, are compact arboreal reptiles often chosen as ideal pets for beginners. Their manageable size (approximately 8” in length) and straightforward care requirements contribute to their popularity.

These geckos possess the ability to regenerate their tails if lost or damaged, and despite lacking eyelids, they ensure eye cleanliness by licking them. Primarily nocturnal, they spend much of their day concealed.

Lifespan

Under proper care, gargoyle geckos can live an average of 15-20 years.

Sexual Differentiation

Upon reaching maturity, males can be distinguished by the presence of two side-by-side bulges beyond the vent, indicating the location of their hemipenes. Females lack this characteristic.

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Care Sheet

Housing

While baby geckos can be accommodated in 5-10 gallon enclosures, adults require a minimum of a 20-gallon aquarium. Front-opening glass enclosures with dimensions of at least 12x12x18” are particularly suitable for adult gargoyle geckos due to their arboreal nature. It is advisable to house females together, but males tend to be territorial and should be kept in separate enclosures.

Substrate

The recommended substrates for the enclosure floor include reptile carpet, flat stones, or newspaper. While coco coir with sphagnum moss can create a naturalistic setting, it is not obligatory. Sand and mulch are discouraged. The enclosure should contain numerous hiding places and climbing branches, either real or artificial.

Lighting and Temperature

Gargoyle geckos thrive at room temperature (72-78 degrees Fahrenheit) and generally do not require additional heating sources. Temperatures exceeding 90 degrees can be fatal. While UVB lighting is theoretically unnecessary, recent research suggests potential benefits, especially for babies and breeding females.

Humidity:

Maintaining a humidity level of 50-60% in the enclosure is essential, with occasional spikes up to 80-90% during misting. A hygrometer is recommended for accurate humidity monitoring.

Feeding

A commercial powdered Crested Gecko food, such as those by Pangea, Repashy, or Zoomed, serves as the staple diet. Offered every other day in a small dish, any uneaten portion should be removed after 24 hours. Crickets (dusted with calcium and gutloaded) can be provided once or twice a week, though they are not obligatory. Mealworms should be avoided.

Water

Geckos often drink droplets from plants, branches, or glass siding after misting. A small dish of clean water should be accessible at all times.

Supplementation

Insects offered should be lightly dusted with a powdered calcium supplement (without phosphorus). This supplementation is not necessary for complete powdered diets.