Crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)

Short answers

Crested gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for 1.2 from 60×60×80 cm (1997 expert report: 6×6×8 times the snout–vent length for 1.1, at 10 cm SVL).

Crested gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Crested gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (low, UVB 2–5%).

Crested gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years.

Crested gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

Recommended (low, UVB 2–5%)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for 1.2 from 60×60×80 cm (1997 expert report: 6×6×8 times the snout–vent length for 1.1, at 10 cm SVL)

Substrate

Terrarium soil or sphagnum, densely planted

Feeding

Food

A prepared diet (CGD or Repashy) plus insects

Feeding interval

2–3× a week

Key facts

Adult size

20–25 cm (with the tail)

Life expectancy

15–20 years

Origin

New Caledonia

Protection status

No CITES Appendix; in the EU only in Annex D (import notification at customs only) — no papers are needed to buy or sell. New Caledonia no longer allows wild animals to be exported: all animals in the trade are captive-bred. The IUCN Red List lists this species as Vulnerable.

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

On its own – that always works. A trio of one male and two females (1.2) works just as well. A pair (1.1) is not recommended: the male constantly pursues the single female, she barely gets any rest and is worn down by the many clutches. Two males must never be kept together; they fight over territory and feeding spots. For 1.2 the enclosure needs to be considerably larger: from 60×60×80 cm. Several feeding spots and plenty of visual barriers are important, otherwise one animal eats for everyone.

Notes

No permanent heat above about 28 °C. It sheds its tail (which does not grow back). Nocturnal, with plenty of climbing.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) currently offered

• Pet Only Kronengecko pos. Weibchen – Liebenburg · 30 €
• Pet Only Kronengecko – Liebenburg · 30 €
• Kronengecko Männchen – Liebenburg · 45 €
• Kronengecko Männchen 2023 – Liebenburg · 35 €
• Kronengecko – Liebenburg · 50 €
• Kronengecko – Liebenburg · 50 €

See all listings in the marketplace →

Related species

• Sarasin's giant gecko (Correlophus sarasinorum) – Beginner
• Agricola's chameleon gecko (Eurydactylodes agricolae) – Intermediate
• Bavay's gecko (Bavayia sauvagii) – Beginner
• Mossy New Caledonian gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua) – Beginner to intermediate
• Gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) – Beginner
• New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) – Intermediate
• Jalu mossy gecko (Mniarogekko jalu) – Intermediate
• Rough-snouted giant gecko (Rhacodactylus trachycephalus) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for 1.2 from 60×60×80 cm (1997 expert report: 6×6×8 times the snout–vent length for 1.1, at 10 cm SVL)), substrate (Terrarium soil or sphagnum, densely planted), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.