Gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus)

Short answers

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

From 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair from 70×70×95 cm (1997 expert report, at 12 cm SVL).

Gargoyle gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–27 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Gargoyle gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (a higher UV requirement than other Rhacodactylus).

Gargoyle gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years.

Gargoyle gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–27 °C

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

50–70 % (by day), 60–80 % at night

UVB

Recommended (a higher UV requirement than other Rhacodactylus)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair from 70×70×95 cm (1997 expert report, at 12 cm SVL)

Substrate

Peat and sand or forest floor, a back wall and branches to climb

Feeding

Food

A prepared diet (fruit purée or gecko diet) plus insects

Feeding interval

2–3×/week (purée and insects alternating)

Key facts

Adult size

20–25 cm total length

Life expectancy

15–20 years

Origin

New Caledonia (the southern dry and montane forests)

Protection status

— (captive-bred animals only; export from New Caledonia is prohibited)

Brumation

None (a slight seasonal cooling is possible)

Cohabitation

Singly or as a pair; cannibalistic – do not house them with other geckos

Notes

A robust, undemanding beginner's gecko that does not need high temperatures. Cannibalistic – singly or as a compatible pair only. Prepared food makes feeding easier.

Do you keep this species?

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

Gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) currently offered

• 1.0 Red striped/Red Base Höckerkopfgecko NZ24 – Red Based red Stripe · Bad Kreuznach · 150 €
• 0.0.1 Rhacodactylus auriculatus | House44Reptiles – Red Stripe · Herne · 85 €
• 1.0 Rhacodactylus auriculatus | House44Reptiles – Red blotched · Herne · 150 €
• 1.0 Rhacodactylus auriculatus | House44Reptiles – Orange Stripe · Herne · 140 €
• 0.0.1 Rhacodactylus auriculatus Höckerkopfgecko Gargoyle – Black and White Based Red Stripe · Wandlitz · 180 €
• 0.0.1 Rhacodactylus auriculatus Höckerkopfgecko Gargoyle – Black & White Based Red Stripe · Wandlitz · 150 €

See all listings in the marketplace →

Related species

• New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) – Intermediate
• Rough-snouted giant gecko (Rhacodactylus trachycephalus) – Expert
• Agricola's chameleon gecko (Eurydactylodes agricolae) – Intermediate
• Bavay's gecko (Bavayia sauvagii) – Beginner
• Mossy New Caledonian gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua) – Beginner to intermediate
• Crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) – Beginner
• Jalu mossy gecko (Mniarogekko jalu) – Intermediate
• Robust bavayia (Bavayia robusta) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair from 70×70×95 cm (1997 expert report, at 12 cm SVL)), substrate (Peat and sand or forest floor, a back wall and branches to climb), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.