Mossy New Caledonian gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua)

Short answers

Mossy New Caledonian gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 45×45×60 cm kept singly, better 60×60×90 cm.

Mossy New Caledonian gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, basking spot slight hot spot ~26–28 °C (does not bask much), at night ~20 °C.

Mossy New Caledonian gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Optional (low).

Mossy New Caledonian gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20+ years.

Mossy New Caledonian gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C

Night temperature

~20 °C

Basking spot

slight hot spot ~26–28 °C (does not bask much)

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

Optional (low)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 45×45×60 cm kept singly, better 60×60×90 cm

Substrate

Moisture-retaining forest floor, plenty of branchwork and planting

Feeding

Food

Insects plus fruit or nectar purée (a prepared diet such as Repashy or Pangea)

Feeding interval

2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 25–27 cm (total length, a large species)

Life expectancy

15–20+ years

Origin

New Caledonia (Grande Terre, Île des Pins)

Protection status

Protected in New Caledonia (an export ban) – captive-bred animals only; no CITES

Brumation

None (a slight seasonal drop is possible)

Cohabitation

Keeping it singly is the least stressful option — chahouas are solitary, and when kept together there is competition for food and spots, stress and bite injuries. In pairs only for breeding and under observation in a considerably larger, densely structured enclosure; drawback: the female is harassed and worn down by clutches, so separate immediately if there is any biting. Never keep two males together.

Notes

No permanent temperatures above 30 °C (lethal stress). A robust, keenly grasping arboreal species – relatively beginner-friendly and very long-lived.

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Related species

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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Mossy New Caledonian gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 45×45×60 cm kept singly, better 60×60×90 cm), substrate (Moisture-retaining forest floor, plenty of branchwork and planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.