New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) (origin: New Caledonia (tropical rainforest)). Adult size around 35–43 cm total length (the largest living gecko). Life expectancy 15–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
New Caledonian giant gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 120×60×120 cm for one animal; for a pair from 145×145×190 cm (1997 expert report, at 24 cm SVL).
New Caledonian giant gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
New Caledonian giant gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Optional to recommended (weak UVB).
New Caledonian giant gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–25 years.
New Caledonian giant gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- UVB
- Optional to recommended (weak UVB)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 120×60×120 cm for one animal; for a pair from 145×145×190 cm (1997 expert report, at 24 cm SVL)
- Substrate
- A damp peat and sand mix (~8 cm), a back wall, thick climbing branches, cork tubes
Feeding
- Food
- A prepared diet (fruit purée or gecko diet), insects, occasionally nestlings
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 35–43 cm total length (the largest living gecko)
- Life expectancy
- 15–25 years
- Origin
- New Caledonia (tropical rainforest)
- Protection status
- — (captive-bred animals only; export from New Caledonia is prohibited)
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Singly; a pair only with plenty of space and proven compatibility (territorial, with bites)
Notes
The largest living gecko; territorial and bitey – pairs can injure each other badly. Plenty of space, climbing branches and tubes are needed; a powerful bite.
Do you keep this species?
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New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) currently offered
- 0.1 Leachianus – Brosse · Bielefeld · 280 €
- Neukaledonischer Riesengecko – GT- Mt. Koghis (Friedel Line) · Amelinghausen · 380 €
- 0.1 R. Leachianus Nuu Ana – Nuu Ana - CEMELLI-line · Erlensee · 600 €
- Biete 0.1 Rhacodactylus leachianus Mt. Koghis Friedel Line – Machern · 300 €
Related species
- Gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) – Beginner
- 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
What you need to start
To keep New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 120×60×120 cm for one animal; for a pair from 145×145×190 cm (1997 expert report, at 24 cm SVL)), substrate (A damp peat and sand mix (~8 cm), a back wall, thick climbing branches, cork tubes), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: geckio.de, snail-express.de, Gutachten 1997, Wikipedia EN, sauriakeller.at
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).