Common Name:Crested Gecko
Latin name: Rhacodactylus ciliatus
Native to: New Caledonia
Size: 8 to 9 inches long or 4-5 inches without a tail
Life span: It is unknown for sure but it is thought that crested geckos will live about 15-20 years.
General appearance: The Crested Gecko is a large, robust species of gecko that, like many geckos, has adhesive toe pads that allow it to climb almost any surface, including glass. Crested Geckos are named for their frilled crown or crest that runs from in front of their eyes, around their head and down their back to the tail. Crested Geckos are naturally variable in apperance and may reange from plain brown to bright red with cream colored flames.
Enclosure: Hatchling crested geckos can be housed in 10 gallon aquariums or similar plastic critter keepers. Juvenile to adult crested geckos should be housed in a 20 gallon tall aquarium or larger. A small group of up to three adult cresteds can be comfortably housed in a 29 gallon aquarium
Temperature: Daytime high should be no higher than 80°F. Crested Geckos exposed to temperatures over 85°F become stressed and may die. Night temperature can drop to 70° - 72° F, temperature drops into the 60's don't seem to be a problem with Cresteds.
Heat/Light: Crested Geckos do not need special UV lighting or supplemental heat unless room temperatures are unreasonably low. In that case a low wattage light bulb should be used for maintaining daytime heat.
Substrate: Newspaper, papertowels, and cypress mulch all work well
Environment: Cool with moderate to high humidity. A moist hide box should be provided and kept moist to aid shedding in shedding. We use disposible gladware containers with a hole cut in the lid and filled with coco fiber. A shallow water dish should be available at all times.
Diet: The easiest and most convenient method of feeding Crested Geckos is to use the powdered Crested Gecko diet developed by Allen Repashy. This diet has been formulated to contain all of the essential fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins that cresteds need. We feed Crested Gecko diet 2-3 times a week and supplement this with a feeding of crickets once a week. Crickets are dusted with calcium powder prior to being offered.
Maintenance: Keep substrate free of waste products. Water dish must be washed and refilled every other day to prevent bacterial growth. Change substrate regularly.
Other references or recommended reading:
Crested Geckos By Philippe De Vosjoli - BowTie Press (2005)
Crested Gecko in Captivity By Robbie Hamper - E. C. O. Herpetological Publishing & Distribution (2004)
Rhacodactylus: The Complete Guide to their Selection and Care By Philippe De Vosjoli, Frank Fast, and Allen Repashy - Advanced Visions (2003)
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