The Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is a nocturnal, arboreal lizard native to New Caledonia. Recognized for its distinctive crest along the head and body, it thrives in warm, humid environments and is a popular, low-maintenance pet
Crested Gecko Physical Description
Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are medium-sized, arboreal reptiles native to New Caledonia. They are known for their unique and striking physical features:
Size: They typically grow to about 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) in length, including the tail.
Coloration: Crested geckos come in a variety of colors, ranging from light brown, tan, and gray to shades of orange, red, and yellow. Their coloration can vary widely, with some geckos exhibiting darker spots or marbled patterns across their bodies. The patterns often help them blend into their natural environment.
Skin: Their skin is covered with fine, granular scales. It is relatively soft and velvety to the touch, providing some camouflage in the natural forest environment.
Tail: Crested geckos have long, thick, and somewhat flattened tails, which can be used for balance when climbing. Unlike some gecko species, they do not have the ability to drop their tails (a defense mechanism found in many other geckos).
Eyes: They have large, round eyes with vertical, elliptical pupils that help them see in low light conditions. The eyes are often described as one of their most attractive features.
Limbs and Toes: They possess four strong limbs with specialized toe pads that allow them to easily climb smooth surfaces. The pads are covered with microscopic hair-like structures called setae, which enable them to stick to and navigate vertical surfaces effortlessly.
Their unique appearance and relatively docile nature make crested geckos popular pets in the reptile hobbyist community.
Crested Gecko Size
Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are medium-sized lizards that typically grow to about 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) in length, including their tail.
Here’s a breakdown of their growth:
Juveniles: When hatched, they are around 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.
Adults: They usually reach around 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) in length by adulthood, though some may grow slightly larger.
Despite their moderate size, crested geckos are well-known for their relatively stocky bodies and long, fringed tails that give them their name.
Crested Gecko Habitat
Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are native to the rainforests of New Caledonia, an archipelago located in the southwest Pacific, east of Australia. Their natural habitat is characterized by warm, humid, and tropical conditions. Here are the key features of their habitat:
1. Climate and Temperature
Temperature Range: Crested geckos thrive in temperatures ranging from 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C) during the day. At night, they can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, down to about 65°F (18°C).
Humidity: They require high humidity, around 60% to 80%, to stay hydrated and healthy. This helps them maintain proper skin shedding and prevents dehydration.
2. Vegetation
In the wild, they live among the dense foliage of trees and shrubs in tropical forests, where they are well-camouflaged due to their brown or gray coloration, which blends with the bark and leaves.
Crested geckos often inhabit areas with a lot of vertical surfaces like tree trunks, branches, and vines, as they are arboreal (tree-dwelling) creatures.
3. Shelter and Hiding Places
They seek shelter in hollowed-out tree trunks, vines, and dense vegetation. They are nocturnal, meaning they stay hidden during the day and are most active at night when they hunt for food or explore their environment.
Their natural shelter helps them avoid predators and provides a safe place to hide, sleep, and shed their skin.
4. Diet
In the wild, their diet consists of insects, fruit, and nectar, which they forage for at night. In captivity, they are often fed a commercial crested gecko diet (often fruit-based) and occasional insects.
5. Rain and Water Source
Crested geckos rely on rainwater and high humidity for hydration. They are adept at drinking water droplets that accumulate on leaves or branches, which is why it’s crucial to maintain humidity in their enclosure and mist the tank regularly.
6. Altitude
These geckos are typically found in lowland and montane forests, up to about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level, where the environment is humid and temperate.
In captivity, it’s important to mimic these natural habitat conditions to ensure the well-being of a crested gecko. This includes providing a tall enclosure with branches, vines, and foliage to climb on, maintaining humidity, and offering temperature gradients.
Crested Gecko Lifespan
The lifespan of a Central Bearded Dragon typically ranges from 8 to 12 years in captivity, though some can live longer with proper care. Factors such as diet, habitat, and overall health influence their longevity. In the wild, they tend to live shorter lives due to predators and environmental challenges. To ensure a long life in captivity, owners must provide adequate lighting, a balanced diet, and a temperature-controlled environment.
Crested Gecko Venom
Central Bearded Dragons are not venomous. They rely on their physical strength and sharp claws for defense. While they may hiss or puff up when threatened, they do not produce venom or pose a danger to humans.
Crested Gecko Diet
Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are omnivorous, meaning they eat a combination of plant matter and animal-based foods. Here’s a breakdown of their diet:
1. Commercially Available Crested Gecko Diet
Powdered Food Mixes: A popular and easy option for crested geckos is commercially available powdered diets. These are formulated to provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins for the geckos. You simply mix the powder with water to create a paste.
Flavors: These diets often come in flavors like fruit, pumpkin, and insect-based formulations to appeal to a gecko’s varied tastes.
2. Fruits
Fresh Fruit: Crested geckos enjoy fresh fruits like mashed bananas, papaya, mango, and figs. These provide natural sugars and important nutrients.
Frozen Fruit: You can also offer frozen fruit that’s thawed first, though fresh is always preferred.
3. Insects (Occasionally)
While crested geckos are mostly frugivorous (fruit-eating), they will sometimes eat insects in the wild. This adds variety and protein to their diet.
Crickets, roaches, and mealworms are good sources of protein. These should be offered a few times a week.
Gut-loading the insects (feeding them nutritious foods before offering them to the gecko) ensures that the geckos get the most nutrients possible.
4. Other Foods
Honey or Baby Food: Some owners use honey or baby food (such as sweet potato or squash) occasionally as a treat. Be mindful of the sugar content in honey, however.
Feeding Tips:
Avoid Feeding Dairy: Never feed dairy products to crested geckos, as they cannot digest lactose.
Variety is Key: A well-rounded diet with a variety of fruits, insects, and powdered food is ideal.
Fresh Water: Always provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish or mist the enclosure to increase humidity and provide hydration.
By maintaining a balanced diet with these components, your crested gecko will stay healthy and active.
Crested Gecko Image
10 Interesting Facts About Crested Geckos
Crested geckos (scientifically known as Correlophus ciliatus) are fascinating reptiles that have captured the interest of many herpetology enthusiasts. Here are 10 interesting facts about them:
1. Native to New Caledonia
Crested geckos are indigenous to New Caledonia, an archipelago located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. These geckos are found in the forests and rainforests of these islands.
2. They Were Thought to Be Extinct
Crested geckos were considered extinct in the wild until they were rediscovered in 1994. Before this discovery, the species was only known through preserved specimens. Their rediscovery sparked an interest in breeding them in captivity.
3. Unique “Crested” Appearance
Crested geckos are named for the fringe of skin that runs along the top of their head, down their back, and to their tail, resembling a crest. This crest is made of skin extensions and serves as a visual characteristic.
4. Great Climbers
Crested geckos have specialized toe pads that allow them to climb smooth surfaces with ease. These toe pads are covered in microscopic structures called setae, which help them grip surfaces through van der Waals forces.
5. They Can Jump
Although not as powerful as some other geckos, crested geckos are excellent jumpers. They can leap from tree branches in their native habitat, which is useful for escaping predators or catching prey.
6. They Are Nocturnal
Crested geckos are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. They use the darkness to hunt insects, and their large eyes help them see well in low light conditions.
7. A Wide Range of Colors
Crested geckos come in a variety of colors and patterns, including shades of brown, yellow, orange, red, and even white. Some have more prominent markings, while others have solid colors or more subtle patterns.
8. Regenerative Tail
Crested geckos have the ability to drop their tails as a defense mechanism when threatened by predators. This ability to autotomize their tails helps them escape, although the tail does not grow back with the same shape or size.
9. Omnivores
Crested geckos are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant matter and insects. In captivity, they are often fed a diet that includes fruit puree, specially formulated gecko diets, and occasional live insects like crickets or roaches.
10. Long Lifespan
When cared for properly, crested geckos can live up to 15-20 years in captivity, making them a long-term pet for reptile enthusiasts. Their longevity depends on proper diet, habitat, and health care.
These unique traits make crested geckos popular among reptile enthusiasts and pet owners. Their calm temperament and fascinating behavior add to their allure as exotic pets.
FAQs about Crested Gecko
1. Do crested geckos like to be held?
Crested geckos don’t have a strong preference for being held and may tolerate handling to varying degrees, but they are not naturally affectionate animals like some pets (e.g., dogs or cats). They are more “hands-off” by nature. Some crested geckos may tolerate short periods of handling, while others might find it stressful. If you want to handle your crested gecko, it’s important to do so gently and avoid excessive handling to prevent causing them stress.
2. Can crested geckos recognize their owners?
Crested geckos do have the ability to recognize familiar scents and may become accustomed to the presence of their owners over time. While they may not “recognize” their owners in the same way a dog might, they can learn to associate you with feeding or handling, and may become more comfortable with you if you interact with them regularly. They may show less fear and stress around people they recognize as non-threatening.
3. Are crested geckos friendly?
Crested geckos are generally not aggressive, and many can be quite docile. They tend to be more curious than overtly friendly and may become accustomed to being around humans if they are handled gently. However, they are not “friendly” in the sense that they will seek out attention or affection; rather, they are more tolerant of it once they feel safe.
4. Can I give my crested gecko tap water?
Yes, you can give your crested gecko tap water, but it depends on the quality of the tap water in your area. If your tap water contains chlorine, chloramine, or other chemicals, it is best to let the water sit for 24 hours to allow these chemicals to dissipate, or use a water conditioner. Alternatively, you can use filtered or distilled water to be safe.
5. Should I mist my crested gecko?
Yes, misting your crested gecko’s enclosure is important. These geckos are from humid environments, and they need proper humidity levels (around 50-70%) to stay healthy. Misting helps maintain the humidity and provides a source of water for them to drink. It also supports their natural behavior of licking water droplets off surfaces. Make sure the enclosure dries out during the day to prevent mold growth or excessively high humidity, which could cause health issues.