Short answer: A mellow, very handleable climbing gecko from New Caledonia. One adult needs a tall 18 × 18 × 24 inch enclosure, 77–84°F in the warm zone, 72–74°F in the cool zone, 50–70% humidity with evening misting, and crested gecko diet plus insects twice a week.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
- Habitat
- Rainforest Canopy
- Home range
- New Caledonia
- Adult size
- 7–9 in
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Diet
- Crested gecko diet plus insects
- Active
- Dusk and night
- Care level
- Beginner [source]
Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 18 × 18 × 24 in. Height matters: they climb. [source] |
|---|---|
| Warm end | 77–84°F [source] |
| Cool end | 72–74°F [source] |
| Night | 68–77°F [source] |
| Humidity | 50–70%. Mist heavily in the evening and lightly in the morning; let it dry to about 50% between mistings [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | A 12 in Arcadia ShadeDweller 7% at 8–12 in above mesh, or a 24 in ShadeDweller Max 2.5% at 6–9 in; aim for UVI 1.0–2.0 at the basking spot. [source] |
| Heat | A white low-wattage (about 25 W) incandescent or halogen bulb. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 7–9 in · 15–20 years |
What to feed, and how often
A complete powdered crested gecko diet, feeder insects twice a week, fruit as an occasional treat. [source]
| Hatchling and juvenile | Crested gecko diet daily, insects every other day |
|---|---|
| Adult | Crested gecko diet every other day, insects twice a week |
Supplements: Dust insects with calcium: without vitamin D3 if you use UVB, with D3 if you don't.
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →More gargoyle geckos
Gargoyle gecko FAQ
What size enclosure does a gargoyle gecko need?
At least 18 × 18 × 24 inches (length × depth × height) for one adult. Height matters: they climb. [source]
What temperature does a gargoyle gecko need?
77–84°F at the warm end and 72–74°F at the cool end. At night, 68–77°F. [source]
What humidity does a gargoyle gecko need?
50–70%. Mist heavily in the evening and lightly in the morning; let it dry to about 50% between mistings. [source]
Does a gargoyle gecko need UVB?
UVB is recommended. A 12 in Arcadia ShadeDweller 7% at 8–12 in above mesh, or a 24 in ShadeDweller Max 2.5% at 6–9 in. Aim for a UVI of 1.0–2.0 where it basks. [source]
What do gargoyle geckos eat?
A complete powdered crested gecko diet, feeder insects twice a week, fruit as an occasional treat. Supplements: Dust insects with calcium: without vitamin D3 if you use UVB, with D3 if you don't. [source]
How often should I feed a gargoyle gecko?
Hatchling and juvenile: Crested gecko diet daily, insects every other day.Adult: Crested gecko diet every other day, insects twice a week. [source]
How big do gargoyle geckos get, and how long do they live?
Adults reach 7–9 in and live 15–20 years with good care. [source]
Where do gargoyle geckos come from?
New Caledonia. They are most active: dusk and night. [source]
Is a gargoyle gecko a good reptile for beginners?
ReptiFiles rates its care level as beginner. It is one of the easier reptiles to start with if the setup is right. [source]
Neighbors in the Rainforest Canopy
ForestBeginner
Crested geckoCorrelophus ciliatus
7–9 in15–20 yearsPowdered crested gecko diet plus some insects
ForestBeginner
Mourning geckoLepidodactylus lugubris
3–4 in10–15 yearsCrested gecko diet plus small insects
ForestIntermediate
Dumeril's boaAcrantophis dumerili
5–7 ft15–20+ yearsWhole prey (rodents, birds)
ForestAdvanced
Jackson's chameleonTrioceros jacksonii
9–13 in5–10 yearsInsects
Forest
Veiled chameleonChamaeleo calyptratus
Up to about 22 in6–8 years (females shorter)Insects
Sources
- ReptiFiles: Gargoyle Gecko Care Guide
- ReptiFiles: Gargoyle gecko temperatures and humidity
- ReptiFiles: Gargoyle gecko food
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.