Short answer: A tiny 3–4 inch climbing gecko from the South Pacific that lives in colonies. A group needs at least a 12 × 12 × 18 inch enclosure, 75–80°F at the warm end, 70–72°F at the cool end, 60–80% humidity, and fresh crested gecko diet every 48 hours with dusted insects once or twice a week.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
- Habitat
- Rainforest Canopy
- Home range
- South Pacific islands, Central and South America, Hawaii
- Adult size
- 3–4 in
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Diet
- Crested gecko diet plus small insects
- Active
- Mostly at night
- Care level
- Beginner [source]
Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 12 × 12 × 18 in. Tall rather than wide: they climb. [source] |
|---|---|
| Warm end | 75–80°F [source] |
| Cool end | 70–72°F [source] |
| Humidity | 60–80% [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | ReptiFiles strongly recommends UVB. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 3–4 in · 10–15 years |
What to feed, and how often
A fruit-based crested gecko diet plus small dusted insects. [source]
| All ages | Fresh crested gecko diet every 48 hours, dusted insects 1–2 times a week |
|---|
Supplements: Calcium on insects (without D3 if you use UVB), plus a small dish of calcium.
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →More mourning geckos
Mourning gecko FAQ
What size enclosure does a mourning gecko need?
At least 12 × 12 × 18 inches (length × depth × height) for one adult. Tall rather than wide: they climb. [source]
What temperature does a mourning gecko need?
75–80°F at the warm end and 70–72°F at the cool end. [source]
What humidity does a mourning gecko need?
60–80%. [source]
Does a mourning gecko need UVB?
UVB is recommended. ReptiFiles strongly recommends UVB. [source]
What do mourning geckos eat?
A fruit-based crested gecko diet plus small dusted insects. Supplements: Calcium on insects (without D3 if you use UVB), plus a small dish of calcium. [source]
How often should I feed a mourning gecko?
All ages: Fresh crested gecko diet every 48 hours, dusted insects 1–2 times a week. [source]
How big do mourning geckos get, and how long do they live?
Adults reach 3–4 in and live 10–15 years with good care. [source]
Where do mourning geckos come from?
South Pacific islands, Central and South America, Hawaii. They are most active: mostly at night. [source]
Is a mourning 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
Gargoyle geckoRhacodactylus auriculatus
7–9 in15–20 yearsCrested gecko diet plus 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
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.