Species Overview

  • Common name: Crested Gecko

  • Scientific name: Correlophus ciliatus

  • Origin: Southern New Caledonia

  • Lifespan: 15–20+ years with correct husbandry

  • Adult size: 7–9 inches, including tail

  • Temperament: Gentle, docile, can be jumpy.

  • Activity: Nocturnal and crepuscular (active mainly at dawn and dusk)

Housing and Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

  • Juveniles: Minimum 30 × 30 × 45 cm Terrarium.

  • Adults: Minimum 45 × 45 × 60 cm Terrarium.

  • Provide vertical climbing space — height is more important than floor area.

  • If housing more than one, ensure only compatible pairs (e.g. male/female under supervision or female groups) — males must be kept separately.

Substrate

  • Recommended: Coconut fibre, bioactive soil mix, orchid bark, or moss-based substrates to retain humidity.

  • Avoid sand or dusty substrates that can cause impaction.

Furnishing & Enrichment

  • Provide plenty of branches, cork bark, vines, and foliage (live or artificial) for climbing and hiding.

  • Add multiple hides at different heights.

  • Include a shallow water dish.

  • Rearrange décor occasionally to encourage exploration and mental stimulation.

Temperature, Lighting & Humidity

Temperature

  • Daytime ambient: 24–26 °C

  • Basking spot: 27–28 °C maximum

  • Night-time drop: 18–20 °C

  • Avoid overheating — temperatures above 30 °C can be dangerous.

  • Always use a dimming thermostat and dual thermometers (warm and cool areas).

Lighting

  • Crested Geckos are nocturnal but benefit from a low-level UVB light (2.4/7%) for vitamin D3 production and natural photoperiods.

  • Provide a 12-hour day/night cycle.

  • UVB should be positioned at an angle covering 2/3rds so the gecko can move in and out of exposure.

Humidity

  • Maintain 60–80% humidity, with daily fluctuations.

  • Mist the enclosure twice daily — morning and evening — allowing partial drying in between.

  • Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent mould.

Diet & Feeding

Primary Diet

  • Use a fruit-based Gecko Diet such as Pangea, Repashy or StickyFoot Gold.

  • Feed live food 3–4 times per week in the evening when geckos are active.

Live Food

  • Offer small crickets, locusts or dubia roaches once or twice per week for enrichment.

  • All insects should be gut-loaded and supplemented.

  • Avoid feeding insects larger than the space between the gecko’s eyes.

Supplements

  • Calcium: Dust live food every feeding.

  • Multivitamin: Once weekly.

  • If no UVB is provided, use a calcium supplement containing vitamin D3.

Feeding Routine

  • Feed in shallow dishes placed off the ground (mid-height branch or ledge).

  • Remove uneaten food within 24 hours to maintain hygiene.

Water & Hydration

  • Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish.

  • Crested Geckos often prefer to lick water droplets from leaves and glass after misting, so regular misting is essential.

Handling & Behaviour

  • Allow new arrivals 1–2 weeks to settle before handling.

  • Handle calmly, supporting their body with both hands; they may jump between hands.

  • Avoid grabbing the tail — they can drop it and will not regrow it (unlike most other geckos).

  • Keep handling sessions short and stress-free.

Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Daily: Spot clean waste, remove uneaten food and refresh water.

  • Weekly: Clean glass and decor with reptile-safe disinfectant (F10).

  • Monthly: Deep clean and replace substrate as needed.

  • Bioactive setups: Maintain clean-up crew (springtails/isopods) and top up leaf litter.

Health & Welfare Monitoring

Common Health Issues

  • Shedding difficulties: Increase humidity or offer a moist hide.

  • Loss of appetite: Check enclosure temperature and stress factors.

  • Calcium deficiency: Ensure correct supplementation and UVB use.

  • Tail loss: Usually stress-related — ensure secure hides and minimal disturbance.