Species Overview

  • Common name: Gargoyle Gecko

  • Scientific name: Rhacodactylus auriculatus

  • Origin: Southern New Caledonia

  • Lifespan: 15–20+ years in captivity with correct husbandry

  • Adult size: 7–9 inches (including tail)

  • Temperament: Generally calm and tolerant of gentle handling, though can be jumpy

  • Activity: Nocturnal and crepuscular (most active 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 and secure, well-ventilated mesh top.

Substrate

  • Recommended: Soil-based bioactive mix, coconut fibre or orchid bark to maintain humidity.

  • Avoid loose sand or dusty substrates.

Furnishing & Enrichment

  • Provide multiple hides (top, middle, and ground level).

  • Add sturdy branches, cork bark, bamboo tubes and live or artificial plants for climbing.

  • Include a shallow water dish refreshed daily.

  • Offer occasional enrichment: new décor, feeding puzzles or rearranged branches to encourage exploration.

Temperature, Lighting & Humidity

Temperature

  • Daytime ambient: 24–26 °C

  • Basking spot: 16-18 °C

  • Night-time drop: 18–20 °C

  • Use a dimming thermostat to regulate all heat sources.

  • Monitor with two thermometers (basking and cool zone).

Lighting

  • Though nocturnal, Gargoyle Geckos benefit from a low-output UVB light (6-7%) to aid vitamin D3 synthesis and maintain natural rhythms.

  • Provide a 12-hour day/night cycle.

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

Humidity

  • Maintain 60–80% humidity.

  • Mist enclosure twice daily (morning and evening).

  • Ensure good airflow to prevent mould.

  • Allow humidity to drop slightly between sprays to mimic natural fluctuations.

Diet & Feeding

Primary Diet

  • Gecko Diet: Offer a high-quality premixed diet such as Repashy, Pangea or StickyFoot Gold 3–4 times per week.

  • Live food: Crickets, locusts and occasionally dubia roaches. These should be offered once a day for babies, and 2-3 times a week for juveniles and adults.

Live Food

  • All live food should be gut-loaded and no larger than the space between the gecko’s eyes.

  • Avoid waxworms or mealworms as regular food (too fatty).

Supplements

  • Calcium: Dust live food every feeding.

  • Multivitamin: Once weekly.

  • UVB users may use calcium without D3; if no UVB is provided, calcium with D3.

Feeding Routine

  • Feed during the evening when the gecko becomes active.

  • Remove uneaten food within 24 hours to maintain hygiene.

Water & Hydration

  • Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish.

  • Gargoyle Geckos often prefer to lick droplets from leaves after misting, so maintain a regular mist cycle.

Handling & Behaviour

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

  • Handle calmly with open hands — avoid grabbing tails (they can drop them if stressed, though Gargoyle Geckos can regrow their tails).

  • Short, calm handling sessions 2–3 times weekly help socialisation.

  • Monitor for stress: tail twitching, open-mouth posturing or excessive jumping.

Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Daily: Spot-clean droppings and remove uneaten food.

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

  • Monthly: Deep clean or partial substrate replacement; refresh plants and décor.

  • Bioactive setups: Replace leaf litter as required; monitor springtails and isopods.

Health & Welfare Monitoring

Common Issues

  • Shedding difficulties: Increase humidity or offer shedding aid (moist hide or gentle bath).

  • Loss of appetite: Check temperature, surrounding stress, or handling frequency.

  • Floppy tail or bone weakness: Usually due to calcium deficiency — check UVB and diet.