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Care sheet
Gargoyle gecko
Rhacodactylus auriculatus
A nocturnal arboreal species native to New Caledonia,
the Gargoyle Gecko is renowned for its distinctive cranial crests
and its often confident, strong-willed character.
TEMPERATURES
72–79°F during the day
64–72°F at night
HUMIDITY
60 - 90 %
fluctuating
ADULT SIZE
18 to 22 cm (7.1–8.7 in)
ADULT WEIGHT
40 to 70 g
LIFESPAN
15 to 20 years old
CARE LEVEL
intermediate
level
IN THE WILD
Humid and well-ventilated environment
Inhabits the lower levels of trees and dense shrub vegetation, where branches, foliage, and natural cavities provide shelter and security.
Recipes for every stage of life.
Ferns, epiphytic mosses, tropical shrubs, high humidity, and a varied climate.
Living, well-draining substrate
Humus, leaf litter, decaying wood, and volcanic rocks.
IN CAPTIVITY
VERTICAL AND
PLANTED TERRARIUM
Branches, vines, and bark.
Dense vegetation
Elevated resting areas
Plenty of hiding spots
UVB lighting optional
MINIMUM ENCLOSURE SIZE
for a single adult
45 × 45 × 60 cm
(18 × 18 × 24 in) minimum
RECOMMENDED PLANTS
Pothos
Ficus Pumila
Providing more space encourages natural behaviours and helps create a richer, more enriching habitat.
Philodendron
Nephrolepis exaltata
Bromeliades
PARAMETERS
HUMIDITY
DIET
BEHAVIOR
Room temperature,
without additional heating,
if maintained within the following range:
Day: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
Night: 18–22°C (64–72°F)
Regular misting,
with essential drying periods between sessions:
60–90% fluctuating humidity
Frugivorous-omnivorous species.
ACTIVE formula up to 18 months of age,
then CLASSIQUE formula once fully grown.
Juveniles: 5 feedings per week
Adults: 3 feedings per week
Nocturnal, active, and often strong-willed.
Handling should remain limited
and always be adapted to the individual gecko.
IN SUMMARY
The Gargoyle Gecko thrives in a densely planted, well-ventilated, and moderately humid enclosure inspired by the forests of New Caledonia.
More insectivorous than many other New Caledonian geckos, it benefits from regular supplementation with live insects throughout its life.
