Crested Gecko Care Guide
Correlophus ciliatus
Crested geckos — also known as eyelash geckos or affectionately as “cresties” — are small, semi-arboreal lizards that are primarily nocturnal and native to the islands of New Caledonia. Crested gecko care is relatively straightforward, making them excellent pets for new reptile owners and experienced keepers alike.
Crested geckos lack eyelids and can exhibit tail autotomy — dropping their tail as a defense mechanism. The tail does not grow back, so this species should be handled with care. With proper care, crested geckos can live 15–20 years.
Enclosure
Crested geckos are primarily arboreal and require a tall enclosure with plenty of vertical height for climbing. Minimum recommended size for an adult is 18″L × 18″W × 36″H. Enclosures should ideally have at least three solid sides (such as glass) to help maintain proper humidity, with a screen top for ventilation.
The enclosure should include a variety of branches at different heights and thick vines for climbing. Crested geckos love to hide — artificial or nontoxic live plants, cork flats, and vines work well for this purpose. A humid hide filled with damp sphagnum moss is also important for proper shedding; monitor the moss for mold and replace frequently. A feeding platform off the substrate is needed — many arboreal feeder platforms are available that suction or magnetically attach to enclosure walls.
Substrate
Substrates that help maintain humidity — such as coconut fiber and reptile/organic topsoil — are recommended. Bioactive setups also work well for crested geckos. Spot clean daily and replace substrate fully every 1–2 months. Egg-laying females will need a suitable nesting area provided.
Temperature
Crested geckos can often be maintained at normal room temperatures of 72–78°F. Temperatures should never exceed 82°F or drop below 70°F. Supplemental heating to provide a warm basking area of 75–78°F is recommended, with plenty of cooler retreat space (72–75°F). If nighttime temperatures fall below 68°F, supplemental heat will be needed — use a heat source that does not produce visible light at night to avoid disrupting the normal photoperiod.
Heating options include a basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter placed outside the enclosure. Monitor temperatures with a digital probe thermometer or infrared laser thermometer. A reptile thermostat is recommended for safer, more accurate temperature control.
Humidity
Maintain humidity between 60–80%, monitored with a digital hygrometer. Hand misting morning and evening can work, but the high humidity levels required are often most easily achieved with an automatic misting system (such as the ExoTerra Monsoon or MistKing) set to run intermittently throughout the day. Aim the mister so droplets form on perches and plants — crested geckos drink from droplets rather than standing water. Clean misting equipment regularly to prevent bacterial and mold buildup.
Lighting
Crested geckos are nocturnal and have lower lighting requirements than many other reptiles. While not strictly necessary for survival, low-level UVB lighting is beneficial for their health. Recommended bulbs include the Zoo Med ReptiSun 2.0 or Arcadia ShadeDweller 2.4% Arboreal bulb. UVB lighting should be on for 12 hours per day and can be set on a timer. Replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months — the UVB-emitting coating wears off even when the bulb still produces visible light.
Diet & Feeding
Crested geckos are omnivores — predominantly frugivores — and their captive diet should primarily consist of specially formulated commercial crested gecko diets, which typically come as a flavored powder reconstituted with water into a paste or smoothie-like consistency. Recommended brands include Pangea and Repashy, available in a variety of flavors. Food dishes should be cleaned and food replaced daily.
Supplement the commercial diet with live, gut-loaded feeder insects (crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches) 1–2 times weekly. Dust insects with calcium carbonate powder before feeding. Insect size should not exceed the width between the gecko’s eyes. Fresh mashed fruit (bananas, papayas, mango, figs) can also be offered occasionally.
Handling
Crested geckos are docile and often enjoy interacting with their owners, but require some precautions:
- Never grab a crested gecko by the tail
- Always support their full body weight
- Never handle too far from the ground — crested geckos love to jump
- Limit handling to no more than 15 minutes per day to avoid stress
- Handle in a dimly lit room during the day or in the evening
Veterinary Care
An annual wellness examination and fecal screening for parasites is recommended for all reptiles.
