Key Takeaway:
- Crested geckos have gained popularity as reptile pets due to their small size, docile nature, and ease of care.
- They are native to the islands of New Caledonia and were believed to be extinct until rediscovered in 1994.
- Crested geckos are arboreal and nocturnal, spending their time in trees and being most active at night.
- Their diet consists of insects, fruits, nectar, and occasionally small vertebrates. Commercial powdered diets and supplemented live insects are recommended in captivity.
- Crested geckos are known for their calm behavior and vocalizations, using body language and sounds for communication.
- They reproduce through laying eggs, with breeding season lasting from March to September, and the eggs take about 60 to 90 days to hatch. Proper breeding techniques are important to ensure successful outcomes.
Crested geckos, also known as New Caledonian geckos or eyelash geckos, have rapidly become one of the most popular reptile pets in recent years.
These fascinating creatures are small, docile, and relatively easy to care for, making them ideal pets for both experienced reptile keepers and beginners alike.
With their unique physical features, interesting behavior, and quirky personalities, crested geckos have captured the hearts of many reptile enthusiasts.
If you’re considering a crested gecko as a pet, or if you’re just curious about these amazing creatures, read on to learn everything you need to know about the crested gecko.
Taxonomy, History, And Scientific Classification
The Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is a species of gecko native to the islands of New Caledonia in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
It was first described by French zoologist Alphone Guichenot in 1866. The species was believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994.
Since then, the Crested Gecko has become increasingly popular as a pet due to its unique appearance, ease of care, and docile temperament.
The Crested Gecko is classified under the family Diplodactylidae, which includes a diverse group of geckos found throughout the world.
The species is part of the genus Correlophus, which also includes the Chahoua Gecko (Correlophus sarasinorum), another species of gecko native to New Caledonia.
Distribution And Habitat
Crested Geckos are endemic to the southern and eastern parts of New Caledonia, where they inhabit the island’s humid forests and grasslands.
They are arboreal creatures, meaning they spend most of their time in trees and shrubs. The geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
In the wild, Crested Geckos live in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and montane forests.
They are often found in the vicinity of rivers, streams, and other water sources.
Physical Description
Crested Geckos are small to medium-sized geckos, typically measuring around 8-10 inches in length from nose to tail.
They have a distinctive, crested appearance due to the presence of raised, fringed scales that run along their head and back.
Their coloration can vary widely, ranging from dull gray to bright green, orange, red, or even blue.
Crested Geckos also have large, lidless eyes that are capable of independent movement, allowing them to scan their surroundings for prey and predators.
Overall, Crested Geckos are a unique and fascinating species that make excellent pets for beginners and experienced reptile enthusiasts alike.
Diet
Crested geckos are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists of insects, fruit, nectar, and occasionally small vertebrates such as lizards or baby mice.
They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available.
In captivity, it is important to replicate their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure their health and well-being.
The majority of a crested gecko’s diet should consist of commercially available powdered diets, which are specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs.
These diets are available in a variety of flavors and are easy to prepare by mixing them with water.
It is important to supplement their diet with live insects, such as crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms.
Insects should be gut-loaded prior to feeding, which means feeding them a nutritious diet to enhance their nutritional value for the gecko.
Dusting insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements are also recommended.
Crested geckos can also be offered small amounts of fruit, such as mashed banana or applesauce, or a small amount of nectar.
Behavior
Crested geckos are known for their calm and docile behavior, making them popular pets for both beginner and experienced reptile keepers.
They are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night and sleep during the day.
In the wild, they spend their days hiding in tree crevices, and when night falls, they come out to hunt for food.
In captivity, crested geckos are generally easy to handle and are not aggressive toward humans.
They may become stressed if they are handled too often or too roughly, so it’s important to handle them gently and only when necessary.
Some crested geckos may be more comfortable with handling than others, and it’s important to respect their individual personalities.
Crested geckos communicate through body language and vocalizations. They can make a variety of sounds, including chirping, barking, and hissing.
These vocalizations are used for communication between individuals and can indicate territoriality, mating behavior, or distress.
Crested geckos also have unique behaviors when it comes to shedding. Before shedding, they may become less active, lose their appetite, and their skin may appear dull.
During shedding, they may rub their bodies against hard surfaces to help loosen the old skin.
After shedding, they may eat their shed skin, which is normal behavior that provides them with important nutrients.
Reproduction
Crested geckos reach sexual maturity at around 8 to 14 months of age, depending on their size and overall health.
Male crested geckos are usually larger than females and have visible pores on their undersides.
Females, on the other hand, have a wider and shorter tail base.
Breeding season for crested geckos typically lasts from March to September, and during this time, males will start to display aggressive behavior toward other males in the same enclosure.
It is important to separate males from females during this time if you don’t plan on breeding them.
Crested geckos are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Females can lay up to two eggs per month during the breeding season, with an average clutch size of 8 eggs.
The eggs take about 60 to 90 days to hatch, depending on the temperature and humidity of the incubation environment.
Once hatched, the baby crested geckos are independent and do not require parental care.
It’s important to note that while crested geckos can be bred in captivity, it’s always recommended to research and understand the proper techniques and requirements for successful breeding.
Inexperienced breeders or improper breeding techniques can lead to stress, injury, or even death of the geckos.
Ecology
Crested geckos are primarily arboreal and nocturnal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees and are active during the night.
They are native to the forests and rainforests of southern New Caledonia, where they live in trees and feed on insects, fruit, and nectar.
In their native habitat, crested geckos are an important part of the ecosystem, serving as both predator and prey.
They help control insect populations, and their droppings provide a source of nutrients for plants.
In captivity, crested geckos require a similar environment to their natural habitat, with plenty of climbing opportunities and hiding places.
They also need a varied diet that includes both insects and fruit.
Predators
Crested geckos have several predators in their native habitat, including birds, snakes, and larger lizards such as monitor lizards.
Young crested geckos are particularly vulnerable to predation, as they are smaller and less agile than adults.
In captivity, crested geckos are generally safe from predators if they are kept in a secure enclosure.
However, they may be at risk from other pets in the household, such as cats or dogs, if they are allowed to roam free.
It is important to supervise interactions between pets and crested geckos to ensure their safety.
