Species GuideCrested Gecko
Beginner

Crested Gecko

Correlophus ciliatus
Crested Gecko

Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)

Once thought extinct, crested geckos were rediscovered in 1994 and rapidly became one of the most popular geckos in the hobby. They are arboreal, easy to care for, and come in a huge range of colours and patterns.

Housing

A tall 20-gallon (75L) enclosure with vertical space for climbing is ideal. Live plants, cork bark, and bamboo tubes make them feel at home. Crested geckos are territorial — house them individually or as a proven male/female pair.

Temperature

Crested geckos cannot tolerate heat above 80°F (27°C) for extended periods — this is their critical care requirement. If your home stays below 72°F (22°C), a low-wattage heat emitter may be needed.

Humidity

Mist the enclosure once or twice daily to raise humidity to 70–80%, then let it dry out before the next misting to prevent bacterial growth.

Feeding

Crested gecko diet (CGD) powders like Repashy or Pangea are nutritionally complete and should be the staple. Supplement with gut-loaded insects 2–3 times per week.

Care Requirements

Difficulty

Beginner

Venomous

No

Humidity

High (70–85%)

Temperature

Cool (65–75°F / 18–24°C)

Min. Enclosure

20 gallon / 75L minimum

Natural Habitat

Tropical Rainforest