Gargoyle Gecko

Enclosure type

Vertical glass or screen enclosure; arboreal species requires height

Substrate

Coconut fiber, moss, or paper towels. Bioactive substrate works well for this species.

Hides

Cork bark pieces, artificial and live plant cover; multiple anchor points for climbing

Notes

Minimum 18x18x24" vertical enclosure for adults. Provide climbing branches, cork bark, and foliage. Ensure adequate ventilation.

Ambient / cool side

72-80°F (22-27°C)

Basking spot

No dedicated basking spot; ambient room temperature is sufficient

Nighttime

65-72°F (18-22°C)

Heating method

No heating usually needed in most homes; fan or A/C if temps approach 82°F

Humidity range

50-70%

Maintenance

Mist once or twice daily depending on ventilation. Allow enclosure to dry between mistings.

UVB

Not required; optional 2-5% UVB recommended for optimal health

Photoperiod

12-14 hours on / 10-12 hours off

Lighting notes

No UVB required but low-level UVB (2-5%) recommended for optimal health. Provide 12-14 hour photoperiod.

Staple food

Commercial crested gecko diet (CGD)

Variety

Crickets, dubia roaches 1-2x weekly

Frequency

Juveniles: CGD nightly, insects 2x per week. Adults: CGD every other night, insects once weekly.

Supplements

CGD provides complete nutrition. If feeding insects, dust with calcium with D3 every other feeding.

Notes

Omnivore: Commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) as staple food. Supplement with insects (crickets, roaches) 1-2x weekly.

Water bowl

Shallow dish; replace daily; most drinking from misted droplets

Notes

Mist daily. Provide water dish but most drinking is from droplets on leaves. Change water dish daily.

Disposition

Generally docile but more jumpy than crested geckos; may vocalize when stressed

Recommendations

Handle 1-2 times per week for 10-15 minutes. They may vocalize (chirp or bark) when stressed. Tails do not regenerate.

MBD from calcium deficiency, floppy tail syndrome, stuck shed, prolapse. Generally hardy with fewer health issues than many species.

Gargoyle geckos can live 15-20 years. They are closely related to crested geckos but tend to be slightly more vocal and have a stockier build. Males can be territorial. Their prehensile tail helps them navigate branches.