Crested Gecko Care: The Complete Beginner's Guide
The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is one of the most popular reptiles for beginners — and rightly so. They are relatively easy to keep, nocturnal, and do not require a UV-B lamp. Ideal for anyone wanting to start with reptiles without a complex setup.
What is a crested gecko?
The crested gecko is originally from New Caledonia and was long considered extinct — until its rediscovery in 1994. They grow 18–25 cm long and can live for 15–20 years with proper care. They are nocturnal and naturally climb in trees and bushes.
Suitable for: absolute beginners
Not suitable for: people who want a diurnal animal that they see moving during the day
The terrarium — size and setup
Minimum dimensions
| Age | Minimum terrarium size |
|---|---|
| Juvenile (0–6 months) | 30x30x45 cm (tall model) |
| Sub-adult (6–12 months) | 45x45x60 cm |
| Adult (1 year+) | 45x45x90 cm (final size, tall model) |
Important: Crested geckos climb — height is more important than floor space. Always choose a vertical terrarium.
Setup
Crested geckos need plenty of cover: plants, branches, and hides at various heights. Artificial plants are ideal — low maintenance and always green.
| Product | Application |
|---|---|
| Repto Plant Hanging Hedra 65 cm | Hanging cover along the back wall |
| Repto Plant Hanging Green 46 cm | Climbing plants at medium height |
| Repto Plant in Deco Three Tip Leaf | Compact decoration on the bottom |
| Repto Plant Vines Red & Green Fern 60 cm | Climbing plants for vertical walls |
Temperature and lighting
| Zone | Daytime temperature | Nighttime |
|---|---|---|
| Warm (top of terrarium) | 24–26°C max | 18–22°C |
| Cool (bottom) | 20–23°C | 18–20°C |
Note: Above 28°C, it becomes dangerous for crested geckos. Ensure cooling in summer or move the terrarium to a cooler room.
No UV-B required, but a weak daylight lamp (5–6% UV-B) can stimulate activity and colors. A 12-hour light-dark cycle is sufficient.
Humidity — crucial for this species
Crested geckos need high humidity: 60–80% during the day, with peaks up to 90–100% at night after misting.
Misting schedule:
- Evenings: mist the terrarium completely until the walls are wet
- During the day: allow to dry to 50–60%
Use the Repto Rainmaker 8500 for automatic misting — ideal for crested geckos. Or the Repto Pressure Sprayer 1L for manual misting.
Feeding — simple and varied
| Food type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Crested Gecko Diet (CGD) | 3–4x per week |
| Live insects (crickets, dubia) | 1–2x per week |
| Fruit (as a treat) | 1x per week max |
Use the Repto Fruit Snack Holder to offer fruit and CGD hygienically at height — crested geckos prefer not to eat from the ground.
Maintenance & hygiene
- Daily: misting, checking and refreshing food
- Weekly: removing droppings, cleaning glass walls
- Monthly: thorough cleaning of decorations and substrate
Use the Repto Glass Cleaner for the glass walls — no chemical residues, safe for your animal.
Behavior & social interaction
Crested geckos are nocturnal — during the day, they sleep hidden among the plants. They are generally calm and tolerate handling well, but need time to adjust.
- Only start after 2–3 weeks of acclimatization
- Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes)
- Let the animal walk from hand to hand — do not hold it firmly
- Crested geckos can drop their tails when stressed — these do not grow back
Shedding
Crested geckos eat their own skin after shedding — this is normal. Ensure sufficient humidity so the skin comes off in one piece. Always check the toes after shedding — retained skin can cut off blood circulation.
Common mistakes
Terrarium too hot. Above 28°C, crested geckos become stressed and can die.
Insufficient humidity. Dry air leads to incomplete shedding and dehydration.
Disturbing during the day. Crested geckos are nocturnal — touching them during the day causes unnecessary stress.
Holding the tail. Never grab the tail — the animal will drop it as a defense mechanism.
✅ Crested gecko setup checklist
- Vertical terrarium at least 45x45x90 cm (adult)
- Daylight lamp + timer (12-hour cycle)
- Thermometer (warm and cool side)
- Hygrometer (target: 60–80%)
- Substrate (coconut fiber or bioactive substrate)
- At least 3 hides at different heights
- Climbing material (cork branches, bamboo)
- Artificial plants for cover (Repto Plant line)
- Repto Rainmaker 8500 or Pressure Sprayer 1L
- Crested Gecko Diet (CGD)
- Repto Fruit Snack Holder
- Repto Glass Cleaner
- Veterinarian who treats reptiles
Ready to start?
The crested gecko is one of the easiest reptiles to keep — provided humidity and temperature are correct. Check out our Repto assortment for artificial plants, misting systems, and care products.
Next in this series: "Keeping a Leopard Gecko: setup and care for beginners"
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