Gargoyle Gecko Care Instructions

Gargoyle geckos (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) are a species of gecko native to New Caledonia. They are named for their unique appearance, which includes bumpy or horn-like protrusions on their heads and bodies, resembling the gargoyles found on buildings. Gargoyle geckos are popular as pets due to their docile temperament, striking coloration, and ease of care. Here's a detailed care guide for keeping gargoyle geckos healthy and happy:

Habitat Setup:

  1. Enclosure: Provide a vertically oriented terrarium to accommodate their arboreal nature. A 20-gallon tall terrarium or larger is suitable for a single adult gargoyle gecko, while larger enclosures are preferable for pairs or small groups. Ensure the enclosure has secure mesh ventilation to maintain airflow.

  2. Substrate: Use a substrate that retains moisture well and is safe for your gecko. Options include coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or a bioactive substrate mix. Avoid substrates that can cause impaction, such as loose sand or small particles.

  3. Temperature and Lighting:

    • Daytime Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C) throughout the enclosure.
    • Nighttime Temperature: Allow temperatures to drop slightly to 65-72°F (18-22°C) at night.
    • UVB Lighting: Gargoyle geckos do not require UVB lighting but will benefit from exposure to natural sunlight or artificial UVB light for 10-12 hours a day.

  4. Humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity levels, typically between 60-80%. Mist the enclosure with water daily to simulate natural dew formation and provide drinking water. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and adjust misting frequency as needed.

Diet:

  1. Feeding: Gargoyle geckos are omnivores, primarily feeding on fruit, nectar, and insects in the wild. Offer a balanced diet consisting of commercially available gargoyle gecko diet (powdered or premixed) supplemented with occasional live insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms.

    • Feed gargoyle gecko diet every other day, and offer live insects once or twice a week.
    • Dust live insects with calcium powder (without vitamin D3) before feeding to ensure proper calcium absorption.

  2. Water Source: Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and soaking. Change the water daily to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Environmental Enrichment:

  1. Branches and Foliage: Furnish the enclosure with plenty of branches, vines, and live or artificial plants to create a naturalistic environment. Gargoyle geckos are excellent climbers and will utilize vertical space for exploration and thermoregulation.

  2. Hiding Places: Include cork bark tubes, hollow logs, or commercial reptile hides to give your gecko places to retreat and feel secure.

  3. Substrate and Decor: Add leaf litter, moss, and other naturalistic decor to the enclosure to create hiding spots and enrich the environment.

Health and Maintenance:

  1. Monitoring: Regularly monitor temperature, humidity, and behavior to ensure optimal conditions and detect any signs of illness or stress.

  2. Handling: Handle gargoyle geckos gently and infrequently to minimize stress. Support their body properly and avoid excessive pressure on their limbs and tail.

  3. Veterinary Care: Find a reptile veterinarian experienced with gargoyle geckos and schedule annual check-ups to monitor your pet's health and address any concerns promptly.

By providing proper care and a suitable habitat, you can ensure the health and well-being of your gargoyle gecko, allowing you to enjoy their unique beauty and behaviors for many years to come.