Crested Gecko
Correlophus ciliatus
The Crested Gecko is a remarkable success story in herpetology. Thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in New Caledonia in 1994, it has since become one of the most popular reptile pets in the world. Named for the fringed crest of skin running from above each eye down the back, these arboreal geckos are gentle, hardy, and thrive in conditions that most homes already provide. Unlike many reptiles, Crested Geckos rarely need supplemental heating and can live comfortably at typical room temperatures between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They come in a dazzling array of colors and patterns — harlequin, dalmatian, flame, and pinstripe among them. Perhaps their greatest selling point is diet: commercially available powdered meal replacements mixed with water provide complete nutrition, making feeding as simple as it gets in the reptile world.
Habitat
Tropical rainforest canopy of New Caledonia
Diet
Fruit, nectar, and insects (powdered complete diet available)
Lifespan
15–20 years
Difficulty
beginner
Recommended Products
Everything you need to create the perfect habitat for your Crested Gecko.
Accessories
Magnaturals Magnetic Gecko Ledge (Large)
Feeding ledge that attaches through the glass wall using strong magnets — no suction cups to fall off overnight. Holds food and water cups securely at height.
Exo Terra Mist King Starter Misting System
Automated misting system with programmable timer. Maintains the 60–80% humidity Crested Geckos need and provides drinking droplets on foliage.
Pangea Magnetic Feeding Ledge Cup
Magnetic cup holder that attaches through glass for secure, elevated feeding. Designed to hold Pangea diet cups at a natural feeding height for arboreal geckos.
Exo Terra Jungle Vine (Large)
Flexible, realistic-looking artificial vine for creating climbing pathways. Crested Geckos spend most of their time off the ground and need horizontal and angled perches.
Govee Bluetooth Hygrometer Thermometer (2-Pack)
Wireless sensors that log humidity and temperature data to your phone. Essential for ensuring your Crested Gecko vivarium stays in the 60 to 80 percent humidity sweet spot.
Enclosures
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 18x18x24" (Tall)
Tall front-opening terrarium built for arboreal species. The vertical space lets Crested Geckos climb, jump, and explore the way they do in the wild.
Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage 18x18x36"
Tall screen enclosure offering excellent ventilation for Crested Geckos. The all-mesh design prevents stagnant air while still holding some humidity with live plants inside.
REPTI ZOO 24x18x36" Glass Terrarium (Tall)
Front-opening glass vivarium with generous vertical space for climbing. Retains humidity better than screen cages, making misting sessions more effective.
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 12x12x18" (Nano Tall)
Compact vertical terrarium ideal for a single juvenile Crested Gecko. A perfect starter enclosure before upgrading to a larger adult habitat.
Food
Pangea Fruit Mix Complete Gecko Diet — Banana & Papaya
The most popular powdered Crested Gecko diet on the market. Mix with water and serve in a ledge cup — provides complete nutrition without any live insects.
Repashy Grubs N Fruit Gecko Diet (6 oz)
Insect-based powdered diet that offers variety alongside Pangea. Alternating between brands keeps your gecko interested at feeding time.
Zoo Med Day Gecko Food (2.5 oz)
Fruity powdered diet that Crested Geckos also accept enthusiastically. Offers another flavor rotation alongside Pangea and Repashy to prevent food boredom.
Dubia Roaches — Small (100 Count)
Small feeder roaches that provide protein enrichment for Crested Geckos. Offer 2 to 3 times per month as a supplement to their primary powdered diet.
Heating
Exo Terra Night Heat Lamp 50W
Low-wattage infrared lamp for homes where temperatures drop below 65 degrees at night. Most rooms will not need supplemental heat for Crested Geckos.
Arcadia Deep Heat Projector 50W
Low-wattage deep heat projector for rooms that drop below 65 degrees at night. Most Crested Gecko setups will only need supplemental heat during cold winter months.
Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter 60W
Gentle ceramic heater for mild nighttime temperature support. Crested Geckos thrive between 68 and 78 degrees — a low-wattage CHE on a thermostat prevents dangerous cold dips.
Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller
Plug-and-play thermostat that automatically cycles heating devices on and off. Set it to 72 degrees and it ensures your Crested Gecko enclosure stays in the safe range.
Lighting
Arcadia Jungle Dawn LED Bar 13W
Full-spectrum LED strip that promotes plant growth and provides a natural day cycle. Ideal for planted Crested Gecko vivariums.
Arcadia ShadeDweller ProT5 UVB Kit 7%
Low-output UVB designed for shade-dwelling species. Crested Geckos benefit from gentle UVB exposure that supports vitamin D3 synthesis without being overly intense.
Zoo Med NatureSun Full-Spectrum Daylight Lamp 13W
Compact fluorescent bulb providing natural-looking ambient light. Establishes a healthy photoperiod for your Crested Gecko without adding significant heat.
NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light 18"
Slim LED strip perfect for illuminating a planted Crested Gecko vivarium. Promotes plant growth and showcases your gecko's colors during the day.
Substrate
Josh's Frogs BioBedding Tropical Substrate (10 Qt)
Bioactive-ready tropical soil blend that holds humidity, supports microfauna, and anchors live plants. Perfect for naturalistic Crested Gecko vivariums.
ABG Mix — Bioactive Substrate (4 Qt)
Atlanta Botanical Garden substrate recipe with tree fern fiber, charcoal, peat, and sphagnum. The industry standard for tropical bioactive builds.
Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fiber (3-Pack)
Compressed coconut coir bricks that expand with water. An affordable, humidity-retaining substrate layer for Crested Gecko vivariums, especially under a moss top layer.
Galápagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss (8 Qt)
Long-fiber sphagnum moss that holds tremendous moisture. Layer on top of soil to boost humidity and create a soft, naturalistic floor your gecko will explore.