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reptilebeginner
Gargoyle Gecko
Rhacodactylus auriculatus
A hardy, colorful arboreal gecko from New Caledonia that thrives at room temperature on a powdered diet.
8–10 in15–20 years
Habitat
Enclosure
20 gal tall (18×18×24 in) minimum for one adult
Temperature
72–78°F — must never exceed 80°F
Humidity / Water
60–70%, with nightly misting
Heating & lighting
No heat source usually needed — like crested geckos they overheat above 80°F. If the room drops below 68°F, use a low-wattage heat mat on a thermostat.
Diet
Feed these
- Crested gecko diet powder (CGD)
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Occasional mashed fruit (mango, banana)
Never feed
- Citrus fruit
- Baby food as a staple (nutritionally incomplete)
- Large, hard-shelled insects
CGD 3 times a week plus live insects 1–2 times a week. They're more protein-hungry than crested geckos.
Cohabitation
Can live with
Female gargoyle geckos — only in a large, heavily planted tank
Never house with
Male gargoyle geckos together — they fight Any different species
More nippy than crested geckos — they'll bite cage mates' tails and toes. One male with females can work in a huge planted tank; solo is safest.
