{"product_id":"chahoua-gecko-mainland-cbb","title":"Chahoua Gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua) (Mainland)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"263\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"261\"\u003eChahoua Gecko (Mainland)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"370\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"285\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"286\" data-end=\"307\"\u003eMniarogekko chahoua\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"310\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"326\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chahoua Gecko, Mossy New Caledonian Gecko\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"375\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"399\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"397\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"609\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"410\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adult Chahoua Geckos typically reach 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in total length, including the tail. They are moderately sized arboreal geckos with a muscular build, prehensile tails, and broad heads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"1142\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"626\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Mainland Chahoua Gecko is a beautifully camouflaged species, often displaying mossy green, brown, and grey tones with intricate marbling and lichen-like blotching across the body. Their skin has a soft, velvety texture and a matte finish, perfectly suited for blending into bark and foliage. Mainland forms tend to exhibit more brown and grey coloration compared to their island counterparts, with heavier mottling and less vivid greens. The eyes are large and expressive, ranging from copper to silvery-grey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1144\" data-end=\"1332\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1144\" data-end=\"1161\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1172\" data-end=\"1189\"\u003eNew Caledonia\u003c\/strong\u003e, specifically the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1274\"\u003esouthern and central regions of Grande Terre (the main island)\u003c\/strong\u003e, where they inhabit humid forests and dense vegetation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1334\" data-end=\"1645\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1334\" data-end=\"1346\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e In the wild, Chahoua Geckos are arboreal, living in the canopy and lower forest branches. They prefer high humidity and stable temperatures within well-shaded, moist environments. In captivity, they thrive in tall, well-planted enclosures that provide ample climbing structures and hiding spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1647\" data-end=\"2032\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1647\" data-end=\"1661\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e These geckos are nocturnal and semi-docile, known for their calm nature and strong grip. They rely heavily on camouflage and rarely show aggression. When threatened, they may flatten their body against a surface to blend in seamlessly. Mainland Chahouas are often more robust but slightly less vividly coloured than island forms, making them excellent display animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2037\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2057\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2055\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2367\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2073\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a vertically oriented enclosure of at least 18 inches × 18 inches × 24 inches (45 × 45 × 60 cm) for a single adult or pair. A naturalistic or bioactive setup with live plants such as pothos, ficus, and philodendron is ideal. Include cork bark, vines, and broad branches for climbing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2675\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2396\"\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain daytime ambient temperatures between 75–82°F (24–28°C) and nighttime drops to 68–72°F (20–22°C). Avoid temperatures above 85°F (29°C). Keep humidity between 60–80%, achieved through daily misting and live plant cover. Provide good ventilation to prevent stagnant air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2888\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2690\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use low to moderate UVB lighting (2–7%) on a 12-hour day\/night cycle. While primarily nocturnal, Chahouas benefit from low-level UVB exposure to support calcium metabolism and general well-being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"3203\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"2899\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a combination of gut-loaded insects (crickets, roaches, silkworms, and black soldier fly larvae) and formulated fruit-nectar diets made for New Caledonian geckos. Dust live feeders regularly with calcium and multivitamin supplements. Feed adults 3–4 times per week and juveniles more frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3205\" data-end=\"3455\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3205\" data-end=\"3232\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mainland Chahouas are steady, hardy, and easily acclimated. They are tolerant of gentle handling and tend to perch calmly when secure. With proper care and environmental stability, they can live 15–20 years in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3457\" data-end=\"3666\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3457\" data-end=\"3484\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species prefers cooler, humid conditions and should not be kept overly dry or hot. Maintain consistent humidity and avoid excessive handling to prevent stress or tail damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3668\" data-end=\"3671\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3673\" data-end=\"3692\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3673\" data-end=\"3690\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3694\" data-end=\"4190\"\u003eThe Chahoua Gecko (\u003cem data-start=\"3713\" data-end=\"3734\"\u003eMniarogekko chahoua\u003c\/em\u003e) belongs to the family Diplodactylidae, which includes other New Caledonian species such as Crested Geckos (\u003cem data-start=\"3843\" data-end=\"3865\"\u003eCorrelophus ciliatus\u003c\/em\u003e) and Gargoyle Geckos (\u003cem data-start=\"3888\" data-end=\"3915\"\u003eRhacodactylus auriculatus\u003c\/em\u003e). \u003cem data-start=\"3918\" data-end=\"3931\"\u003eMniarogekko\u003c\/em\u003e was reclassified from \u003cem data-start=\"3954\" data-end=\"3969\"\u003eRhacodactylus\u003c\/em\u003e to reflect its distinct characteristics, including softer skin, prehensile tail, and unique camouflage patterns. Mainland and island populations differ slightly in size, pattern, and hue but belong to the same species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4192\" data-end=\"4195\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4197\" data-end=\"4216\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4197\" data-end=\"4214\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4218\" data-end=\"4666\"\u003eThere are currently \u003cstrong data-start=\"4238\" data-end=\"4271\"\u003eno formally recognized morphs\u003c\/strong\u003e of \u003cem data-start=\"4275\" data-end=\"4296\"\u003eMniarogekko chahoua\u003c\/em\u003e, though selective breeding has produced individuals with enhanced greens, reds, or high-contrast patterning. The Mainland form is distinguished by its earthy brown and grey palette with moss-like texture, whereas island forms often display brighter greens and more saturated colours. These variations are naturally occurring locality differences, not separate morphs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45340671803607,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/tailsandscales.ca\/products\/chahoua-gecko-mainland-cbb","provider":"Tails and Scales ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}