{"product_id":"crested-gecko-phantom-brindle","title":"Crested Gecko (Phantom Brindle)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrested Gecko\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCorrelophus ciliatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crested Gecko, Eyelash Gecko\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adult Crested Geckos typically reach 7–9 inches (18–23 cm) in total length, including the tail, with most adults weighing 35–45 grams. They have slender, elongated bodies, large heads, and strong, grasping limbs suited for climbing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Crested Gecko is easily recognized by the soft crest of skin running from above each eye down the neck and along the back, giving the species its “eyelash” appearance. Their skin has a soft, velvety texture and can change slightly in tone depending on mood and humidity. The eyes are large, lidless, and marbled in silver, gold, or copper hues, perfectly adapted for nocturnal vision.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \u003cem\u003ePhantom Brindle\u003c\/em\u003e morph leads to a muting of the Brindle morph. This leads to a ghostly light pink-grey animal that has a delicate, marbled appearance that only shows up when fully fired up.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Endemic to \u003cstrong\u003eNew Caledonia\u003c\/strong\u003e, specifically the southern region of \u003cem\u003eGrande Terre\u003c\/em\u003e and the Isle of Pines. This species inhabits humid, subtropical forests and lowland vegetation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e In the wild, Crested Geckos are arboreal, spending most of their lives in shrubs and trees. They thrive in environments with high humidity, moderate temperatures, and abundant plant cover. In captivity, they do best in tall, naturalistic terrariums with climbing branches, live or artificial foliage, and hiding areas among leaves and cork bark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crested Geckos are nocturnal, gentle, and among the most handleable gecko species. They are curious, adaptable, and often active at dusk and night. While calm by nature, they can leap short distances using their strong legs and adhesive toe pads. They are known to drop their tails under stress, though unlike some geckos, they do not regenerate them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a vertically oriented enclosure measuring at least 18 inches × 18 inches × 24 inches (45 × 45 × 60 cm) for a single adult. A bioactive or naturalistic setup with plants such as pothos, philodendron, or bromeliads is ideal. Include cork bark, branches, and vertical climbing surfaces for exercise and security.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain daytime ambient temperatures between 72–80°F (22–27°C) with nighttime drops to 68–72°F (20–22°C). Avoid temperatures above 85°F (29°C). Keep humidity between 60–80%, achieved through regular misting and live vegetation. Provide good ventilation to prevent mould or bacterial growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide low to moderate UVB lighting (2–7%) on a 12-hour day\/night cycle. While Crested Geckos are nocturnal, UVB helps maintain bone density, health, and a natural light cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a combination of formulated fruit-nectar gecko diets and live insects such as crickets, roaches, and silkworms. Dust insects with calcium and multivitamin supplements. Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crested Geckos are calm, inquisitive, and adapt well to human presence. They are among the most beginner-friendly reptiles, thriving with consistent care. They tolerate gentle handling once acclimated and can live 15–20 years in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Avoid excessive heat or dryness. Handle gently and avoid grabbing the tail, as it can be dropped and will not regenerate. Provide stable humidity and a well-ventilated habitat to prevent shedding or respiratory issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Crested Gecko (\u003cem\u003eCorrelophus ciliatus\u003c\/em\u003e) belongs to the family Diplodactylidae, which also includes the Gargoyle Gecko (\u003cem\u003eRhacodactylus auriculatus\u003c\/em\u003e) and Chahoua Gecko (\u003cem\u003eMniarogekko chahoua\u003c\/em\u003e). Once believed extinct, this species was rediscovered in 1994 and has since become one of the most popular pet geckos worldwide due to its manageable size, gentle disposition, and thriving captive breeding programs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003ePhantom Brindle\u003c\/em\u003e morph is created from the following combinations of genes:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhantom (Recessive): \u003c\/strong\u003eSuppresses high-contrast markings, creating a muted appearance.\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrindle (Multi-Trait Interaction):\u003c\/strong\u003e Not a true 'morph', but a visual series of vertical to reticulated lines along the body.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"3 year old adult female","offer_id":49546419601623,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0016\/8611\/0252\/files\/IMG_4236.jpg?v=1786050648","url":"https:\/\/tailsandscales.ca\/products\/crested-gecko-phantom-brindle","provider":"Tails and Scales ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}