Crested Geckos (Assorted Morphs)

Crested Gecko

Scientific Name: Correlophus ciliatus
Common Name: Crested Gecko, Eyelash Gecko

Species Overview

Size: 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.

Appearance: 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. They come in a wide range of colours and patterns—commonly including shades of orange, red, yellow, cream, and brown—with morphs such as Flame, Harlequin, Dalmatian, and Pinstripe well established in captivity. 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.

Distribution: Endemic to New Caledonia, specifically the southern region of Grande Terre and the Isle of Pines. This species inhabits humid, subtropical forests and lowland vegetation.

Habitat: 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.

Behaviour: 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.

Captive Care

Enclosure: 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.

Temperature & Humidity: 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.

Lighting: 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.

Diet: 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.

Behaviour in Captivity: 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.

Special Considerations: 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.

Taxonomy Note

The Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) belongs to the family Diplodactylidae, which also includes the Gargoyle Gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) and Chahoua Gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua). 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.

Genetics Note

Crested Geckos exhibit a wide range of selectively bred morphs based on colour and pattern. Common morph categories include:

• Flame / Harlequin: Cream or yellow dorsal patterns on a darker base.

• Pinstripe: Raised cream or yellow lines running along the dorsal ridges.

• Dalmatian: Distinct dark spotting across the body.

• Lilly White (Co-dominant): Bright cream or white patterning that intensifies over generations.

• Axanthic (Recessive): Lacks yellow and red pigments, producing grayscale tones.

These traits are polygenic or co-dominant rather than simple recessive genetics, and combinations produce unique outcomes such as Extreme Harlequin or Tricolor morphs.