Content
- Fast facts about the gargoyle gecko
- Gargoyle Gecko Review
- How much does a gargoyle gecko cost?
- General attitude and temperament
- Appearance and types
- How to Care for a Gargoyle Gecko
- Habitat, tank conditions and setup
- Terrarium
- Substrate
- Light and temperature
- Plants
- Do gargoyle geckos get along with other pets?
- What to Feed Your Gargoyle Gecko
- Keep your gargoyle gecko healthy
- Breeding
- Are Gargoyle Geckos Right For You?
Gargoyle geckos were once a rare species of lizard in captivity. Today, these lizards are bred in large numbers and have become a standard in the pet trade. Gargoyle geckos originally come from New Caledonia, a group of islands located between Australia and Fiji. They are ideal pets for beginners with limited lizard experience and have simple, easy-to-meet lifestyle needs.
Because these geckos are semi-arboreal, they like walls with lots of things to climb on. Their two lobes on their heads resemble small horns or ears that make them fun to look at. If you're thinking about getting a baby gecko for yourself, this is one of the best places to start.
Fast facts about the gargoyle gecko
- Species Name: Rhacodactylus auriculatus
- Family: Diplodactylidae
- Level of care: easy
- temperature: 78°F to 82°F.
- Mood: Sketchy at first, calm when calm.
- Color: Form:Brown, white, yellow, red, and orange with mottled or mottled patterns.
- Lifetime: 20 years
- Size: 7-9 inches
- Food: Live insects and fruits.
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons.
- Tank Setup: Tall tank with screen tops and plants for climbing.
Gargoyle Gecko Review
Also known as the knob-headed gecko due to the two lumps on top of their head, the gargoyle gecko is a species of nocturnal, semi-arboreal lizard.
Gargoyle Geckos are omnivores and eat a wide range of fruits, insects and even small, small mammals. They are fully mature after a year and a half and reach 8 inches long from the end of their short beak to the tip of their tail.
If you plan to bring a gargoyle gecko home, make sure you're prepared for a commitment. These lizards aren't difficult to care for, but they can live up to 20 years in captivity and hang around for a while. These geckos are quite docile once they are comfortable with the person handling them. They are wonderful reptiles for beginners and don't have too many demands. If you're still confused about bringing a gecko home, read this care guide to help you make a more informed decision.
How much does a gargoyle gecko cost?
Although gargoyle geckos are incredibly popular and widely available in pet stores today, they are an investment first. Look for geckos that are in good health and come from a reputable breeder or reptile store. . The price of gargoyle geckos varies based on where you buy them and their color patterns. Most people pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for this species of lizard, plus the cost of supplies to set up their new home.
General attitude and temperament
The gargoyle gecko has one of the best temperaments compared to other lizards, and this is why they have become so popular in the last few decades. These lizards are a bit awkward at first. New handlers should keep them for short periods and gradually increase the amount of time with them. Once you have established a bond, this lizard is quite docile when in a comfortable place or situation. They are fun to watch at night when they are most active but admirable during the down time when they are resting.
Appearance and types
One physical attribute that makes these geckos such a popular choice is that they are not too big or too small. Their average length is 8 inches and weight less than 60 grams. You can pay more or less for them based on their colors, but they have a range to choose from. Look for these lizards in white, brown, gray, yellow, orange, and red colors with different patterns that look more spotted or striped.
These reptiles have small claws that help them grip and climb surfaces. Don't worry, though, they don't climb the smooth walls of their glass tank. One of the most recognizable features of these geckos is their head, which is topped by two crests or horns. They also have a tail which they shed when frightened and regenerate over time.
How to Care for a Gargoyle Gecko
Not sure if you'll be able to take care of the gargoyle geckos they deserve? Before you decide, you need to know about this lizard's habitat.
Habitat, tank conditions and setup
Geckos are going to spend a large majority of their lives in their enclosure, so you want it to represent their natural habitat as closely as possible. Give them enough space to move around, climb and lounge so they can live a worry-free life.
Terrarium
Gargoyle geckos do best when housed in a large plastic or glass terrarium with a screen top. Because they spend a large amount of time in trees in nature, they prefer a tank that is taller than wide. Adult gargoyle geckos need to have a tank of at least 20 gallons, but you can keep them in even larger spaces if you want a more impressive display.
Tanks with screen tops are ideal because they are easy to maintain moderate humidity with lots of light. They are also easy to clean, which makes them a smarter choice than gifting your child a gecko as a pet.
Substrate
Since this gecko species spends most of its time in branches and foliage, you can use a variety of substrates on the bottom surface. A creeper rug is perfect if you want something that is attractive and easy to clean. If you want a more natural look, a tummy tuck is better. Coconut fiber substrate is also becoming more popular in reptile cages. Compare the prices of each of them and decide according to your budget and your vision.
Light and temperature
Reptiles are ectotherms, and their body temperature changes based on the environmental temperature. Keeping your geckos in the correct temperature range is important to their health, and you should purchase a thermometer to keep in your tank at all times.
Gargoyle Geckos are healthy when kept between 78°F and 82°F. Temperatures should stay in the low 70s at night. Temperatures drop to 60°F in winter. They will survive it, but it's best to keep their temperature regulated.
Ceramic heat emitters or low-wattage incandescent lights are the easiest ways to provide heat to your geckos. Keep one side of the gecko tank warm so they have the option to cool down when needed.
Plants
Geckos spend much of their time resting in foliage and climbing wood. Cork bark, tree branches, and artificial plants all provide good shelters for geckos. You can also give them some shelter at ground level to hide in for a while. If you prefer to use natural plants, ficus and dragon trees are two safe options.
Do gargoyle geckos get along with other pets?
We do not recommend walling your male gargoyle geckos like other males. They have small teeth and are aggressive towards each other, especially when in the presence of females. If you want to keep more than one gecko in your enclosure, keep one male in a tank with several other females for the happiest grouping.
If you have regular cats or dogs in your home, it can make your gecko a little nervous if they're always around. Keep your walleye in a separate bedroom with a closed door so they don't have to be in a stressful area.
What to Feed Your Gargoyle Gecko
Gargoyle Geckos are omnivores, and they eat a wide variety of fruits, plants, insects, and even some mammals. In captivity, their main source of food comes from live crickets, fruit and pureed meat. Crickets are their main source of protein, but they also enjoy snacking on fly larvae, butter worms, roaches and wax worms. The furite food of their apricot banana and peaches.
Keep your gargoyle gecko healthy
Water and humidity are two important aspects of keeping your gargoyle gecko healthy. Their environment can mean life or death and the last thing you want is for your lizard to become dehydrated. This aspect takes the most time because you have to give them fresh water and clean the bowl every day.
Geckos also thrive when humidity levels are between 50° and 70°. Mist the inner walls of the tank with water every night or keep a cool air humidifier in the room at all times. To keep the environment in perfect shape, buy a humidity gauge and thermometer so you always know they're at the right level for optimal health.
Breeding
The breeding season for gargoyle geckos begins in December and lasts until August. To breed them, only introduce a healthy adult male and female. After mating, female lizards lay two eggs every 30 to 45 days. These eggs are buried in the substrate under the wall. Once laid, remove the eggs and place them in an airtight container with moist vermiculite or perlite. Eggs hatch at room temperature, or when the room is between 70°F and 79°F.
Keep a eye close on your geckos when them breeding. It can be a little aggressive at times, which can result in tail damage for one of them.
Are Gargoyle Geckos Right For You?
Not everyone loves reptiles, but those who do know they are one of the pets. Gargoyle geckos are a great choice for you if this is your first experience with lizards or even if you've dealt with dozens. They are more loyal than many other species and are happy with the basics. Their maintenance is minimal, but the benefits of having them around are worth a little work. These geckos are fun to watch or handle and make great pets for someone who wants to experience what life is like with a gecko.
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