Scientific name

Rhacodactylus auriculatus

The name gargoyle gecko refers to the bumps on its head. This nocturnal lizard uses vegetation and has a prehensile tail; Cincinnati Zoo describes its ability to regenerate a lost tail [2].

Origin

Southern Grande Terre, New Caledonia [1].

  • Nocturnal
  • New Caledonia
  • Climber

At a glance

ADULT SIZEUp to ≈ 23 cm
Up to approximately 23 cm according to Cincinnati Zoo; the measurement convention is not specified [2].
LIFESPAN10 to 15 years
10–15 years according to Cincinnati Zoo, with individual variation [2].
LIFESTYLEActive at night
Nocturnal; found in forest and shrub habitats [2].

Adult size

Up to approximately 23 cm according to Cincinnati Zoo; the measurement convention is not specified [2].

Lifespan

10–15 years according to Cincinnati Zoo, with individual variation [2].

Lifestyle

Nocturnal; found in forest and shrub habitats [2].

Housing

SUPPORTS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS

Routes at low and high levels — Chicago Exotics describes a species that also uses lower levels: provide accessible supports, shelters and usable horizontal space, as well as opportunities to climb [1].

Chicago Exotics describes a species that also uses lower levels: provide accessible supports, shelters and usable horizontal space, as well as opportunities to climb [1].

Care parameters

AMBIENT · DAY

≈ 22–26 °C — Rounded conversion of 72–78 °F in the Aurora care sheet. Measure inside the enclosure, not just in the room; retain cooler places to retreat. [3]

LIGHTING

Low UVB + shade — Chicago Exotics recommendation; no numerical UV index is specified here. [1]

Humidity

Reference: 60–70 % — Chicago Exotics; monitor changes and maintain effective ventilation. [1]

Ambient temperature · day

Approximately 22–26 °C [3] Rounded conversion of 72–78 °F in the Aurora care sheet. Measure inside the enclosure, not just in the room; retain cooler places to retreat.

Relative humidity

60–70 % as a reference [1] Chicago Exotics reference. Monitor changes with a hygrometer and maintain ventilation; do not keep all the furnishings soaking wet.

UVB lighting

Low intensity, with shaded areas [1] The reference recommends low UVB exposure without specifying a UV index for this care sheet. Choose equipment and its distance according to measurements and the relevant instructions.

Feeding

COMPLETE FOOD AND INSECTS

Aurora recommends a complete formulated diet for fruit-eating geckos, prepared according to its instructions, with suitable insects as a supplement. Remove uneaten prepared food after 24 hours; do not automatically add supplements to an already complete food. [3]

Feeding

Aurora recommends a complete formulated diet for fruit-eating geckos, prepared according to its instructions, with suitable insects as a supplement. Remove uneaten prepared food after 24 hours; do not automatically add supplements to an already complete food. [3]

Behaviour and precautions

The ability to regenerate the tail does not justify pulling it. Prefer nighttime observation to repeated handling; prepare for transport with a secure container.

Daily monitoring

Record accepted and refused feeds, weight measurements and the usual times the animal emerges. Adding a note whenever the layout changes allows behaviour before and after to be compared without automatically attributing a feeding refusal to a single cause.

Shelters and food that the animal can actually reach

Branches, hides and plants should provide supports at different levels. Chicago Exotics describes a gecko that makes considerable use of lower levels: height does not replace usable horizontal space. [1]

A dish of clean water complements the droplets available after misting. Individual housing is Aurora’s general recommendation. [3]

Temperature and humidity: measure before adjusting

Aurora’s ambient 22–26 °C is a captive-care reference, not a body temperature or the temperature of a heated surface. The clinic mentions a possible nighttime drop, which should not become a compulsory target. [3]

Chicago Exotics recommends a thermostat for any heating, measurements at several locations and low UVB exposure. Avoid direct sunlight through glass, which can overheat the enclosure. [1]

Measuring humidity at several times shows how it changes after misting. The 60–70 % range comes from Chicago Exotics; Aurora describes peaks after misting. These references do not justify removing ventilation to hold a number steady. [1][3]

Checklist

  • Secure both low and high branches.
  • Measure temperature and humidity at several locations before the animal arrives.
  • Provide a shelter that can be accessed without handling.

Observations to record

  • Meals
  • Weight
  • Sheds
  • Activity

The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.

Related guides

Original guides in French

Sources

Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.

  1. Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital — Geckos of New Caledonia
    Source accessed
  2. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden — Gargoyle Gecko
    Source accessed
  3. Gargoyle Gecko Caresheet
    Source accessed