🦎 General Info

Gargoyle Geckos (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) are medium-sized, sturdy, semi-arboreal geckos native to New Caledonia. Known for their bumpy skin, “horned” head ridges, and wide variety of color morphs, they are one of the most popular pet geckos. Adults reach 7–9 inches and are calm, hardy, and suitable for both beginners and experienced keepers.

They are crepuscular–nocturnal, slow-moving, and generally tolerant of gentle handling. Gargoyle geckos thrive in naturalistic enclosures and have moderate care requirements. With proper husbandry, they can live 15–20+ years.

1. Enclosure

Size

Gargoyle geckos appreciate vertical climbing space and ground area.

  • Juvenile: 12" x 12" x 18"

  • Adult: 18" x 18" x 24" minimum

  • Large adults or pairs: 24" x 18" x 24" or larger

  • Bigger is always better for activity and structure.

Material

  • Glass terrariums (front-opening recommended)

  • Hybrid enclosures for better humidity control

  • Tall vertical enclosures preferred

Substrate

Gargoyle geckos do extremely well in bioactive setups.

Best substrate options:

  • Coconut fiber

  • Reptisoil

  • ABG mix

  • Organic topsoil blends

  • Bioactive mixes with drainage layer

Depth: 3–4 inches for live plants and microfauna.

Décor

Provide lots of climbing surfaces and secure hiding places:

  • Cork bark tubes and flats

  • Branches and vines

  • Driftwood

  • Live or artificial plants

  • Leaf litter

  • Feeding ledges

  • Backgrounds with climbing texture

Gargoyle geckos feel safest in densely furnished, cluttered, naturalistic environments.

2. Temperature & Lighting

Ambient Temperature

  • Daytime: 72–78°F

  • Warm area: 80–82°F (optional low-watt basking spot)

  • Cool side: 70–73°F

  • Night temps: down to 68–70°F (safe)

Lighting

  • Low-intensity UVB (2–5%) is beneficial but not required

  • 12-hour light cycle

  • LED plant lighting recommended for bioactive setups

Heating

  • Gargoyle geckos generally do not require strong heating

  • If room temperatures drop, use a small overhead heat source

  • Always use a thermostat to prevent overheating

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity

Maintain 50–70% humidity, with natural nighttime rises.

  • Mist the enclosure once or twice daily

  • Ensure some dry periods to prevent excess moisture

  • Good ventilation is important

Water

Gargoyle geckos drink water droplets but also use bowls.

Provide:

  • Evening misting for drinking

  • A shallow water dish (recommended)

4. Diet

Gargoyle geckos are omnivores, thriving on a mix of fruit-based diets and insects.

Staple Foods

Commercial crested gecko diet (MRP) such as:

  • Pangea

  • Repashy

  • Lugarti

  • Zoo Med

Feed 3–4× per week.

Insects (2–3× per week)

Offer appropriately sized insects:

  • Crickets

  • Roaches

  • Black soldier fly larvae

  • Silkworms

  • Hornworms (treat)

Gargoyle geckos love to hunt, and insects help maintain healthy body condition.

Supplements

If feeding MRP as a staple, supplementation needs are minimal.

If feeding insects regularly:

  • Calcium without D3: 2–3× per week

  • Calcium with D3: 1× per week

  • Multivitamin: 1× per week

Notes

  • Avoid oversized insects

  • Use feeding ledges for MRP diets

  • Provide insects at night when they are most active

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

Gargoyle geckos are known for being:

  • Calm

  • Curious

  • Moderate-speed climbers

  • Generally tolerant of gentle handling

They can jump but are usually slower than crested geckos.

Handling

  • Gentle handling is usually tolerated

  • Keep sessions short to avoid stress

  • Always support their body when lifting

  • Avoid grabbing tails — they can drop them, though regrowth is possible

Enrichment

  • Dense climbing décor

  • Branches and cork

  • Different textures for climbing

  • Occasional rearranging of enclosure décor

  • Offering insects for hunting

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan

  • 15–20+ years with proper care

Common Health Issues

  • Malnutrition (poor diet or no insects)

  • Dehydration (low humidity)

  • Stuck shed on toes and tail

  • Metabolic bone disease (rare with MRP + UVB)

  • Stress due to poor enclosure setup

Signs of Illness

  • Lethargy

  • Refusal to eat

  • Stuck shed

  • Soft jaw or limbs

  • Sunken eyes

  • Difficulty climbing

  • Rapid weight loss

Vet Care

A reptile veterinarian is recommended if symptoms persist. Early intervention greatly improves outcomes.

🦎 Final Notes

Gargoyle geckos are hardy, beautiful, and easy to care for with the right setup. Their calm temperament, omnivorous diet, and adaptability make them excellent pets for beginners and experienced reptile keepers alike. With proper humidity, temperature, diet, and a richly furnished enclosure, gargoyle geckos display natural, engaging behaviors and thrive for many years.