🦎 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.

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

    • Coconut fiber

    • Reptisoil

    • ABG mix

    • Organic topsoil blends

    • Bioactive mixes with drainage layer

    • Gargoyle geckos do extremely well in bioactive setups

    • 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.

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

    • light cycle: 12 -14 hours of light

    • 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

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 50–70% humidity, with natural nighttime rises.

  • Maintain Humidity:

    • 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.

    • Evening misting for drinking

    • A shallow water dish (recommended)

Diet

  • Type: 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)

      • 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

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Gargoyle geckos are almost always calm and curious, not super fast compared to other gecko species. They are great climbers and usually are pretty easy with handling. They do like to jump from time to time but overall they are pretty easy going when handling them.

  • 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

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

  • Veterinary Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a qualified reptile veterinarian. Fecal exams are crucial for detecting parasites early, especially in imported individuals.

🦎 Final Thoughts

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.