Gargoyle Gecko Care Sheet
Introduction
Gargoyle Geckos (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) are a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts due to their friendly temperament, unique appearance, and relatively easy care requirements. Native to New Caledonia in the South Pacific, Gargoyle Geckos are known for their rough, textured appearance with bony protrusions on their heads and a more pronounced gargoyle-like look. Their colours are usually gray, brown, or reddish, and their skin often has darker patterns. Unlike Crested Geckos, Gargoyle Geckos tend to be less active and a bit more defensive, and take longer to acclimate into their new homes.
Care sheets are only to be taken as guidelines. Just as with all animals, each reptile will have unique traits and personalities special to the individual animal that may require adaptation in their husbandry and care. The following care sheet will address basic requirements but as the primary caretaker of your pet, we encourage you to take notice of your pet's behaviours and preferences and make adjustments as they grow with you and your family. Please also keep in mind that unlike mammals, most reptiles change their behaviour according to the weather seasons even if you keep them indoors all year round.
We keep gargoyle geckos in stock at our Toronto store and ship across Canada.
Cheat Sheet
Gargoyle Gecko
| Common name | Gargoyle Gecko |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Rhacodactylus auriculatus |
| Natural location | New Caledonia |
| Habitat (wild) | Sub Tropical |
| Captive enclosure | 12x12x18" – 18x18x24" and up |
| Substrate | Cypress mulch mixed with soils. ZM Forest Floor, Reptisoil, Zilla Jungle Mix |
| Temperature tolerance | Cooler: 70-74°F (21-23°C), Nighttime: 65-70°F (18-21°C) |
| Basking temperature | 72-78°F (22-26°C) |
| UVB lighting | Optional. Can be beneficial in small amounts. |
| Humidity | 50-70% |
| Average adult size | 5-7 inches |
| Captive lifespan | 15-20 years |
| Fun fact | Dramatically changes their skin colours based on temperature and mood |
Housing
Enclosure: Gargoyle Geckos are arboreal (tree-dwelling) creatures, so vertical space is very important. The enclosure should have plenty of height to accommodate climbing branches, plants, and shelves. A glass terrarium with a mesh lid is ideal for ventilation. We recommend starting with a 12x12x18" vertical enclosure and upgrading to 18x18x24" for an adult. Ensure the tank is well-secured to prevent escape, as these geckos are agile climbers.
Substrate: Choosing the right substrate will greatly contribute to maintaining the right humidity for your sub tropical gecko. We commonly see coco fibre recommended and used for this species but we highly caution against it as it is often not used correctly. Coco fibre can dry quickly and when allowed to dry at the surface, will quickly pull moisture from your gecko if it gets into the eyes, mouth, or vent. This can lead to unfortunate and fatal accidents of suffocation and infections. It is crucial that your Gargoyle Gecko setup maintains moderate to high humidity at all times. We recommend using either ZM Forest Floor or a mixture of Forest Floor with coco fibre, or Repti Soil, or Jungle Mix, and it must be kept damp at all times with good ventilation in your terrarium.
Temperature: Gargoyle Geckos absolutely thrive at a reasonable room temperature, making them an ideal pet if you do not want to run additional heat. During the day, they are comfortable between 72-78°F (22-26°C). At night, temperatures can drop to 65-70°F (18-21°C), but it is preferred to stay around 70-74°F (21-23°C). It is important to maintain a gentle temperature gradient within the enclosure to allow the gecko to choose its preferred range. Use a digital thermometer to monitor temperatures, and avoid placing heat sources directly in the enclosure, as overheating can stress the gecko.
Lighting and heating: Gargoyle Geckos are a nocturnal species and are typically uncomfortable around any bright lights. For this reason, we do not recommend using lighting for this species unless it is an infrared or otherwise dark lighting simply for your own viewing pleasure. UVB lighting is not required but can absolutely provide some benefits when provided in small amounts. Instead of heat lighting, we highly recommend a reasonable room temperature of 72-74°F (22-23°C). If additional heat is required, choose a low wattage infrared light or radiant heat to achieve 72-74°F (22-23°C) during the day.
Decor: Gargoyle Geckos are arboreal, so the enclosure should include branches, vines, and artificial plants for climbing and hiding. They love elevated hiding spots and ledges and will make great use of them if provided. They will also benefit from an elevated feeding dish. The hides should be dark and enclosed to allow the gecko to feel secure. Adding foliage and vertical elements like cork bark will help mimic their natural habitat and provide enrichment.
Diet
Feeding: Gargoyle Geckos are omnivores, and their diet consists of a variety of foods. They have a muscular robust body type and will benefit from slightly more protein than just fruit based powder gecko diets. When purchasing a powdered diet, ensure that you choose a formula that has higher protein such as Pangea Fruit and Insect or Repashy Grubs 'n' Fruit. This provides all the necessary nutrients, including calcium and vitamins. In addition to the powder, you can offer occasional live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and other small worms, as an additional source of protein and enrichment. Feed juvenile Gargoyle Geckos every other day, while adults can be fed every 3-4 days.
Gut loading: Gut-load insects with nutritious foods before feeding them to your gecko to ensure optimal nutritional value.
Supplementation: Supplementation is typically not required if you are feeding with a good quality gecko diet powder but it does not hurt to occasionally offer lightly dusted insects with calcium powder as a fortified treat.
Water: Fresh water should be provided in the form of generous daily misting. A healthy Gargoyle Gecko will not drink from a stagnant water dish as they much prefer drinking from slow moving water or water droplets from misting. A water dish will remain unused and will collect unnecessary bacteria in your enclosure.
Health & Maintenance
Hygiene: Gargoyle Geckos will rarely relieve themselves on the ground. You will find evidence of their droppings more likely on the glass or on your elevated decor. Spot clean regularly whenever you see it by wiping with a damp washcloth to prevent bacteria build up and general cleanliness. We recommend a full substrate change once per season, 4 times a year. Wood and plant decor can be washed occasionally with hot water and put back into place. Or you can build a bioactive terrarium for self cleaning properties.
Handling: Gargoyle Geckos are relatively easy to handle but can be defensive at times and reluctant to frequent handling. Begin by allowing your gecko to adjust to its new environment for at least a week before handling. When handling, support the gecko's body with both hands, as they are light and delicate, and do not be alarmed if they jump. Avoid handling too frequently when they are young, as it can cause stress. Limit handling to short sessions and ensure you handle the gecko gently, avoiding any sudden movements. Never hold them by the tail, as they can drop it as a defense mechanism.
Unlike a crested gecko, Gargoyle Geckos do have the ability to fully regenerate their tails if dropped. Their tails are strong and do not drop easily. It typically only happens when they are very frightened. Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Behavioural observation: Gargoyle Geckos are nocturnal and most active during the night. During the day, they tend to be more passive and hide. They can become accustomed to human interaction and may even recognize their owner over time. They are also known for their ability to leap from surfaces, which is a natural part of their behaviour when exploring their environment. Monitor your gecko's behaviour for signs of illness or stress, such as lethargy, abnormal stool, stuck shed, sunken eyes, or visible weight loss. Any ailments to Gargoyle Geckos are usually due to improper humidity in their environments.
Quarantine: Quarantine any new additions to your reptile collection to prevent the spread of diseases.
Common Questions
What is the difference between a gargoyle gecko and a crested gecko?
Care is very similar, but there are three practical differences. Gargoyles are less active and a bit more defensive, they take longer to settle into a new home, and they regrow a dropped tail where a crested gecko cannot.
Do gargoyle geckos grow their tail back?
Yes. Unlike crested geckos, gargoyles fully regenerate a dropped tail. Their tails are also stronger and do not drop easily, usually only when badly frightened.
What should I feed a gargoyle gecko?
A higher protein powdered diet such as Pangea Fruit and Insect or Repashy Grubs 'n' Fruit. They are more muscular than crested geckos and benefit from more protein than a fruit-only formula provides. Add occasional live insects for enrichment.
Do gargoyle geckos need a heat lamp?
Usually not. A room around 72-74°F (22-23°C) is enough. They are nocturnal and uncomfortable under bright light, so if you need extra heat, use low wattage infrared or radiant heat.
Why is my new gargoyle gecko hiding all the time?
They take longer to acclimate than most geckos. Give it at least a week before handling and expect a settling period. Persistent lethargy alongside weight loss or stuck shed is different and usually points to humidity being wrong.
How long do gargoyle geckos live?
15 to 20 years in captivity.
All Reptiles, all the time.
Gargoyle geckos in stock now
We carry gargoyle geckos, along with the substrate, enclosures, diet powder and decor covered in this guide, at 1911 Kennedy Rd. Unit 99 in Toronto. Staff can walk you through a full setup in person.
