The Gargoyle Gecko is a reptile or species of gecko morph with a unique and captivating appearance. They are native to New Caledonia, a group of islands located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. These geckos inhabit the tropical rainforests of these islands. These medium-sized geckos are known for their robust bodies, broad heads, and distinctive skin textures.
Their coloration ranges from shades of gray and brown to vibrant oranges and reds, often featuring intricate patterns and markings that enhance their camouflage. Some individuals may have lighter or darker patches that add to their visual complexity. They have a semi-prehensile tail that is long and somewhat flattened, often used for balance and grasping. Unlike some gecko species, Gargoyle geckos do not readily drop their tails, making it a useful tool for climbing and stabilization.
The scientific name for the Gargoyle gecko is “Rhacodactylus auriculatus.” They are omnivorous and feed on a balanced diet of high-quality commercial fruit-based diets supplemented with mashed fruits like mango and banana. Additionally, they can be given insects such as crickets and mealworms every 1-2 weeks for added protein.
Gargoyle Gecko Size
Gargoyle geckos are medium-sized geckos that typically grow to be between 8 and 10 inches in length, making them a manageable size for care. They weigh around 40–60 grams.
Gargoyle Gecko Lifespan
Gargoyle Geckos typically have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years in captivity, depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and overall care.
Male vs. Female Gargoyle Gecko
| Characteristic | Male Gargoyle Gecko | Female Gargoyle Gecko |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Generally larger (up to 10 inches) | Typically smaller (6 to 10 inches) |
| Physical Features | Noticeable hemipenal bulges at the tail base | No bulges; slimmer tail base |
| Head Shape | Wider and more pronounced head | Narrower and more slender head |
| Coloration | Often more vibrant colors | Similar colors; may show distinct patterns when gravid |
| Behavior | More territorial and aggressive | Generally more docile and social |
| Breeding Behavior | Engages in courtship displays | Becomes visibly plumper when gravid |
| Social Interactions | May be dominant in groups | Tolerates cohabitation better |
Gargoyle Gecko Behavior and Temperament
Gargoyle geckos are known for their unique behavior and temperament. They are very friendly by nature. Gargoyle geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. They spend their days resting and hiding, typically emerging in the evening to explore, climb, and feed. They are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their environment.
Gargoyle geckos will often climb branches, hide in crevices, and investigate their surroundings. You can house them together, especially females; males may display territorial behaviors if kept in groups. It’s essential to monitor interactions to prevent aggression. With proper handling from a young age, Gargoyle Geckos can become quite tame and comfortable with human interaction. They may climb onto your hand or shoulder and explore. Gargoyle Geckos can produce soft noises, especially during courtship or when feeling threatened.
How to Care for a Gargoyle Gecko?
To maintain your pet gargoyle gecko’s health, you need to be careful with their requirements, whether it’s diet, grooming, housing, or exercise.
Gargoyle Gecko Food
Gargoyle geckos are omnivores, and their diet should consist of both plant-based foods and protein sources. You should give a balanced diet of commercial food, fruits, and insects, with proper supplementation, so that your Gargoyle Gecko stays healthy and thriving. Additionally, you should offer high-quality commercial gecko food formulated with fruits like mango, banana, and papaya, which provide essential nutrients.
You can also supplement their diet with mashed or pureed fruits such as bananas, peaches, and mangoes. Offering a variety of fresh fruit provides enrichment and natural vitamins to their diet, so it is a must. You can feed them insects like crickets, mealworms, or dubia roaches for added protein about once or twice a week. These should be gut-loaded before offering them to your gecko. You should ensure to dust insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to ensure they get the necessary nutrients. Because calcium and vitamin D3 are essential for bone health and preventing metabolic bone disease.
Gargoyle Gecko Enclosure
If you want your gargoyle gecko to stay healthy and strong, free from health issues, you have to keep the necessities for caring for gargoyle geckos, like their enclosure.
Gargoyle Gecko Tank Size
For a single Gargoyle Gecko tank, the size should be a minimum of 20 gallons, with dimensions typically around 30″ x 12″ x 12″ or larger to allow for adequate climbing space and hiding spots. If you plan to house a male and female together or two females, a larger enclosure of at least 30 gallons is ideal, with a size of 36″ x 18″ x 18″ to provide more room to reduce territorial disputes.
For groups of Gargoyle Geckos, especially females, consider a tank size of 40 gallons or larger and ensure enough space for each gecko to establish their territory and reduce stress. Since Gargoyle geckos are arboreal, you need to choose tall tanks that offer vertical climbing space, filled with branches, vines, and ledges to mimic their natural habitat. Moreover, you can provide multiple hiding spots using logs, rocks, or commercial hides, which will create a comfortable and secure environment for your gecko.
Temperature for Gargoyle Gecko Tank
Maintaining the right temperature for the Gargoyle Gecko tank is important for you to ensure their well-being. The ideal daytime temperature for a gargoyle gecko tank ranges from 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 25°C). Unlike some other reptiles, gargoyle Geckos generally don’t require high heat, as they are highly adaptable and can naturally thrive at moderate temperatures. You should make sure to avoid temperatures over 82°F (28°C), as excessive heat can cause stress and health issues.
At night, the temperature for gargoyle gecko can drop to around 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C). It is the perfect nighttime environment for Gargoyle Geckos. However, in colder climates, a low-wattage heat source or ceramic heater can be used to maintain warmth. It’s best to place any heat source outside the tank, and you should ensure it is well-secured, as direct exposure can be harmful to your geckos. Always monitor temperatures closely with a reliable thermometer placed in both the warm and cool areas of the tank to ensure a balanced and safe environment.
Gargoyle Gecko Humidity Level
Maintaining gargoyle gecko proper humidity levels is crucial for their health, as it helps with shedding and overall hydration. The ideal Gargoyle Gecko humidity level ranges between 50% and 70%. You need to provide a well-ventilated enclosure that includes a substrate that retains moisture, such as coconut fiber or sphagnum moss.
Additionally, you should do regular misting of your gargoyle gecko tank to maintain humidity levels, especially in drier climates or during winter months when indoor heating can reduce moisture levels. You can monitor the humidity level with a hygrometer. Do not give too much humidity, as it can lead to respiratory issues or mold growth, while too little can cause dehydration and shedding problems. You can arrange a shallow water dish for drinking and occasional soaking to promote a healthy environment for your Gargoyle Gecko. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels in your gecko’s tank can be made easier by adding live plants, such as Ficus benjamina, Devil’s Ivy, and Philodendron scanden.
Gargoyle Gecko Light Setup
Gargoyle Gecko’s light setup should be consistent and mimic a natural day/night cycle. It should require around 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness. You can use a fluorescent or LED light to illuminate the tank during the day. While they don’t need UVB lighting, you can arrange a low-output UVB light, which can support their health.
Gargoyle Gecko Substrate
The gargoyle gecko substrate for enclosure should be comfortable, easy to clean, and free from toxic elements. You can use some popular options like coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, and paper towels. Coconut fiber and sphagnum moss create a naturalistic environment that helps maintain humidity levels, which is important for the gecko’s hydration and shedding process.
Paper towels can be used as a hygienic option to clean and maintain a clean habitat. You should make sure to avoid materials that can cause impaction, such as loose sand or gravel, as these can pose serious health risks to your gecko. Regular maintenance and monitoring of substrate conditions will ensure a safe and healthy environment for your Gargoyle Gecko.
How to Handle a Gargoyle Gecko?
Handling a Gargoyle Gecko requires a gentle and patient approach. You should start by allowing your gecko to get comfortable with its environment for a few days before attempting to handle it. When it is ready to handle, approach the gecko slowly and avoid sudden movements that might startle it. You should use both hands to gently scoop the gecko up, supporting its body to avoid stress or injury. It’s best to hold your Gargoyle Gecko low to the ground or over a soft surface in case it jumps.
Limit your handling sessions to about 10-15 minutes, especially at first, to prevent overwhelming the gecko. Always wash your hands before and after handling to maintain hygiene. With regular, gentle handling and patience, your Gargoyle Gecko can become accustomed to human interaction.
Exercise For Gargoyle Geckos
To encourage exercise and physical activity, it’s crucial to provide an enriched environment within their enclosure. You can include branches, vines, and climbing structures that mimic their natural habitat, which allows them to climb and explore. Additionally, you can create a larger, well-decorated tank, which gives them more space to move around and engage in natural behaviors such as climbing and hiding.
You can supervise out-of-tank exploration to promote exercise and ensure the area is safe and free from hazards. You can do interactive play with them by using a soft toy or a small container with treats, which can stimulate their curiosity and encourage movement. Regular exercise is important for your Gargoyle Gecko to keep them physically fit.
Common Health Issues of a Gargoyle Gecko
Gargoyle geckos can be prone to some common health issues like some other pets, like obesity due to an excess diet and dehydration due to a lack of water intake.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
MBD occurs due to a lack of calcium and vitamin D3 in your gecko’s bones, which can lead to weak bones. Lethargy, difficulty climbing, and visible deformities in the bones can be the symptoms of this disease.
Respiratory Infections
The main reasons for respiratory infections are poor humidity levels, inadequate ventilation, or stress. Wheezing, labored breathing, and nasal discharge are the symptoms.
Parasites
Internal and external parasites can affect your pet Gargoyle Geckos. This often occurs due to unsanitary conditions or contact with contaminated surfaces. Weight loss, lethargy, or visible worms in feces may indicate a parasitic infection.
Dysecdysis
Dysecdysis is a shedding problem among your geckos that occurs due to inadequate humidity levels. Retained shed, particularly around the toes and tail, can cause discomfort and lead to more serious issues.
Grooming Gargoyle Gecko
Grooming a Gargoyle Gecko is relatively simple and primarily involves maintaining a clean environment to promote their health. You should regularly clean the enclosure by removing waste and uneaten food, and replace the substrate as needed to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors. While Gargoyle Geckos don’t require bathing, you can gently mist them with water to help maintain proper humidity levels and aid in shedding. You should monitor their skin for any signs of retained shed or abnormalities, as this can indicate health issues.
Purchasing a Gargoyle Gecko
When purchasing a gargoyle gecko, you should learn about the species’ needs, such as its diet, environment, and health problems. You can purchase them from a reputable pet shop. Additionally, please make sure the store is hygienic and sanitary for their reptiles. Another option is to purchase from a respectable Gecko breeder. Breeders can offer comprehensive details regarding the gecko’s ancestry, medical background, and maintenance requirements. Additionally, you can contact online breeders to choose the ideal gargoyle gecko for you.
It would help if you looked for indications of good health before buying a gargoyle gecko. Check for appropriate body weight, healthy skin free of discolorations or blemishes, and clear eyes. The average cost of purchasing a Gargoyle Gecko is around $100 to $300, depending on age, size, and where you buy it. However, more rare morphs or those with unique colorations may cost upwards of $500 or more. Gargoyle Geckos For Sale
Reproduction and Breeding
The Gargoyle geckos reach sexual maturity at around 18 to 24 months of age, with females typically being able to lay eggs several times a year. The breeding of gargoyle geckos involves pairing a male and female in a spacious enclosure that mimics their natural habitat. Their mating process usually occurs in the spring, and after successful copulation, females will lay one to two eggs every few weeks during the breeding season.
The eggs should be collected and placed in an incubator with a substrate that retains moisture, such as vermiculite or perlite, at a temperature range of 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C) for optimal incubation, which typically lasts about 60 to 90 days. Once the hatchlings emerge, they should be housed separately in smaller enclosures to prevent territorial disputes and ensure they receive adequate care. With proper breeding practices and care, you can enjoy watching the life cycle of these fascinating geckos.
Related Species to a Gargoyle Gecko
- Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)
- Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
- Golden Gecko (Gekko ulikovskii)
Interesting Facts About a Gargoyle Gecko
- Gargoyle Geckos come in various morphs and colors, including shades of red, orange, yellow, brown, and gray.
- Gargoyle geckos are known for their calm temperament and are relatively easy to handle, making them great pets for beginners.
- Gargoyle Geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are primarily active at night, using their keen senses to hunt for food and explore.
- Gargoyle Geckos are skilled climbers and love to explore tall, branch-filled enclosures that mimic their natural environment.
- If their tail is lost, Gargoyle Geckos can regenerate it over time.
- Gargoyle Geckos get their name from the “horns” or bony protrusions on their head, which resemble gargoyle statues.
- Unlike some reptiles, gargoyle geckos don’t require UVB lighting, though low UVB exposure can benefit them.
- Gargoyle Geckos are omnivores and enjoy a diet of fruits, insects, and specially formulated gecko diets.
- Gargoyle Geckos are generally peaceful but may show mild territorial behavior if housed together, especially among males.
- Gargoyle Geckos have large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils, adapted for night vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What’s the tank size for an adult Gargoyle Gecko?
Answer: A 20-gallon tank is suitable for one adult, but larger tanks (30 gallons or more) provide more space for climbing and exploring.
Question 2: What temperature range is best for a Gargoyle Gecko’s enclosure?
Answer: Gargoyle Geckos thrive in temperatures of 72°F to 78°F, with a slight nighttime drop to around 68°F.
Question 3: How do I maintain proper humidity levels in the Gargoyle Gecko tank?
Answer: To maintain a proper humidity level, aim for 50–70% humidity by misting the enclosure 1-2 times a day and using a humidity gauge to monitor levels.
Question 4: How often should I feed my Gecko?
Answer: Feed young geckos daily, while adults can be fed every other day.
Question 5: Do Gargoyle Geckos need UVB lighting?
Answer: While not required, low UVB exposure (2–5%) can benefit their bone health and overall vitality.
Question 6: Can gargoyle geckos be kept together in one enclosure?
Answer: Generally, it’s best to keep them separate due to territorial behavior, especially among males.
Question 7: How often should you mist a gecko?
Answer: Regular misting provides drinking water; you can also place a shallow water dish in their enclosure for extra hydration.
Question 8: What type of substrate is best for Gargoyle Geckos?
Answer: Safe substrates include coconut fiber, reptile carpet, or paper towels, which help retain moisture and reduce impaction risks.
Question 9: Are Gargoyle Geckos friendly?
Answer: Yes, with gentle handling, they are calm and can become accustomed to human interaction, though they may be skittish initially.
Question 10: Can gargoyle geckos live without live insects in their diet?
Answer: Yes, Gargoyle geckos can thrive on commercial gecko diets, but adding live insects occasionally provides mental enrichment and nutritional variety.
Conclusion
In the end, Gargoyle gecko care requires attention to their specific needs for housing, diet, temperature, and health. By providing a well-maintained habitat with appropriate heat, lighting, and humidity, you can ensure your geckos thrive. Gentle handling and grooming can help to build a bond and keep your gecko in good condition. They are adorable reptiles, so keep them safe to ensure a happy, healthy living life for many years.
