Gargoyle Gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus)
Added 25.1.2026 19:40.27 Views count 14
The Gargoyle Gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) is a fascinating and visually attractive species of gecko native to southern New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean. It is a nocturnal, arboreal, and relatively peaceful reptile, suitable for both novice and experienced keepers who want an interesting, long-lived terrarium companion.
🎨 1. Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Size: Gargoyle geckos grow to about 20–25 cm in total length, including the tail.
Body Shape: They have a stocky, more robust body and head with characteristic bony protrusions or "humps" above the eyes and on the skull, which give them a stony, "gargoyle-like" appearance — hence the name.
Color and Patterns: Colors can be widely variable — from muted earthy shades to colorful stripes, spots, or red/orange markings depending on the morph.
Tail: Geckos can shed their tail when stressed or threatened, and although it can regenerate, the new tail tends to be slightly different in shape or texture.
Night Vision: They have prominent eyes with vertical pupils, adapted for nocturnal activity.
📌 The Gargoyle Gecko is typically larger and more robust than, for example, Crested gecko, and often has a more solid body and a wider profile.
🌍 2. Origin and habitat in nature
The crested gecko is endemic to New Caledonia, where it lives in tropical forests and scrublands, often moving in the undergrowth and on branches, but also closer to the ground.
In natural conditions, this gecko lives in a slightly humid, but not overly humid environment, with daytime temperatures and nights that allow for proper thermoregulation within the forest microenvironment.
🏡 3. Terrarium and environment requirements
📏 Terrarium size and layout
Minimum size: about 45 × 45 × 60 cm for an adult individual — a vertically oriented terrarium with enough height for climbing is ideal.
Substrate: soil or coconut mix, or bioactive soil that maintains moderate humidity without standing water.
💡 Temperature and Humidity
Daytime temperature: approx. 22–26 °C (72–79 °F).
Nighttime temperature: approx. 18–22 °C (64–72 °F).
Humidity: 60–80% — regular misting helps to achieve the right humidity and provides water in the form of droplets that the gecko licks.
Ventilation: important to prevent mold and stagnant air due to higher humidity.
🌿 Decor and hiding places
Branches and climbing elements: allow for natural climbing and perspective.
Hiding places: a variety of hiding places at different levels of the terrarium reduce stress.
📌 Gargoyle Geckos generally do not drink from a bowl, but often climb walls with water from condensation or droplets after bathing.
🍽️ 4. Diet and Nutrition
Gargoyle Geckos are omnivorous — their captive diet is a combination of fruit and animal components:
Complete commercial gecko diets: powdered mixes designed for Rhino/crest geckos (e.g. Pangea, Repashy).
Live insects: small crickets, dubia cockroaches, black aphid larvae (gut-loaded).
Fruit and natural fruits: as a supplement to diets (fruit purees or mixes).
Supplementation: regular calcium and vitamin supplementation is important, especially in the absence of UVB lighting.
Feeding frequencies:
Jupiter: more frequent (e.g. daily to every 2 days).
Adults: about every 2–3 days.
🧠 5. Nature and Behavior
🐾 Day and Night Ritual
Nocturnal/Crepuscular: Active mainly in the evening and at night, foraging and exploring.
🐾 Temperament
Peaceful and Tolerant: Generally peaceful, they don't make much noise and have a calmer nature than some other reptiles.
Jumping and Caution: They can jump suddenly, especially young individuals, when handled - so handle near a soft surface or at a low height to avoid injury.
Sounds: They can make gurgling or tickling sounds when stressed or in a mating situation.
🤝 Handling
They tolerate short and gentle handling, but some individuals can be shy; it is best to let them acclimate for the first few weeks before frequent handling.
🧬 Social Behavior
Solitary: Gargoyle Geckos generally live singly. Two males together can be aggressive, causing stress and tension.
Females together: In some large terrariums, it is possible to keep multiple females, but careful monitoring of behavior is key.
🩺 6. Health and common problems
📈 Common health problems
Metabolic bone disease (MBD): caused by a lack of calcium or vitamin D3 — manifested by weakness of the limbs, deformities and lethargy.
Shedding problems: low humidity leads to the retention of old skin, especially on the toes or tail.
Parasites or digestive problems: can cause diarrhea, weight loss or loss of appetite.
Stress and tail loss: in stressful situations, they can shed their tail, although it regenerates, the new one may be slightly different.
🩹 Manifestation of the disease
Signs of poor condition can be:
Abnormal stools or diarrhea.
Lethargy, lack of interest in food.
Retained shed when humidity is low.
Veterinary assistance with reptile experience is essential if disease is suspected.
🎨 7. Types and Variations (Morphy)
Gargoyle Geckos come in a variety of colors and patterns. Some commonly bred variations include:
Striped – stripes on the back.
Reticulated – a net-like pattern.
Blotched – irregular spots.
Red/orange stripes on a light background.
📌 Morphs do not typically have genetic health risks similar to some other reptiles (e.g. leopard geckos or pythons).
Tags
- The Gargoyle Gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) is a fascinating and visually attractive species of gecko native to southern New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean. It is a nocturnal
- arboreal
- and relatively peaceful reptile
- suitable for both novice and experienced keepers who want an interesting
- long-lived terrarium companion.
