Gargoyle Gecko
Rhacodactylus auriculatus
The Gargoyle Gecko is a robust, arboreal gecko from the southern end of New Caledonia, named for the distinctive cranial bumps on its head that resemble the gargoyles of Gothic architecture. Closely related to the Crested Gecko, this species shares many of the same beginner-friendly care advantages: they thrive at room temperature, do not require intense heating or UVB, and readily accept commercially prepared powdered diets mixed with water. Gargoyle Geckos come in a range of appealing colors and patterns, including striped, reticulated, and blotched morphs in shades of red, orange, yellow, and gray. They are slightly heavier-bodied than Crested Geckos, typically reaching seven to nine inches and having a more deliberate, less flighty temperament. One notable difference is that Gargoyle Geckos can regenerate their tails if dropped, unlike Crested Geckos which cannot. Their calm disposition, straightforward diet, and modest enclosure requirements make them one of the best gecko species for newcomers to the hobby.
Habitat
Scrubby forests and maquis shrubland of southern New Caledonia
Diet
Fruit, nectar, and insects (powdered complete diet available)
Lifespan
15–20 years
Difficulty
beginner
Recommended Products
Everything you need to create the perfect habitat for your Gargoyle Gecko.
Accessories
REPTI ZOO Reptile Mister 2L
A pressurized hand mister for daily enclosure spritzing, maintaining the moderate humidity levels and water droplets Gargoyle Geckos drink from leaf surfaces.
Exo Terra Jungle Vine Large
A flexible, bendable vine that provides climbing paths and resting spots throughout the enclosure, supporting the natural arboreal behavior of Gargoyle Geckos.
Pangea Biodegradable Gecko Feeding Cups 100 Pack
Disposable cups that fit standard magnetic feeding ledges, making it easy to serve fresh Pangea or Repashy diet daily with minimal cleanup.
Exo Terra Gecko Magnetic Feeding Ledge
A magnetic suction-cup feeding ledge that attaches to the glass at any height, allowing your arboreal Gargoyle Gecko to eat its powdered diet at a natural elevated position.
Enclosures
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 18x18x24
A tall front-opening glass terrarium perfect for an adult Gargoyle Gecko, offering vertical climbing space and dual ventilation for proper airflow in this arboreal species' home.
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 12x12x18
A compact tall terrarium ideally sized for a single juvenile or sub-adult Gargoyle Gecko, with front-opening doors for easy access and feeding.
REPTI ZOO 12x12x24 Glass Reptile Terrarium
A budget-friendly tall glass enclosure with front-opening doors and a waterproof base, providing ample arboreal space for a single Gargoyle Gecko.
Zoo Med Nano Breeze Screen Cage
A lightweight screen cage option for Gargoyle Geckos kept in naturally humid rooms, providing maximum ventilation while still being compact and easy to maintain.
Food
Josh's Frogs 1/4 Inch Crickets 100 Count
Small live crickets that can be offered once or twice a week as a supplemental protein source, stimulating natural hunting behavior in your Gargoyle Gecko.
Pangea Fruit Mix Gecko Diet Watermelon Mango 8 oz
A flavored powdered gecko diet variety that adds enrichment and dietary diversity when rotated with other Pangea and Repashy flavors in your Gargoyle Gecko's diet.
Repashy Crested Gecko MRP Classic 6 oz
A widely trusted meal replacement powder that mixes with water to form a nutritionally complete diet paste, readily accepted by virtually all Gargoyle Geckos.
Pangea Fruit Mix Complete Gecko Diet With Insects 2 oz
A top-tier powdered complete diet formulated with real insects and fruit, providing balanced nutrition as the primary staple food for Gargoyle Geckos.
Heating
Zoo Med Nano Ceramic Heat Emitter 25W
A small ceramic heat emitter that can gently raise ambient temperature a few degrees on cool nights without producing light that would disturb this nocturnal gecko.
Exo Terra Heat Mat Small 8W
A low-wattage adhesive heat mat that can be attached to the side of the terrarium to provide gentle supplemental warmth if room temperatures dip below 65°F.
Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller
A thermostat that ensures any supplemental heating source stays within the Gargoyle Gecko's ideal 72–78°F range, preventing dangerous temperature spikes.
Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater Mini
A miniature under-tank heater for smaller enclosures, providing a subtle heat boost during winter months when room temperatures may fall below ideal for Gargoyle Geckos.
Lighting
Arcadia ShadeDweller ProT5 Kit UVB 7%
A gentle UVB kit designed for shade-dwelling species like Gargoyle Geckos, providing low-level ultraviolet light that supports vitamin D3 synthesis without excessive intensity.
BN-LINK 24 Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer
A simple timer to automate a 12-hour day-night cycle for your Gargoyle Gecko, maintaining consistent lighting without manual intervention.
Jungle Dawn LED Bar 13W
A compact full-spectrum LED that supports live plant growth in a naturalistic Gargoyle Gecko vivarium while providing a gentle photoperiod.
Zoo Med Nano LED 5W
A small, energy-efficient LED light that provides a subtle daytime light cycle for your Gargoyle Gecko without adding any appreciable heat to the enclosure.
Substrate
Galápagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss 4-Quart
Natural sphagnum moss that holds moisture well and can be used to line the enclosure floor or create humid pockets that help Gargoyle Geckos shed cleanly.
Exo Terra Plantation Soil 7.2 Quart
A compressed coconut husk substrate block that expands when moistened, offering an easy-to-replace naturalistic floor covering for Gargoyle Gecko enclosures.
Josh's Frogs ABG Mix Bioactive Substrate 10 Quarts
A premium bioactive substrate blend ideal for creating a self-sustaining vivarium with live plants and a cleanup crew in your Gargoyle Gecko enclosure.
Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber 3-Pack
A humidity-retaining coconut coir substrate that helps maintain the moderate humidity Gargoyle Geckos need while providing a soft, natural enclosure floor.