Gargoyle Gecko Care Sheet
Gargoyle Gecko
Rhacodactylus auriculatus
©Yellow Room Reptiles
Life Span :
Gargoyle geckos can live 15-20 years in captivity when properly cared for, and some may live longer.
Adult Size :
Gargoyle geckos are medium-sized New Caledonian geckos, typically reaching about 6-8 inches as adults.
They are arboreal, meaning they spend much of their time climbing and resting above the ground.
Cage Size :
Gargoyle geckos need a tall enclosure with plenty of climbing space, foliage and hiding places. Of course, the larger you can go the better.
Hatchlings/Small Juveniles – For hatchlings, a shoebox sized bin works perfectly and will allow for growth without overwhelm. As a juvenile, a minimum of 12” x 12” x 12” is a useful grow-out size, with appropriately sized furnishings and easy access to food.
Juveniles/Adults – A minimum of 18” x 18” x 24” is recommended for a single adult. Larger enclosures provide more room for climbing, exercise and enrichment.
*We recommend housing gargoyle geckos individually. Males should never be housed together.
Cage Substrate :
We choose to use bioactive cages as our substrate of choice. For a standard tank set up, you need something that holds moisture/humidity. We recommend using a mix of organic top soil (please make sure it does not contain fertilizers or pesticides), coconut fiber, sphagnum and leaf litter. Paper towels can also be used for young geckos, quarantine or easy monitoring.
Lighting and Heating :
Gargoyle geckos are nocturnal, but they still benefit from a normal day/night cycle and low-level UVB. A low-output UVB bulb can be provided with plenty of shaded areas so the gecko can choose its exposure.
Gargoyle geckos do best with a temperature gradient. A basking area around 82-84°F is appropriate, with cooler areas around 72-77°F. Temperatures should not be allowed to remain above the mid-80s. Nighttime temperatures can safely drop into the upper 60s to low 70s.
If supplemental heat is needed, use a low-wattage heat source controlled with a thermostat. Always monitor temperatures with a digital thermometer and check the basking surface with a temperature gun.
Humidity :
Gargoyle geckos do well with humidity around 50-70% on average, with higher humidity after misting and a gradual dry-down between mistings. Avoid keeping the enclosure constantly saturated. Good ventilation is important.
Feeding :
Gargoyle Geckos are omnivores. In captivity, we offer a high-quality, nutritionally complete gecko diet along with appropriately sized insects. Commercial diets such as Pangea and Repashy are commonly used. Variety is key.
Good feeder insects include crickets, dubia roaches, discoid roaches, black soldier fly larvae, silkworms and appropriately sized hornworms. Feeder insects should be no larger than the space between the gecko’s eyes and should be properly gut-loaded.
FEEDING SCHEDULE :
Babies/Juveniles: Keep fresh complete gecko diet available daily and offer appropriately sized insects every other day.
Adults: Offer fresh complete gecko diet every other day and insects about twice per week. Remove uneaten fresh food before it spoils.
*Gargoyle geckos can become overweight, so adjust portions and frequency based on body condition.
Water :
Keep a shallow, sturdy water dish with fresh water available. Gargoyle geckos also drink droplets from misting, so spray the enclosure regularly. Depending on the enclosure and humidity, misting in the evening and a lighter mist in the morning can work well. Allow the enclosure to dry down between mistings.
Multivitamins and Calcium:
We do recommend supplementing your gecko, especially during growing or breeding seasons. If UVB is provided, use a calcium supplement without D3 for routine insect dusting. If UVB is not provided, a calcium supplement containing D3 may be appropriate. Always follow the directions for the specific supplement you are using.
PRO TIP: Gecko diet is a PERFECT place to hide supplements
Supplements we recommend :
Calcium: Repashy Calcium Plus, Calcium Complex without D3 when UVB is provided, or Calcium Complex with D3 when appropriate.
Liquid Calcium: Liquid Calcium Glubionate, when appropriate and used according to directions.
Bee Pollen Powder: Bee pollen can be offered in small amounts as an additional source of variety, but it should not replace a nutritionally complete gecko diet.
Complete Gecko Diet: A quality complete diet such as Pangea or Repashy should form the foundation of the captive diet.
Housing & Enrichment :
Provide plenty of branches, cork, vines, plants and elevated resting places. Gargoyle geckos are arboreal and should have multiple routes through the enclosure as well as leafy cover and secure hiding areas.
Shedding :
A properly hydrated enclosure with appropriate humidity cycles will help your gecko shed normally. Check toes and other small areas after shedding for retained skin, especially if food has dried around the feet.
Handling :
Allow a new gecko time to settle into its enclosure before regular handling. Support the body and let the gecko move between your hands rather than grabbing or restraining it. Always handle close to a safe surface in case it jumps.
Cleaning :
Remove soiled areas and uneaten food regularly. In a bioactive enclosure, spot-clean as needed and maintain the cleanup crew. Any water or food dish should be cleaned and refreshed regularly.
Remember your gecko should be getting a balanced diet, proper hydration, appropriate temperatures, and plenty of opportunities to climb and hide!