Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) Care Sheet

ReptileCommunity · November 29, 2025, 1:48am

A complete guide for the successful keeping of this popular, arboreal (tree-dwelling), and crepuscular gecko from New Caledonia.

1. Overview & Natural Habitat

Common Name: Crested Gecko, Eyelash Gecko, Crestie
Scientific Name: Correlophus ciliatus
Natural Habitat: Humid, tropical rainforests and shrublands of New Caledonia (specifically the Isle of Pines and surrounding areas). They are strictly arboreal.
Size: Adults reach 15 – 20 cm (6 – 8 inches), including the tail.
Lifespan: 15 – 20+ years in captivity.
Temperament: Generally docile and curious. They are crepuscular/nocturnal, meaning they are active primarily at night.

Crested Geckos are tree-dwellers and require a vertical enclosure that emphasizes height over floor space.

Minimum Enclosure Size (Adult): 45 x 45 x 90 cm (18 x 18 x 36 inches) or larger. An 18x18x24" (45x45x60cm) is an absolute minimum for smaller adults, but the taller enclosure is now the recommended minimum standard.
Enclosure Type: Glass or PVC vivariums are typically used, as they are easier to maintain the high humidity levels required. Mesh enclosures are not suitable due to poor humidity retention.
Structure: The enclosure must be densely filled with vertical climbing options: cork bark flats, vines, bamboo sticks, and natural or artificial foliage for cover. Cover is essential for security.
Hides: Provide secure horizontal and vertical hiding spots among the foliage and branches, especially near the top of the enclosure where they prefer to rest.

The substrate must be able to retain moisture to assist with ambient humidity.

Recommended Substrate: A deep layer (5-10 cm) of moisture-retaining substrate like Coconut Fiber (Coir), Orchid Bark, or a Bioactive Soil Mix (e.g., coco coir, organic topsoil, and charcoal/sphagnum moss mix).
Hatchlings/Quarantine: Damp paper towels are recommended for easy monitoring and to avoid accidental ingestion of substrate.
Drainage: A drainage layer (e.g., hydroballs or Leca) under the main substrate is highly recommended to prevent waterlogging, especially in bioactive setups.

Crested Geckos are sensitive to heat and do not tolerate high temperatures. They generally thrive at stable room temperature.

Ideal Temperature Range (Daytime): 22°C – 25°C (72°F – 77°F).
Nighttime Drop: Temperatures can safely drop to 18°C – 22°C (65°F – 72°F).
Heating Needs: Heating is typically not required unless the ambient room temperature consistently falls below 18^\circ\text{C} (65^\circ\text{F}). If supplemental heat is needed, use a low-wattage Deep Heat Projector (DHP) or a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) connected to a thermostat.
DO NOT EXCEED 27^\circ\text{C} (80^\circ\text{F}): Sustained temperatures above this threshold are dangerous and can lead to stress, lethargy, and potentially fatal heat stroke.

While traditionally thought of as only needing ambient light, recent studies show benefits from low-level UVB.

Ambient Light: Provide a light source (like a low-wattage LED grow light) on a 12-hour cycle to simulate daylight and support live plant growth if used.
UVB Light (Recommended): A low-level UVB source (e.g., a 5-6% T5 linear fluorescent tube) is highly recommended to support natural Vitamin D_3 synthesis and overall health.
Photoperiod: A consistent 12 hour day/12 hour night cycle is vital for regulating their circadian rhythm. All lights must be completely off at night.

Humidity is the most critical factor in Crested Gecko care, requiring a wet/dry cycle.

Humidity Cycle: The ideal range fluctuates: it should be high at night and dry out during the day.
- Night/Misting Spike: 80% – 100% (immediately after misting).
- Daytime Drop (Dry Out): 45% – 55% (before the next misting cycle).
Misting: Mist the enclosure thoroughly (walls, leaves, substrate) once or twice daily, typically in the evening and lightly in the morning. They drink droplets off surfaces. Do not let the enclosure stay soaked all day; it must dry out partially to prevent bacterial/fungal growth.
Water Dish: Provide a small, shallow dish of fresh, clean water on the ground, though they rarely drink from it.

Crested Geckos are omnivores and thrive on specially formulated, complete powdered diets.

Staple Diet: A high-quality, commercially available Crested Gecko Diet (CGD) (like Pangea, Repashy, or others) should form the basis of their diet. Mix the powder with water to a ketchup-like consistency and place it in a shallow, elevated feeding dish.
Live Insects (Supplemental): Feeder insects (Crickets, Dubia Roaches, Black Soldier Fly Larvae) should be offered 1–2 times per week to provide enrichment and a full spectrum of nutrients. Insects should be no larger than the space between their eyes.
Feeding Schedule:
- CGD: Offer fresh food 3 times a week (every other day). Remove uneaten food after 36 hours.
- Insects: Offer 1–2 times per week.

Insects: All insects must be heavily dusted with a Calcium with D_3 supplement and a Multivitamin powder on an alternating schedule (e.g., Calcium w/ D_3 one day, Multivitamin the next insect feeding).
CGD: The complete powdered diets are formulated to be nutritionally complete and generally do not require extra supplementation.
Gut Loading: All feeder insects must be fed a nutritious diet (gut loaded) for 12-24 hours prior to feeding them to your gecko.

8. Handling & Temperament
- Temperament: Crested geckos are generally jumpy and quick. They are best treated as display animals, but they can be gently handled.
- Handling: Handle them in a secure space (like over a bed or inside a tub) as they are prone to leaping. Be gentle, and do not grab the tail. While a dropped tail will not grow back, it is rare.
- Handling Schedule: Keep handling sessions short (5-10 minutes) and avoid handling when they are most active (during the night).