Sarasin’s Giant Gecko (Correlophus sarasinorum) Care Sheet
Sarasin’s Giant Gecko (Correlophus sarasinorum), also known as Sarasin’s Gecko or the Roux’s Giant Gecko, is a distinctive arboreal gecko endemic to New Caledonia.
Although related to the much more familiar Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus), Sarasin’s Giant Gecko has a noticeably different appearance. It has a relatively smooth body, elongated head, large eyes and muted brown, grey, olive or reddish colouration that provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
The species is primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, spending daylight hours resting among vegetation, branches, cork and tree hollows before becoming active after dusk.
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos remain considerably less common in captivity than Crested or Gargoyle Geckos. Maintaining healthy, genetically diverse captive populations is therefore particularly important.
Captive-bred individuals can become relatively confident around their keepers but are generally better regarded as display animals than reptiles intended for frequent handling.
Successful husbandry centres on a tall, heavily furnished enclosure, moderate temperatures, protection from overheating, appropriate UVB, fluctuating humidity, excellent ventilation and a balanced omnivorous diet.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Correlophus sarasinorum
Common names: Sarasin’s Giant Gecko, Sarasin’s Gecko
Family: Diplodactylidae
Native range: New Caledonia
Lifestyle: Arboreal
Activity: Primarily nocturnal / crepuscular
Adult length: Approximately 10–12 inches including the tail
Lifespan: Approximately 15–20+ years with excellent care
Experience level: Intermediate
Diet: Omnivorous
Temperament: Generally alert and manageable, but individuals vary
Adult enclosure: Approximately 18" × 18" × 36" minimum for one adult; 24" × 24" × 36" or larger preferred
Day temperature: Approximately 22–26°C
Warm area: Approximately 26–28°C
Night temperature: Approximately 18–22°C
Humidity: Approximately 60–80% with regular drying periods
UVB: Recommended
Handling: Occasional gentle handling
Social housing: Individual housing safest
Taxonomy
Sarasin’s Giant Gecko is currently classified as:
Correlophus sarasinorum
The species was historically placed within the genus Rhacodactylus and may therefore still appear in older literature as:
Rhacodactylus sarasinorum
It belongs to the same genus as the Crested Gecko:
Correlophus ciliatus
Despite their relationship, Sarasin’s Giant Geckos should be maintained and bred as a distinct species.
Natural Distribution
Sarasin’s Giant Gecko is endemic to New Caledonia.
This means the species naturally occurs nowhere else in the world.
New Caledonia supports an exceptional diversity of endemic reptiles, particularly arboreal geckos.
Established captive breeding is therefore extremely important.
Natural Habitat
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos inhabit forested environments containing:
- Trees
- Shrubs
- Dense vegetation
- Tree hollows
- Bark
- Branches
- Humid forest microclimates
They spend much of their lives above ground.
Captive accommodation should therefore emphasise usable vertical space rather than simply providing a tall empty enclosure.
Appearance
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos have a relatively smooth and streamlined appearance.
Typical features include:
- Elongated head
- Large eyes
- Strong limbs
- Adhesive toe pads
- Long tail
- Smooth skin
- Slender but robust body
Colouration commonly includes shades of:
- Brown
- Grey
- Olive
- Tan
- Reddish brown
- Cream
Some individuals display contrasting patterns or longitudinal markings.
Adult Size
Adults commonly reach approximately:
10–12 inches total length
including the tail.
They are substantial arboreal geckos and require considerably more usable enclosure space than their body length alone might suggest.
Lifespan
With excellent husbandry, Sarasin’s Giant Geckos may live approximately:
15–20+ years
Potential keepers should plan for a substantial long-term commitment.
Behaviour
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos are primarily active during the evening and night.
Normal behaviour includes:
- Climbing
- Jumping
- Exploring
- Hunting insects
- Feeding on fruit-based foods
- Resting against bark
- Hiding among foliage
During daylight they may remain motionless for extended periods.
Temperament
Captive-bred individuals may become relatively calm around routine enclosure maintenance.
However, temperament varies.
Some individuals may be:
- Calm
- Curious
- Confident
while others may remain:
- Nervous
- Fast
- Defensive
- Reluctant to be handled
They should not be purchased solely as handling animals.
Handling
Allow newly acquired animals time to settle before beginning unnecessary handling.
When handling:
- Allow the gecko to walk onto your hand
- Support the animal
- Avoid grabbing
- Never restrain the tail
- Keep sessions brief
- Handle close to a safe surface
These geckos are capable of sudden jumps.
Tail Loss
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos can lose their tails if severely stressed or improperly restrained.
Never grab or lift the gecko by its tail.
Preventing tail injury through correct handling and enclosure design is preferable to relying on regeneration.
Enclosure Size
For a single adult:
18" × 18" × 36"
should be regarded as a practical minimum.
Where possible:
24" × 24" × 36"
or larger is preferred.
Additional space allows:
- More climbing routes
- Greater exercise
- Better environmental gradients
- Denser planting
- More behavioural choice
Vertical Space
Vertical space is essential.
The enclosure should allow the gecko to move between:
- High resting areas
- Mid-level branches
- Feeding locations
- Dense vegetation
- Lower shaded retreats
Climbing Structure
Provide abundant climbing opportunities using:
- Cork bark
- Cork tubes
- Natural branches
- Vines
- Bamboo
- Robust live plants
- Artificial foliage
Include horizontal, diagonal and vertical surfaces.
Broad Resting Surfaces
Do not furnish the enclosure exclusively with narrow branches.
Provide broad:
- Cork slabs
- Branches
- Trunks
- Shelves
that allow comfortable resting.
Foliage
Dense foliage provides:
- Security
- Visual barriers
- Drinking surfaces
- Climbing opportunities
- Humidity gradients
- Shade
Suitable reptile-safe plants may include:
- Pothos
- Ficus
- Schefflera
- Bromeliads
Plants must be free from pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Hides
Provide elevated hiding areas.
Suitable options include:
- Cork tubes
- Hollow branches
- Dense vegetation
- Elevated hides
A ground-level hide alone is insufficient for an arboreal species.
Enclosure Security
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos are capable climbers.
Ensure:
- Doors close securely
- Cable ports are sealed
- Ventilation panels are secure
- Décor cannot interfere with door closure
Substrate
Suitable substrates include:
- Organic topsoil
- Coco fibre
- Orchid bark
- Tropical soil mixtures
- Leaf litter
The substrate should retain some moisture while allowing appropriate drainage.
Bioactive Housing
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos are well suited to properly established bioactive enclosures.
A bioactive setup may contain:
- Natural soil
- Live plants
- Leaf litter
- Springtails
- Suitable isopods
Bioactive housing still requires routine observation and maintenance.
Temperature
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos thrive at moderate temperatures.
They should not be maintained continuously at high temperatures.
Day Temperature
General daytime temperatures around:
22–26°C
are suitable.
Warm Area
A slightly warmer elevated area around:
26–28°C
can be provided.
This should occupy only part of the enclosure.
Cool Area
Cooler shaded areas around:
20–23°C
should always remain available.
Night Temperature
Night temperatures can generally fall to approximately:
18–22°C
A natural nighttime temperature reduction is beneficial.
Overheating
Excessive heat is a significant husbandry concern.
Prolonged temperatures around or above:
28–30°C
should be avoided.
During summer heatwaves, enclosure temperatures must be monitored particularly carefully.
Heatwave Management
During unusually hot weather:
- Monitor temperatures frequently
- Reduce unnecessary supplemental heating
- Increase room ventilation
- Maintain hydration
- Ensure cool shaded areas remain available
Never place the enclosure where direct sunlight can cause uncontrolled heating.
Heating
Depending on room temperature, supplemental heating may be minimal.
Where heating is required, use an appropriate overhead heat source controlled by a thermostat.
Avoid heating the entire enclosure uniformly.
UVB
Low-to-moderate UVB is recommended.
Although primarily nocturnal, Sarasin’s Giant Geckos may receive filtered UV exposure while resting during daylight.
Appropriate UVB supports:
- Vitamin D3 synthesis
- Calcium metabolism
- Natural behaviour
- Overall husbandry quality
UV Gradient
The gecko should be able to choose between:
- UV exposure
- Filtered exposure
- Dense shade
- Complete retreat
Foliage and enclosure structure should create these choices naturally.
Lighting
Provide a clear day/night cycle.
Approximately:
11–13 hours of daylight
is appropriate depending on season.
Additional LED lighting can provide bright daytime illumination and support live plants.
Night Lighting
The enclosure should become dark at night.
Do not leave visible:
- Red lamps
- Blue lamps
- Purple lamps
running throughout the night.
Humidity
General humidity around:
60–80%
is appropriate.
Humidity should fluctuate naturally rather than remaining constantly high.
Humidity Cycle
Humidity can rise considerably following misting, particularly during the evening.
It should then gradually decrease as the enclosure dries.
Regular drying periods help reduce problems associated with permanently wet conditions.
Misting
Mist approximately:
Once or twice daily
depending on:
- Ventilation
- Substrate
- Planting
- Room humidity
- Season
Allow some enclosure surfaces to dry between misting sessions.
Hydration
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos commonly drink droplets from:
- Leaves
- Glass
- Branches
- Cork
Regular misting therefore provides an important hydration opportunity.
Water Bowl
Fresh drinking water should also be permanently available.
Provide a stable clean water dish and replace the water regularly.
Ventilation
Excellent ventilation is essential.
High humidity without airflow can contribute to:
- Mould
- Bacterial growth
- Skin problems
- Respiratory disease
The enclosure should be humid but fresh and well ventilated.
Diet
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos are omnivorous.
A balanced captive diet should combine:
- Nutritionally complete gecko diet
- Appropriately sized live insects
Complete Gecko Diet
A high-quality complete commercial diet formulated for New Caledonian geckos can form the foundation of the diet.
Prepare according to manufacturer instructions.
Remove uneaten food before it spoils.
Live Insects
Suitable live feeders include:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Other suitable roaches
- Locusts
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Silkworms
Prey should be appropriately sized.
Gut Loading
Feeder insects should be properly gut-loaded before use.
Suitable foods include:
- Leafy greens
- Vegetables
- Appropriate commercial gut-loading diets
Poorly nourished insects provide poor nutrition.
Calcium Supplementation
Live insects should be appropriately dusted with calcium.
Supplementation requirements depend on:
- UVB provision
- Complete gecko diet
- Age
- Reproductive status
Breeding females require particularly careful calcium management.
Multivitamins
Where a nutritionally complete gecko diet forms the dietary foundation, additional vitamin supplementation should be used carefully.
More supplementation is not automatically better.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit should not replace a complete gecko diet.
Commercial complete diets provide a more predictable balance of:
- Protein
- Calcium
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Small quantities of suitable fruit can occasionally be offered as enrichment.
Juvenile Feeding
Growing juveniles can generally be offered complete gecko diet:
Daily or every other day
with appropriately sized live insects several times per week.
Monitor growth and body condition.
Adult Feeding
Adults can generally be offered complete gecko diet approximately:
3–4 times per week
with live insects approximately:
1–2 times per week
Adjust according to:
- Body condition
- Activity
- Season
- Reproductive status
Feeding Ledges
Elevated feeding stations are particularly useful.
They allow natural arboreal feeding without requiring the gecko to descend to the enclosure floor.
Food Enrichment
Useful feeding enrichment includes:
- Controlled live insect hunting
- Varying feeding locations
- Elevated feeding stations
- Tong-feeding selected insects
Obesity
Captive geckos can become overweight when offered excessive food.
Monitor overall body condition and adjust feeding accordingly.
Social Housing
Individual housing is the safest general recommendation.
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos do not require companionship.
Male Aggression
Adult males should not normally be housed together.
Territorial aggression can result in serious injury.
Male/Female Housing
Compatible breeding pairs may sometimes be maintained together by experienced keepers.
However, females must be monitored for:
- Persistent courtship
- Mating injuries
- Stress
- Feeding competition
Separate accommodation should always be available.
Sexing
Mature males generally develop:
- Obvious hemipenal bulges
- Visible preanal pores
Females lack the pronounced male hemipenal bulges.
Sexing becomes easier as animals mature.
Breeding
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos can be bred successfully in captivity.
Responsible captive breeding is particularly valuable because the species remains relatively uncommon within herpetoculture.
Only healthy mature animals should be bred.
Female Condition
Breeding females require excellent:
- Nutrition
- Calcium provision
- Hydration
- UVB access
- Body condition
Females should be given adequate recovery between reproductive cycles.
Egg Laying
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos are oviparous.
Females typically produce:
2 eggs per clutch
although single eggs may occasionally occur.
Multiple clutches may be produced during a breeding season.
Nesting
Provide suitable slightly moist laying substrate.
Females may bury eggs in:
- Soil
- Moss
- Leaf litter
- Around plant roots
- Other concealed areas
Bioactive enclosures should be checked carefully during breeding periods.
Incubation
Eggs can generally be incubated at approximately:
22–26°C
under stable conditions.
Incubation commonly takes several months, with duration strongly influenced by temperature.
Avoid excessively high incubation temperatures.
Eggs should not be rotated after laying.
Hatchlings
Hatchlings require:
- Secure arboreal accommodation
- Fine climbing branches
- Dense foliage
- Appropriate low-level UVB
- Moderate temperatures
- Regular misting
- Complete gecko diet
- Tiny live insects
Hatchling Security
Young geckos can exploit very small gaps.
Check carefully around:
- Doors
- Ventilation
- Cable ports
- Sliding tracks
before introducing hatchlings.
Quarantine
All newly acquired reptiles should undergo quarantine.
A minimum of approximately:
90 days
is a sensible starting point.
Monitor:
- Feeding
- Weight
- Faeces
- Skin
- Shedding
- Respiration
- Behaviour
Shedding
Sarasin’s Giant Geckos generally consume much of their shed skin.
Correct hydration and humidity support normal shedding.
Pay particular attention to retained skin around:
- Toes
- Tail
- Limbs
Toe Health
Healthy adhesive toe pads are essential for normal climbing.
Persistent retained shed around the toes can interfere with grip and circulation.
Inspect feet periodically.
Signs of Good Health
A healthy Sarasin’s Giant Gecko should generally display:
- Clear bright eyes
- Strong grip
- Firm jaw
- Appropriate body condition
- Normal climbing ability
- Regular feeding
- Coordinated movement
- Healthy skin
- Normal faeces
Warning Signs
Seek veterinary advice for:
- Persistent food refusal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weak grip
- Tremors
- Soft jaw
- Swollen limbs
- Respiratory symptoms
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Severe retained shed
- Abnormal swelling
- Significant lethargy
Common Husbandry Mistakes
Enclosure Too Small
These are substantial arboreal geckos requiring useful vertical and horizontal space.
Empty Vertical Enclosure
Height is only useful when filled with appropriate climbing structures.
Keeping Them Too Hot
Prolonged excessive temperatures can be dangerous.
Constantly Wet Conditions
Humidity should fluctuate and surfaces should be allowed to dry.
Poor Ventilation
High humidity must be combined with good airflow.
Feeding Only Fresh Fruit
A nutritionally complete commercial gecko diet provides a more reliable dietary foundation.
No Live Insects
Regular appropriately sized insects provide useful nutrition and behavioural enrichment.
Poor Calcium Provision
This is particularly important for juveniles and reproductive females.
Housing Adult Males Together
Territorial aggression can cause serious injury.
Excessive Handling
These geckos are best appreciated primarily as arboreal display animals.
Captive-Bred Animals
Captive-bred Sarasin’s Giant Geckos should be strongly preferred.
Advantages include:
- Known origin
- Established feeding
- Better adaptation to captivity
- Reduced parasite concerns
- No additional pressure on wild populations
Because the species remains relatively uncommon, responsible record keeping and maintenance of unrelated breeding lines are particularly valuable.
Responsible Ownership
Before acquiring a Sarasin’s Giant Gecko, ensure you can provide:
- A tall permanent enclosure
- Extensive climbing structure
- Dense foliage
- Appropriate low-level UVB
- Moderate temperatures
- Protection from overheating
- High but fluctuating humidity
- Excellent ventilation
- Regular misting
- Complete gecko diet
- Regular live insects
- Appropriate supplementation
- Long-term veterinary care
Suitability
Advantages
- Unusual and attractive appearance
- Fascinating arboreal behaviour
- Manageable adult size
- Generally moderate temperature requirements
- Excellent naturalistic display species
- Suitable for planted enclosures
- Captive breeding achievable
- Long-lived
Considerations
- Less commonly available than Crested Geckos
- Requires substantial vertical space
- Vulnerable to overheating
- Requires careful humidity management
- Live insects should form part of the diet
- Not ideally suited to frequent handling
- Long-term commitment
- Responsible captive breeding is particularly important
Summary
Sarasin’s Giant Gecko (Correlophus sarasinorum) is a distinctive and comparatively uncommon New Caledonian arboreal gecko ideally suited to well-planted naturalistic enclosures.
Successful husbandry centres on:
- Approximately 18" × 18" × 36" minimum adult accommodation
- 24" × 24" × 36" or larger preferred
- Extensive cork, branches and climbing routes
- Dense foliage and elevated retreats
- General daytime temperatures around 22–26°C
- A slightly warmer area around 26–28°C
- Protection from prolonged excessive heat
- Appropriate low-to-moderate UVB
- Approximately 60–80% humidity with regular drying periods
- Excellent ventilation
- Regular misting
- Permanent fresh drinking water
- A nutritionally complete commercial gecko diet
- Regular gut-loaded live insects
- Appropriate calcium supplementation
- Individual housing as the safest default
When maintained with appropriate temperatures, abundant climbing structure, balanced nutrition and carefully managed humidity, captive-bred Sarasin’s Giant Geckos can make fascinating, long-lived and highly rewarding display reptiles.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, collection, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of reptiles in your jurisdiction.
If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or reptile veterinarian.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026