The Crested Gecko- Among the world’s most popular pet lizards. Thought extinct until 1994

Animal of the Month – June 2025: The Crested Gecko!

The goal of our Animal of the Month program is to highlight species that make excellent pets for herp keepers of any experience level. But what makes a great pet? While the answer varies, we look for a few key traits: a docile temperament, attractive appearance, and simple care requirements. This month’s pick checks all the boxes—meet the Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)!

Crested Geckos are among the world’s most popular pet lizards. Thought extinct until 1994, they’re now widely bred in captivity, making them easy to find year-round in a wide variety of stunning colors and patterns. Native to the tropical forests of southern New Caledonia, these arboreal geckos thrive in rainforest canopies. They’re agile jumpers with semi-prehensile tails and sticky toes that help them cling to vertical surfaces. "Lazarus taxon species" is when a species was considered extinct, only to come back.

Why We Recommend Them:

Crested Geckos are ideal for beginners and experienced keepers alike. They reach about 8 inches as adults—large enough to handle, yet small enough for modest enclosures. Years of breeding have produced countless morphs to choose from. Hardy and typically calm, they handle well but may drop their tail if stressed (which doesn’t regrow).

Simple Care Needs:

Babies do well in 10-gallon tanks; juveniles and adults thrive in tall terrariums like Zoo Med’s 12"x12"x18". Use substrates like Eco Earth or ReptiSoil, 2–3 inches deep, to retain moisture. Include vertical decor like cork bark or grapevine for climbing and hiding and consider providing live plants for aesthetics and comfort.

Ideal Conditions:

Keep the warm side between 72–78°F and overall temps near 70°F. Maintain 50–70% humidity by misting daily or using a Zoo Med Repti Fogger. A shallow water dish is recommended, though geckos often drink droplets from surfaces. Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor conditions accurately.

Feeding Made Easy:

Crested Geckos are fruit-loving omnivores. Powdered diets from Pangea or Repashy offer complete nutrition—just mix with water and serve. For best health, add calcium-dusted insects like crickets or roaches once a week.

With the right setup, Crested Geckos can live 15–20 years, sometimes longer.

To celebrate our June pick, get 20% off well-started, captive-bred baby Crested Geckos this month while supplies last. If you’re thinking of a new pet lizard, now’s the perfect time!