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Reptiles · SPECIES PROFILE

Crested Gecko

Correlophus ciliatus

Nocturnal arboreal gecko; vertical space is more valuable than exposed floor.

Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)
Images · CC BY 4.0Lennart Hudel / Wikimedia Commons
Basic CareReady to Start Care Update 2026-09-07
Editorial example · Pending Expert Review
Adult Length7.09–9.84 in
Reference Lifespan15–20 yr
Ambient Temperature Reference71.6–78.8 °F
Air Humidity50–70 %
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Ownership Score

Ownership Score

This is an edited estimate of lifestyle compatibility, not an animal value rating. A higher score indicates that, based on current data, the animal is easier to integrate into your daily routine.

72/100 · Somewhat suitable
Beginner suitability88
Handling60
Interactive62
Space60
Cost76
Maintenance72
Travel68
Veterinary Accessibility60
Safety88
RISK SIGNALS
Feeding difficulty 35Environmental control 52Escape risk 60Bite risk 12Toxicity risk 0Noise 94Odor 85Cleaning burden 40
LIFE FIT
Children and families 68Apartments 88Bedrooms 90Frequent travel 62

The composite score is calculated by weighting nine factors: beginner-friendliness, handling ease, interaction, space requirements, cost, maintenance, travel, veterinary access, and safety. Read risk signals according to field direction: lower scores for biting, escape, and toxicity indicate greater safety; higher scores for noise, odor, and cleaning indicate less hassle. Combine this page's environmental requirements and risk notes with your judgment; do not rely solely on the total score.

BEFORE YOU COMMIT

First check whether it fits your life

This brief brings together the space, maintenance, feeding, lifespan and veterinary conditions recorded on this page so you know what to verify next.

72/100 · Somewhat suitable

A better fit if

  • Most care conditions can be arranged
  • Adult space is a threshold to solve before purchase
  • The daily maintenance rhythm is relatively easy to schedule

Resolve these first

  • Summer overheating:Prolonged temperatures above approximately 82.4 °F may be more dangerous than brief coolness; cooling solutions must be tested in advance.
  • The lifespan is a long commitment and needs a long-term plan
Adult size
7.09–9.84 in
Reference Lifespan
15 to 20 years
Minimum space
Single adult minimum 17.72 × 17.72 × 23.62 in, requiring continuous climbing routes.
Veterinary Accessibility
Moderate

This is a comparison aid based on the current record, not a purchase, medical or local-law conclusion. Check the sources and local conditions before continuing.

THINGS OWNERS UNDERESTIMATE

Common Underestimations by Keepers

  • Summer overheatingProlonged temperatures above approximately 82.4 °F may be more dangerous than brief coolness; cooling solutions must be tested in advance.
  • Enclosure with high sidesAdult enclosures, branch fixation, and escape-proofing will consume more budget and maintenance time than juvenile containers.
  • Tail loss and stressStressed snakes may drop their tails; minimize forced handling and prepare for long-term tailless care.
VETERINARY ACCESS

Veterinary Accessibility

Moderate

It is best to find an exotic pet veterinarian with reptile experience in advance.

Moderate; resources may be limited at night and in non-metro areas.

Specialist Exotic Pet Care Typically Required
DATA STATUS

Where this record stands

Some fields checked
Last updated
2026-09-07
Fields checked
Adult enclosure, Temperature and humidity, UVB · 2026-09-08
Reference sources
1 · Reference sources
Professional review
Pending veterinary or taxonomic review
Local rules
Local rules need verification

Source links are starting points for reading. A group-level guide does not verify every value for each species. Check local rules separately.

Basic Information

Native Distribution
New Caledonia
Body Size and Diameter
Adult total length. For frogs, snout-vent length
Dietary Habits
Omnivore
Activity Cycle
Mostly active at dawn, dusk, or night; requires a temperature gradient that allows them to escape heat.
Availability of Captive-Bred Individuals
Common
Temperament and Aggression
May jump and escape; avoid reaching up to high areas.
Toxicity and Contact Risks
Non-venomous. Contact Risks: Low。
Socialization and Handling
Default to solitary housing. Do not grab by the tail.

Environmental Parameters

Temperature Gradient

Typically 71.6–78.8 °F, providing a thermal gradient; avoid prolonged temperatures above 82.4 °F.

Humidity and Ventilation

50 to 70%. Humidity briefly rises after misting, then drops with ventilation; cannot remain saturated.

Lighting and Circadian Rhythm

Provide a day-night cycle and low-intensity UVB, retaining dense shade.

Basking Spot / Localized Heat

No high-heat basking spot; localized temperature should not remain above 82.4 °F for extended periods.

UVB Requirements

Provide a day-night cycle and low-intensity UVB, retaining dense shade.

Adult Space

Minimum: Single adult minimum 17.72 × 17.72 × 23.62 in, requiring continuous climbing routes.
Recommended: Recommended 17.72 × 17.72 × 35.43 in tall enclosure for a single adult, with branches and foliage connecting upper and lower levels.

Substrate and Water

Pesticide-free soil, paper-based substrate, or substrate suitable for the species. Do not use wood chips of unknown origin. · Provide fresh water continuously; containers must be secure to prevent drowning or tipping.

These ranges are for planning the environment of a healthy adult, not a constant value for the entire enclosure, and do not cover disease, breeding, or juvenile stages.

Diet and Nutrition

Base diet on age-appropriate complete crested gecko food, supplemented with appropriately sized nutritionally fortified insects. Fruit puree cannot replace complete food.

Feeding Frequency
Complete staple food typically every 2 to 3 days; insects supplemented in small amounts weekly according to condition.
Live Prey Requirement
Optional
Rodent Pellets
Not Required

Enclosure and activity space

Plan a 17.72 × 17.72 × 35.43 in tall enclosure for a single adult, with branches and foliage connecting upper, middle, and lower levels.

Dimensions are editor suggestions, not mandatory minimum standards in all regions. Group size, individual body size, and layout may require more space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can they be fed only fruit?

No; fruit cannot provide balanced protein, calcium, and micronutrients.

Can I start keeping this animal based solely on this record?

No. This is a summary plan for a healthy adult. Juveniles, breeding periods, disease states, and regional climate variations require separate assessment.

Risks and Legality

  • Tail does not regenerate after autotomy.
  • Before acquiring, verify reliable sources, long-term care capability, and local exotic animal veterinary resources.

Sources and editor notes

This page is a structured editing example and has not yet undergone field-by-field expert review. Reference links are for further consultation; data for some groups may not apply to every species. Please read the full manual before formal husbandry.

RSPCA Species Care Data

Further reading. Some entries are group data. Numerical values and spatial recommendations are compiled by editors and have not been reviewed field-by-field by experts.

View data scope and update methods ↗
SIMILAR SPECIES

Other options within the same group

Similar species does not mean they can be co-housed