Gargoyle Gecko Care Guide by TopFlight Dubia

The gargoyle geckos are one of the more well-known and popular pets due to their easy care and docile nature.

If you are wondering about adopting these gecko species as a pet, then you should know:

• Behavior of the gargoyle gecko.
• How to set up their habitat.
• Which foods to feed to a gargoyle gecko?
• And common health problems in geckos and how to prevent them.

So, here is the complete gargoyle gecko care guide by TopFlight Dubia experts that addresses common queries and questions. By the time you finish reading, you will know tips for caring for gargoyle geckos.

Gargoyle Gecko Overview

Gargoyle geckos (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) are popular, hardy, and easy to care for species of gecko native to New Caledonia. They are known for their distinctive head bumps.

Like this.

These head bumps resemble horns, hence the name: gargoyle. Their eyes are also large and round, with vertical pupils for nocturnal vision. They lack eyelids that’s why they lick their eyes to keep them clean.

Size and Appearance

They are small—to medium-sized lizards. Adults can reach up to 7-9 inches in total length and weigh around 60-70 grams when fully grown.

Lifespan

These species of geckos can live longer if provided with proper care. Typically, their lifespan is 15-20 years in captivity under good husbandry. Some may live even longer with exceptional care.

This means that owning a gargoyle gecko is a long-term commitment, as they will be a part of your family for many years.

Unique Traits

Gargoyle geckos possess several interesting traits that set them apart from other geckos:

1. Tail Loss and Regeneration: Geckos tend to drop their tails as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened or stressed. The tail will eventually regrow over a few months ( a trait not all gecko species have).

2. Nocturnal Behavior: They are nocturnal as they hide and sleep during the day and become active at night. In the evening, they will:

• Explore their enclosure.
• Climb.
• Hunt or make noise.

Behavior and Temperament

Social Behavior

Gargoyle geckos are solitary creatures in the wild as well as in captivity. Therefore, housing multiple geckos is not recommended, as they may fight.

If you are planning to breed them, then you might introduce a male-female pair briefly with supervision.

Handling and Interaction

These geckos can become quite tame and tolerant of handling, but new or young geckos may be jumpy at first.

When you first get your gecko, follow the tips related to handling and interacting with the gecko:

1. Start with very short handling sessions–just a few minutes.
2. Always be gentle.
3. Support the gecko’s body fully (let it sit or walk from hand to hand).
4. Avoid grabbing it by the tail as it may drop its tail if it feels unsafe.

Natural Habitat of a Gargoyle Gecko

The gargoyle geckos are found only on the southern end of New Caledonia. This subtropical forest is warm, humid, and filled with dense vegetation and trees. They also live among branches and shrubs. During the day, gargoyle geckos often hide in crevices or under leaves.

Feeding and Watering a Gargoyle Gecko

What Do Gargoyle Geckos Eat?

You can feed a fruit based diet powder mized with water to create a gecko smoothie. Insects like Dubia roaches, crickets should be given once a week dusted with calcium powder.

Water

Misting is the primary water source. Keeping a water dish is optional but beneficial for some geckos.

Humidity

These geckos thrive in 50-60% humidity, and misting once or twice a day helps maintain this.

How to Set Up a Gargoyle Gecko Habitat

Here are the requirements for setting up the gargoyle gecko habitat:

1. Size

Choose a small Sterilite tub for juveniles. For adults, opt for a tall 18"x18"x24" tank. This tank should include:

• Cork barks for climbing and hiding.
• Plants for cover
• Appropriate substrate like paper towels for babies or coco fiber for adults.

2. Set Up the Gargoyle Gecko Tank

Substrate

Add at least 3 inches of soil for proper root development and space for the cleanup crew.

Plants

• Choose hardy plants like pothos.
• Remove excess soil and plant the pieces around the tank.

Leaf Litter

Use leaves to cover the soil, helping retain humidity and providing a natural look.

Hides

Cork bark is ideal for hiding spots for your reptiles.

Lighting

Full spectrum LED lighting is essential for plant growth. A cheap daylight LED bulb will work to mimic the sun and promote plant health.

Cleanup Crew

Springtails and isopods are critical for breaking down waste and keeping the terrarium clean. They can also be bred easily and added to the tank.

Temperature

The ideal range is 72–78°F (22–26°C). To prevent harm, avoid temperatures above 80°F.

Maintenance

Watering

When plants show signs of wilting, water the substrate thoroughly to mimic natural rainfall.

Humidity

Rocks, leaf litter, and cork bark help keep moisture in arid setups and are beneficial for the cleanup crew.

Health Problems

Here are some of the common health problems that most geckos face:

1. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

This is a condition caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D3 in the diet which leads to weak or deformed bones.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty raising the body off the ground.
• Distorted limbs.

2. Floppy Tail Syndrome (FTS)

FTS is a condition in which a tail becomes floppy and droops. It can be caused by an upside-down or other factors that put pressure on the tail.

3. Dehydration

This can be a serious issue for gargoyle geckos as they are more prone to dehydration.

Signs Include:

• Sunken eyes
• Protruding hips or ribs
• Wrinkled skin
• Wavy tail

Steps to Prevent Health Problems

• Ensure your gecko has a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D3.
• Provide a clean and appropriate terrarium with proper temperature, humidity, and hiding spots.
• Check your gecko regularly for signs of illness and consult an experienced reptile veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Conclusion

The gargoyle gecko is one of the fascinating creatures that has won the hearts of many gecko enthusiasts. If you are looking to keep this gecko as a pet, then you need to:

• Provide proper food and water sources.
• Maintain the right temperature and humidity.
• Set up the right enclosure and many more.

So, are you ready to spend your days with a gargoyle gecko?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)