Crested Gecko

Physical Characteristics

The Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus), also known as the “eyelash gecko,” is a distinctive, arboreal species native to New Caledonia. Once thought extinct, it is now a popular reptile in the pet trade, celebrated for its unique crests, sticky toe pads, and range of colors and patterns.

Coloration:

• Natural wild forms are typically tan, gray, olive, or reddish-brown

• Captive-bred morphs include reds, oranges, creams, yellows, and near-black, with various markings such as flames, pinstripes, harlequins, and tigers

• Can change shade slightly based on mood, temperature, or time of day (a process called “firing up”)

Head:

• Broad, triangular head with large lidless eyes and fringed crests running from above the eyes to the back of the head

• These “eyelash” crests give the species its common name

• Eyes are large, with vertical pupils and silver, copper, or gray irises

Body and Skin:

• Slender, somewhat flattened body with soft, velvety skin

• Lacks prominent scales—skin appears smooth and may have small tubercles

• Skin is delicate, easily damaged by rough handling or low humidity

Limbs and Toes:

• Long limbs with broad, adhesive toe pads

• Each toe has lamellae (rows of setae) that allow climbing on vertical and inverted surfaces

• Toes are flexible and used for precise climbing in trees and foliage

Tail:

• Prehensile tail used for balance and gripping branches

• Can drop its tail (autotomy) when threatened, but it does not regenerate—tailless individuals are common

• Tail tip often curls while resting

Size:

• Total Length: 7 to 9 in (18 to 23 cm), including tail

• Snout-to-vent length (SVL): 4 to 5 in (10 to 13 cm)

Weight:

• 35 to 55 g (1.2 to 1.9 oz) in adults

Sexual Dimorphism:

• Males have visible hemipenal bulges and preanal pores

• Females are slightly more rounded and lack these external reproductive features

The Crested Gecko’s prehensile tail, sticky feet, and fringed face make it one of the most visually distinctive geckos in the world—and a favorite among herpetologists and hobbyists alike.

Reproduction

Crested Geckos are oviparous, with a well-defined seasonal breeding cycle in the wild and year-round potential in captivity. Their reproductive success depends on temperature, humidity, and nutritional balance, especially for females during the egg-laying phase.

1. Mating and Courtship:

• In the wild, mating activity increases during the warm, humid season (typically spring through early fall in New Caledonia)

• Males initiate courtship by approaching, licking, and nudging females, followed by neck or tail biting to secure position during copulation

• Successful copulation often lasts several minutes, and males may attempt to mate multiple times per season

2. Egg Laying (Oviposition):

• Females lay two calcified eggs per clutch, with clutches typically produced every 30 to 45 days during the breeding season

• Eggs are buried in soft, moist substrate such as soil, moss, or leaf litter

• In captivity, laying boxes with damp soil or coconut fiber help replicate natural nesting conditions

3. Incubation Period:

• Eggs incubate for 60 to 120 days, depending on temperature

• At 74–78°F (23–26°C), incubation lasts about 70–90 days

• Higher temperatures speed development but may increase hatchling risk or deformities

4. Hatchlings:

• Hatchlings emerge at approximately 2.5 to 3 in (6.5 to 7.5 cm) in total length

• They are fully independent, displaying natural climbing and feeding behaviors within days

• Neonates are often bold and brightly colored, but pigmentation deepens over time

5. Sexual Maturity:

• Reached between 12 to 18 months of age, typically earlier in captivity with optimal feeding and conditions

• Males show visible hemipenal bulges and preanal pores at maturity

• Females begin laying viable eggs once adult size and weight (about 35 g) are reached

Crested Geckos’ low clutch size, seasonal rhythms, and buried egg strategy reflect their adaptation to humid forest ecosystems. With minimal parental care, hatchlings must be ready to survive independently from the moment they emerge.

Lifespan

Crested Geckos are long-lived among small lizard species, especially in captivity where conditions are stable. Their calm demeanor, efficient metabolism, and tropical forest origins contribute to a slow-paced life cycle with consistent longevity.

Lifespan in the Wild:

• Estimated at 8 to 12 years, though precise data is limited due to the species’ elusive nature and recent rediscovery

• Wild individuals face threats from predators, habitat loss, and cyclones, which can shorten lifespan

Lifespan in Captivity:

• Commonly live 15 to 20 years under proper care

• With stable temperature (72–78°F / 22–26°C), high humidity (60–80%), and low stress, they can thrive for two decades

• Lifespan may be reduced if exposed to poor diet, excessive heat, dehydration, or frequent handling

Maturity and Reproductive Span:

• Reach sexual maturity at 12–18 months, typically around 35 g in weight

• Can remain reproductively active for 8 to 10 years, though breeding efforts often slow with age

• In captivity, overbreeding can reduce female longevity if not managed with rest periods

Threats to Longevity:

• Improper humidity can cause shedding problems and dehydration

• Vitamin/mineral imbalances, especially lack of calcium or D3, may lead to metabolic bone disease

• Tail loss and injuries from poor housing or stress do not reduce lifespan directly but indicate suboptimal care

• In the wild, deforestation in New Caledonia limits long-term survival potential

With gentle care and proper conditions, the Crested Gecko is one of the longest-lived geckos in captivity, making it ideal for keepers seeking a low-maintenance, high-longevity companion from the rainforests of the South Pacific.

Eating Habits

The Crested Gecko is an omnivorous forager, adapted to the tropical rainforests of New Caledonia, where it consumes both insects and plant-based foods. Its broad diet, slow metabolism, and arboreal feeding behavior contribute to its long-term survival in the canopy.

Diet in the Wild:

• Eats a wide range of invertebrates, especially:

  • Moths

  • Crickets

  • Beetles

  • Spiders

• Also consumes soft fruits, nectar, and possibly pollen

• Forages at night, moving slowly through branches in search of overripe fruit and moving prey

Hunting Strategy:

• Opportunistic feeder with a moderate strike speed—ambushes insects or scavenges

• Uses a long, sticky tongue to help manipulate nectar, fruit pulp, and small prey

• Will track movement, but prefers easy-to-catch prey like slow crawlers or soft-bodied insects

Feeding Behavior:

• Most active during the early evening and nighttime hours

• Known to return to favorite fruiting branches or sap-dripping trees

• Will lick moisture and nutrients from plant surfaces, demonstrating liquid-feeding behavior

Captive Diet:

• Thrives on commercial fruit-insect blends (Crested Gecko Diet or CGD), which provide balanced nutrition

• Also accepts live insects, including:

  • Crickets

  • Roaches

  • Waxworms or black soldier fly larvae (as treats)

• Should be offered insects 1–2 times per week, with CGD as a staple

• All feeders should be gut-loaded and calcium-dusted to support bone health

Hydration and Feeding Conditions:

• Drinks droplets from leaves or enclosure walls, not from standing water

• Requires 60–80% humidity to maintain appetite and hydration

• May reduce feeding if enclosure is too dry or too cold

Crested Geckos’ flexible, arboreal diet and nectar-feeding adaptations make them one of the few gecko species that thrive on fruit-based nutrition, both in the wild and in managed care.

Uniqueness

The Crested Gecko is one of the most remarkable reptile conservation stories of modern times—thought extinct until 1994, now flourishing as one of the world’s most beloved pet geckos. Native to the rainforests of New Caledonia, it combines unusual features, gentle temperament, and hardy adaptability like no other.

Rediscovered After Extinction:
Long believed extinct and known only from museum specimens, the Crested Gecko was rediscovered in 1994 on Grand Terre, New Caledonia. Since then, it has rebounded through both wild study and captive breeding—making it a symbol of conservation success.

Fringed “Eyelashes”:
This species is famous for its fringe-like crests, which run from over the eyes down the neck and back. These “eyelashes”—found in no other gecko—give it an iconic, expressive look and aid in camouflage among mossy bark and leaves.

Prehensile Tail with No Regrowth:
Crested Geckos have a fully prehensile tail, used for balance and climbing. Unlike most geckos, if the tail is lost (via autotomy), it does not regenerate. Many adult geckos in the wild and captivity live happily without tails, often called “frogbutts.”

Nocturnal Nectar-Feeder:
One of few geckos that naturally consume fruit, nectar, and pollen, not just insects. Its long tongue and reduced prey drive allow it to thrive on fruit-based diets in both forests and captivity—unusual among reptiles.

Arboreal Acrobatics:
With sticky toe pads and flexible limbs, Crested Geckos can climb vertical glass, leap between branches, and even hang upside-down on smooth leaves. Their climbing ability is exceptional among rainforest lizards.

Captive Superstar:
Crested Geckos are now widely bred in captivity and come in dozens of morphs, with colors and patterns never seen in the wild. They are one of the few reptiles that require no live insects to thrive, making them a favorite among beginner and advanced keepers alike.

The Crested Gecko’s rediscovery from extinction, unique anatomy, and fruit-based lifestyle make it one of the most charming and unusual geckos in the world—and a living testament to the power of biodiversity conservation.