Bring home one of the most charming and charismatic arboreal geckos on Earth with the Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus). Native to the dense tropical rainforests of New Caledonia—where scientists once feared them extinct before their rediscovery in 1994—crested geckos are globally celebrated for their distinctive “eyelash” crests, specialized toe pads that allow them to scale glass effortlessly, and wide, goofy smiles. Exhibiting a diverse array of rich base colors and patterns like tiger, harlequin, and dalmatian spots, they offer incredible visual variety. Combined with a naturally calm, docile temperament and a diet that can be easily managed with complete powdered meal mixes, the Crested Gecko makes an exceptionally rewarding, low-stress pet for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.

Key Features & Care Requirements

• Iconic Eyelash Crests & Soft Skin: Features prominent, fleshy fringe scales above the eyes resembling eyelashes and a velvety, suede-like skin texture across a robust, triangular head.

• Fascinating Arboreal Anatomy: Equipped with specialized adhesive toe pads and a prehensile tail (though they lack the ability to regenerate it once dropped), making them elite vertical climbers and jumpers.

• Arboreal Vertical Enclosure: Requires a well-ventilated vertical terrarium (minimum 18x18x24 inches for an adult) densely packed with live or artificial tropical foliage, vertical vines, and horizontal climbing branches.

• Room-Temperature Comfort: Thrives at comfortable household temperatures ranging from 72°F to 78°F, requiring no intense basking heat lamps (and temperatures must never exceed 82°F, as heat stress is dangerous). Low-output UVB lighting is optional but highly beneficial for overall health and natural day/night cycles.

• Simple Powdered Omnivore Diet: Unlike insect-only lizards, they thrive primarily on a commercially prepared, nutritionally complete crested gecko powder diet mixed with water, supplemented occasionally with live, calcium-dusted crickets or roaches for enrichment.

Important Note: Crested geckos are strictly arboreal jumpers and handle best with short, calm, and confident daily interactions. Because they cannot regenerate their tails once lost, mindful handling is recommended, resulting in a delightful and interactive display-and-hold pet.