Crested gecko
Correlophus ciliatus
The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Crested geckos can be suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.
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Assessment results
Low risk
Conservation | Low risk
This animal is most likely not threatened by extinction, and/or the exotic pet trade does not impact the wild population. Please check that the animal you want comes from a reputable seller or rescue center that follows best practices when they source their animals.
Legality | Low risk
This animal is not currently protected by any national laws or import restrictions. Exotic pet ownership, however, is regulated at the state, county, or city level, so check your jurisdiction to see if you can own it.
Human and public health | Moderate risk
It is likely that this animal is a potential threat to human or public health, either due to potential zoonotic diseases or due to physical attributes that can harm humans. Learn more about animal-related illness and injuries.
Invasiveness | Low risk
This species would not likely impact native biodiversity or habitats. However, never release a pet into the wild for any reason.
Animal welfare | Moderate risk
Care, diet, and housing needs of this species are either insufficiently known or difficult, making it hard to ensure it has a good quality of life for its lifetime. Learn more about the challenges with exotic pet welfare.
⚠️ Important considerations
- Crested gecko populations are declining in the wild and they are a vulnerable species, but nearly all animals in the pet trade are captive-bred.
- Most reptiles carry salmonella in their intestinal tract and may not be suitable for young children or immuno-compromised individuals. Always practice good hygiene and hand washing around geckos.
- Crested gecko housing and dietary needs require additional knowledge and effort. They need a tall glass vivarium with plenty of branches and vines for climbing and jumping along with good ventilation to prevent bacterial infections, positioned away from draughts, heat, or direct sunlight for better temperature control. Their enclosure needs a gradient of temperatures (68-75 ºF on the cool end and 78-82ºF on the warm end) in their environment to be able to regulate their own body temperature, proper humidity (40-50% with boosts to 70% by spraying clean water in vivarium), and proper amounts of UVA and UVB light from a lamp on a normal light-dark cycle, to ensure good health. They are prone to metabolic bone disease without UV light exposure and enough calcium and vitamin D3. Crested geckos will drop their tails from stress, such as from too much handling. The substrate used in their environment is important and should not be something they could ingest.
- As with all pet reptiles, ensure there is access to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find a reptile vet near you.
Basic information
Taxonomy:
Squamata, Diplodactylidae
Lifespan:
15-20 years in captivity
Weight:
~1.5 oz. (42.5 g)
Size:
Up to 8 in (20 cm) long including the tail
Native range and habitat:
Forests of New Caledonia
Diet:
Mashed fruits (blueberries, pears, papaya, strawberries or mango, NOT citrus or bananas) and live invertebrates with appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements
Activity and behavior:
- Arboreal, living in tree branches and most active during dusk and dawn.
- It is best to keep crested geckos alone, though some females may be able to live with another if the habitat has plenty of space
© WWF-Japan