Crested Gecko
Correlophus ciliatus
The Pinstripe Crested Gecko is a color morph of Correlophus ciliatus characterized by two continuous cream or white lines running along the outer edges of the dorsal crests.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
60 - 80 %
Température diurne
22 - 26 °C
Température nocturne
18 - 22 °C
Taille adulte
20 cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to the southern region of New Caledonia and the Isle of Pines. Believed to be extinct for over a century, it was rediscovered in 1994. They inhabit the low-to-medium levels of the dense tropical rainforest canopy, taking refuge from direct sunlight.
Taxonomy and Genetics: *Correlophus ciliatus* (previously Rhacodactylus). The rediscovery and easy captive breeding triggered a massive boom in color morphs. Dozens of artificially selected morphs exist (Harlequin, Pinstripe, Dalmatian, Lily White, Axanthic), generating a very active collector market.
Behavior and Habits: Crepuscular and nocturnal. They spend the day resting motionless on branches or under leaves, relying on camouflage. At night, they active jump and climb among branches. They are docile and tolerate handling, though they may make sudden leaps.
Morphology: Visually similar until mature. At around one year of age, males develop a prominent swelling (hemipenal bulge) at the base of the tail, making sexing straightforward.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: Requires a vertically oriented enclosure (minimum 45x45x60 cm for an adult). Furnish with dense climbing branches, vines, and live plants such as Pothos, Sansevieria, or bromeliads for cover. Substrate should be a humidity-retaining mix like coconut fiber or peat moss.
Lighting and Heating: Thrive in room temperatures between 22 and 26°C. They do not tolerate excessive heat; temperatures above 28-29°C can cause fatal heatstroke. No hot rocks or strong spot lamps are needed. A low-intensity 5% UVB tube is recommended for skeletal health.
Humidity and Hydration: High humidity (60-80%) is required, but with a dry-out period during the day (50-60%) to prevent skin and respiratory infections. Mist the enclosure heavily every evening to allow the gecko to drink water droplets from leaves and its own eyes.
Feeding and Supplementation: Their diet consists primarily of a powdered complete fruit diet (such as Pangea or Repashy) mixed with water. Supplement their diet once or twice a week with live, calcium-dusted insects like crickets or roaches to encourage active growth.
Compatibility: House individually. Males are highly territorial and will fight. Females can sometimes be kept in small groups in very large enclosures, but individual housing is safest to prevent stress and tail loss.
Health and Common Diseases: If stressed or grabbed by the tail, they will drop it (autotomy); the tail does not grow back. They are prone to metabolic bone disease (MBD) if fed an incorrect diet lacking calcium. Avoid stagnant humidity which causes skin rot.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Endemic to the southern region of New Caledonia and the Isle of Pines. Believed to be extinct for over a century, it was rediscovered in 1994. They inhabit the low-to-medium levels of the dense tropical rainforest canopy, taking refuge from direct sunlight.
Origine
Sélection et cultivarsAustralie, Nouvelle-Guinée et Océanie
Profil de reptile
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- In the wild, the Crested Gecko is primarily an omnivore, feeding on a wide variety of insects, overripe fruits, and nectar found in the canopy of New Caledonia. In captivity, their dietary needs are mostly met through commercially prepared powdered diets that provide a balanced ratio of fruit, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Offering live feeder insects like crickets or dubia roaches once or twice a week is highly recommended to stimulate hunting behavior and provide essential proteins for growth and breeding. Insects should be appropriately sized and dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to prevent metabolic bone disease.
- Taille adulte
- 20 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Arboreal
- They are predominantly arboreal, spending the vast majority of their lives in the canopy of trees and tall shrubs. They possess specialized toe pads with microscopic setae that allow them to easily scale smooth vertical surfaces.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- These geckos are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, becoming highly active during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn, as well as throughout the night. During the day, they typically remain hidden and asleep in foliage or bark.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- As naturally solitary and nocturnal reptiles, Crested Geckos spend their days resting in foliage and become active at dusk to forage and explore. Males are highly territorial and will fight aggressively if housed together, often resulting in severe injury or tail loss. While females can occasionally be kept in small groups under close supervision in large enclosures, solitary housing is the safest and least stressful approach for all individuals. They are widely recognized for their docile temperament with humans and will tolerate gentle, short handling sessions once acclimated, though excessive handling can induce stress.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- The Crested Gecko is oviparous and remarkably prolific when maintained under optimal conditions. Females typically lay clutches of two eggs every 30 to 45 days during the breeding season, burying them in a moist substrate. Incubation temperatures can influence the hatching time and, to some extent, the sex ratio of the offspring, generally taking between 60 and 120 days depending on the thermal environment. Cappuccino is an incomplete dominant gene. The homozygous form creates a dark 'Super Cappuccino'. Careful genetic tracking is essential when working with these distinct morphological variations to maintain healthy lineages and avoid undesirable traits.
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Tolerant
- Generally very docile and tolerant of human interaction, making them excellent pets for beginners. However, they are known to be "jumpy" and can drop their tails if startled or grabbed abruptly, a condition that is permanent as their tails do not regenerate.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- This species does not require a brumation period and can be kept at standard room temperatures (72-78°F or 22-25°C) year-round. A slight nighttime temperature drop is natural but extreme cold should be avoided.
- Mue
- Periodic
- Shedding occurs regularly, typically every 2 to 4 weeks depending on the age and growth rate of the gecko. Proper shedding requires a consistently humid environment (60-80% relative humidity), and they will instinctively eat their shed skin to recover nutrients and hide their presence from predators.
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