Crested Gecko — Tricolor
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.
Ambiente
Terrestre
Umidade
60 - 80 %
Temperatura diurna
22 - 26 °C
Temperatura noturna
20 - 22 °C
Tamanho adulto
20 cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to the southern region of New Caledonia and the Isle of Pines. Once 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: A member of the Diplodactylidae family. The 'Tricolor' morph is a variation of the Harlequin pattern showing three clearly separated colors, typically a dark base (black or dark brown), orange/red patterning on the limbs and dorsum, and extensive cream or white markings along the lateral sides and dorsum.
Behavior and Habits: Crepuscular and nocturnal. They spend the day resting motionless on branches or under leaves, relying on camouflage. At night, they actively jump and climb. They are docile lizards and tolerate handling well.
Morphology: Visually similar until maturity. At around one year of age, males develop a prominent hemipenal bulge at the base of the tail, making sexing straightforward.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
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. A low-intensity 5% UVB source is recommended for skeletal health.
Humidity and Hydration: High humidity (60-80%) is required, with a drying 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.
Feeding and Supplementation: Their diet consists primarily of a powdered complete fruit diet (such as Pangea or Repashy) mixed with water. Supplement once or twice a week with live, calcium-dusted insects like crickets or roaches.
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.
Health and Common Diseases: Prone to metabolic bone disease (MBD) if fed an incorrect diet lacking calcium. If stressed or grabbed by the tail, they will drop it (autotomy); the tail does not grow back. Avoid stagnant humidity which causes skin rot.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Endemic to the southern region of New Caledonia and the Isle of Pines. Once 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.
Origem
Melhoramento seletivo e cultivaresAustrália, Nova Guiné e Oceania
Perfil de réptil
- Dieta
- 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.
- Tamanho adulto
- 20 cm
- Estilo de vida/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.
- Ciclo de atividades
- Crepuscular
- 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.
- Socialidade
- Gregarious
- 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.
- Reprodução
- 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.
- Tolerância de tratamento
- 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.
- Brumação
- Não obrigatório
- 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.
- Muda
- 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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