Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)

Crested Gecko Correlophus ciliatus
Name	Crested Gecko
Name Lat.	Correlophus ciliatus
Synonym	Rhacodactylus ciliatus
Family	Diplodactylid Geckos
Family lat.	Diplodactylidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	New Caledonia
Habitat	Rainforests
Diet	Insects, fruits
Humidity	70-90 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, ♂ territorial
Keeping	Pair, harem
Care Level	Difficult
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Humid terrarium
Life Span	5-7 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	21 cm
Temperature	25-28 °C
Temperature Local	28-30 °C
Housing Size	60 x 60 x 100 cm
US Units
Size	8.3"
Temperature	77-82 °F
Temperature Local	82-86 °F
Housing Size	25" x 25" x 40"

Distribution and habitat

The nocturnal, tree-dwelling crown geckos occur in various natural color forms and patterns exclusively (endemically) in New Caledonia, in the southeast of Grande Terre as well as the offshore Ile des Pins. They live in the humid forests up to 1,000 m altitude, where they find shelter during the day under dense foliage and in crevices and cavities of the trees.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals

1-2 animals

6KRL x 6KRL x 8KRL (L x W x H)

Head-torso length (KRL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal, increase the footprint by 15%. A terrarium of e.g. 60 x 60 x 100 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place.

They need a terrarium with partly vertical climbing branches and roots (hiding places and visual protection), structured back and side walls (e.g. cork covering) and a graveable substrate of forest soil-peat mixture as well as a water basin and plants (ficus, ferns, epiphytes etc.). The substrate should always be kept slightly moist. Several times a day the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better

Temp. day: 25-28 °C

Temp. night: 22-26 °C

Temp. local: up to 30 °C

Humidity: 70-90

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 10-14 hrs. Daylight fluorescent tubes are ideal. A special UV light is not necessary.

Diet

The diet consists of live insects, such as crickets, house crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, zophobas and mealybug larvae, supplemented with some fruit pulp and sweet fruits (e.g. bananas, papaya). Alternatively, special ready-made food for geckos or insectivorous reptiles can be offered. Wax moths should rarely be fed in very small amounts due to their large fat content. Young animals should be offered food daily, adults 4-5 times a week. Regular addition of minerals and vitamins (dusting of feed) is important. Drinking water must always be available, but is preferably taken in drop form from leaves or furnishings. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The male has clearly visible hemipenis pockets

The female lays 2 soft-shelled eggs (4-6 clutches annually) in the moist substrate. The incubation period is 65-85 days at a temperature of 26-29 °C. Small insects such as fruit flies and micro crickets are suitable as initial food for the young

Life expectancy can be 5-7 years.

Important

They have broad adhesive lamellae and instep skins between the fingers and toes. They must not be held by their tail, which serves as an additional grasping organ and can be thrown off in case of danger. In most cases, no complete regeneration takes place.

Adult males behave very territorially and are incompatible with each other

For the resting phase, the lighting duration is shortened by 2-3 hours for about two months and the temperature is lowered by 3-4 °C

With fruit and honey water as food for the feeders, their quality can be upgraded.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: petdata 

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag   

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF