Reptile · Gecko
Gargoyle gecko care guide
Rhacodactylus auriculatus
The gargoyle gecko is a beginner-level gecko from Southern New Caledonia. Adults reach 18–23 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Solitary. Known for biting tails of tankmates.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 22–27°C
- Humidity 50–60% day, 70–80% after misting
How much does a gargoyle gecko cost in Canada?
Gargoyle gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 18–23 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southern New Caledonia
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 22–27°C
- Humidity
- 50–60% day, 70–80% after misting
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Omnivore – complete gecko diet, crickets, dubia roaches
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Gargoyle gecko enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 50–60% day, 70–80% after misting. UVB: Recommended.
What does a gargoyle gecko eat?
Omnivore – complete gecko diet, crickets, dubia roaches. Offer complete diet 3 times a week and insects once or twice weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm but more likely to nip than crested geckos.
Health watch: Heat stress, tail nipping wounds and calcium deficiency.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a gargoyle gecko bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Gargoyle gecko FAQ
Is the gargoyle gecko good for beginners?
Yes – the gargoyle gecko is a good choice for beginners. Usually calm but more likely to nip than crested geckos.
What size enclosure does a gargoyle gecko need?
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a gargoyle gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $560–1020 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a gargoyle gecko need?
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 50–60% day, 70–80% after misting.
What does a gargoyle gecko eat?
Omnivore – complete gecko diet, crickets, dubia roaches. Offer complete diet 3 times a week and insects once or twice weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.