Gargoyle Geckos are indigenous to New Caledonia's lowland scrub and forest like Crested Geckos and Chahoua Geckos. They require a similar habitat as they are arboreal and nocturnal like the others. Unlike the others, they do not have sticky pads on their feet and require rougher surfaces to climb on. They reach 7-9 inches and are typically between 40-70 grams. They come in three main morphs, mottled or blotched reticulated, reticulated and striped. They can show colors in the brown, black, red, orange, and yellow families. They have longer teeth than Crested Geckos and can be nippy as juveniles. As adults they usually calm down and are only given to biting each other's tails. Males cannot live together but a male can live with one or two females (once they are over 35 grams and 18 months) but you can expect fertile eggs under those conditions. Also expect tail-loss and some fighting. Even females fight each other and the males. If fighting is severe and occupants are showing serious signs of damage or weight loss then they should be separated. Luckily, the Gargoyle Gecko can regenerate it's tail. It will look a little different in color or pattern but the length will be the same. Gargoyles can live for up to 20 years so proper housing is important. Plenty of climbing sticks and logs, vertical space, leaves and vines for hiding and a humid hide will help make the Gargoyle feel more at home. Like the other two species they are predominantly frugivorous or fruit eaters and can eat insects once a week as a treat with a powdered diet as the staple. Gargoyles have bumps on their foreheads which, combined with their stone like coloring, contributed to the common name of "Gargoyle". The bumps develop over time and are not always obvious in young gargs. Tails can also be wavy in juveniles and it is not the crisis that it would be in a Crested Gecko. It usually is just a sign they are growing. Gut loading crickets or other insects and dusting them with calcium and a mineral supplement keeps their nutritional needs balanced when combined with a powdered fruit based diet like Pangea, Black Panther Zoological or Repashy Crested Gecko Diet. For detailed care information please follow this link to an article by Phillipe De Vosjoli and Allen Repashy published in Reptiles online magazine. |