Gargoyle Geckos
Caresheet
Natural History and Habitat
The Auriculatus gecko is native to the islands of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. In its natural habitat, it is often found in the lush rainforests. These geckos are primarily arboreal, spending much of their time in the trees, where they find shelter and feed on insects and small invertebrates. Their habitat's high humidity and moderate temperatures make them well-adapted to life in the tropical forests of New Caledonia.
Physical Characteristics
The Auriculatus gecko boasts a visually striking appearance that sets it apart from other gecko species. Its name "Auriculatus" refers to the large, fleshy "ear-like" "horn-like" structures on the sides of its head, giving it an unmistakable and almost mythical charm. Its coloration is highly variable, ranging from vibrant shades of white to earthy browns and even striking hues of red and orange.
Size
Adult geckos can grow to be 7-10 inches long and weigh between 40-60 grams.
Gargoyle geckos can vary in size, and individual geckos may have different growth rates.
It's worth noting that these are general average ranges, and there can be variations depending on factors like genetics, diet, and environmental conditions.
Behavior and Temperament
Auriculatus geckos are known for their generally calm and docile nature, making them popular pets among reptile keepers. While they may exhibit occasional defensive behavior, such as vocalizations or tail-wagging, they typically become accustomed to human presence with time. Their tail and adhesive toe pads enable them to climb effortlessly, adding to their allure as engaging and skillful tree-dwellers.
Captive Care: Temperature & Humidity
Caring for Auriculatus geckos in captivity involves providing an environment that mirrors their natural habitat. A spacious and vertically-oriented enclosure, enriched with climbing branches, live plants, and hiding spots, is essential to their well-being. The temperature gradient within the enclosure should range from 77°F to 82°F during the day (Don't go over 85°F), with a slight drop at night to 68°F to 74°F. A humidity level of 60% to 70-80% should be maintained to support their health and shedding. Do not let humidity drop to 30-40%. Misting amount varies on environment and usual misting is once a day to peak the humidity for a few hours.
Food
Gargoyle geckos are omnivorous, which means they eat a variety of foods. They are will eat insects, fruit, nectar, and other small animals. Insects should be offered 1-2x a week, gecko diet 2-3x a week.
1. Insects: Crickets, roaches, mealworms, waxworms, and other small insects are staples in their diet. Ensure the insects are appropriately sized to avoid any choking hazards.
2. Fruits: Offer a variety of fresh fruits such as bananas, apricots, figs, mangoes, and papayas. These provide essential vitamins and minerals.
3. Nectar: You can occasionally offer commercial fruit-based nectar.
4. Gecko-specific diet: Some specialized gecko diets are available in the market, which can serve as a convenient and balanced food option.
Always provide a shallow dish of fresh water for them to drink and maintain good hydration. It's important to dust their food with calcium and vitamin supplements regularly to ensure they receive proper nutrition, especially in captivity.
Lighting
Gargoyle geckos do not need full-spectrum UVB lighting but will bask under it. You can also have a basking light which it is recommended keeping the hot spot 80°F to 85°F.
Enclosures
For a Gargoyle gecko, enclosure size is 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) in length, 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) in width, and 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) in height. A size of 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) in length, 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) in width, and 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) in height is a common enclosure size for adult gargoyle geckos. Another option is the use of storage containers which can be a cheaper and a easy DIY project.
For hatchling Gargoyle geckos, it's essential to provide a smaller enclosure that suits their size and helps them feel secure. A suitable enclosure size for hatchlings would be around the size of a 5.2qt container (13" x 7-1/2" x 4-1/4" h). As they get larger they can be moved in to a enclosure that is 12 inches (30 centimeters) in length, 12 inches (30 centimeters) in width, and 18 inches (45 centimeters) in height. As they grow, you can gradually upgrade to a larger enclosure.
Ensure that the geckos' enclosure is well-ventilated and escape-proof. Offer appropriate hiding spots, branches, and foliage for them to feel comfortable and secure in their new environment.