Mniarogekko Chahoua
Caresheet
Natural History and Habitat
The Mniarogekko Chahoua gecko is native to New Caledonia, an archipelago located in the South Pacific. These geckos are primarily found in the rainforests and humid environments of the island. Their natural habitat is characterized by lush vegetation, dense foliage, and ample hiding spots. As arboreal creatures, Chahoua geckos are well-adapted for life in the trees, utilizing their prehensile tails and specialized toe pads.
Physical Characteristics
Chahoua geckos possess a distinctive and alluring appearance that sets them apart from other gecko species. They are medium-sized geckos, measuring around 8 to 12 inches in length when fully grown. Their coloration ranges from vibrant green to various shades of brown, pink, and red, further enhancing their camouflage among the foliage. These geckos blend in to their habitat by looking like moss/bark and why these geckos are also nicknamed mossy geckos. Chahoua are also known as prehensile tailed mossy geckos as their tails are prehensile and help to hold on to branches.
Size
Chahoua is the third largest of the New Caledonian geckos, commonly reaching a snout to vent length (SVL) of 5.5 – 5.7 inches. The Mainland locale tend to be 8 - 10 inches in total length. The Pine Island Chahoua tend to be larger and may reach 12 inches in total length.
Chahoua geckos (Rhacodactylus Chahoua) can vary in size, and individual geckos may have different growth rates. On average, adult Chahoua geckos can weigh anywhere between 40 to 70 grams. Some adult individuals have weighed in over 80 grams. 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
Chahoua geckos are charming geckos with big the personalities. They are known to be less skittish compared to some other gecko species, often becoming accustomed to human presence and handling. Chahoua range in personality and some can often become quite bold and friendly. Their prehensile tails and specialized toe pads allow them to cling securely to branches, and they are skilled climbers. Chahoua geckos are mainly nocturnal and active around dusk through dawn. They will be on occasion be seen basking during the day.
Captive Care: Temperature & Humidity
Caring for Chahoua geckos in captivity requires attention to their natural needs and habitat preferences. Proper housing should include a spacious, vertically-oriented enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities and hiding spots. Live plants, such as pothos and ficus, can be added to mimic their rainforest habitat and provide enrichment. The temperature 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.
Natural History and Habitat
The Mniarogekko Chahoua gecko is native to New Caledonia, an archipelago located in the South Pacific. These geckos are primarily found in the rainforests and humid environments of the island. Their natural habitat is characterized by lush vegetation, dense foliage, and ample hiding spots. As arboreal creatures, Chahoua geckos are well-adapted for life in the trees, utilizing their prehensile tails and specialized toe pads.
Physical Characteristics
Chahoua geckos possess a distinctive and alluring appearance that sets them apart from other gecko species. They are medium-sized geckos, measuring around 8 to 12 inches in length when fully grown. Their coloration ranges from vibrant green to various shades of brown, pink, and red, further enhancing their camouflage among the foliage. These geckos blend in to their habitat by looking like moss/bark and why these geckos are also nicknamed mossy geckos. Chahoua are also known as prehensile tailed mossy geckos as their tails are prehensile and help to hold on to branches.
Size
Chahoua is the third largest of the New Caledonian geckos, commonly reaching a snout to vent length (SVL) of 5.5 – 5.7 inches. The Mainland locale tend to be 8 - 10 inches in total length. The Pine Island Chahoua tend to be larger and may reach 12 inches in total length.
Chahoua geckos (Rhacodactylus Chahoua) can vary in size, and individual geckos may have different growth rates. On average, adult Chahoua geckos can weigh anywhere between 40 to 70 grams. Some adult individuals have weighed in over 80 grams. 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
Chahoua geckos are charming geckos with big the personalities. They are known to be less skittish compared to some other gecko species, often becoming accustomed to human presence and handling. Chahoua range in personality and some can often become quite bold and friendly. Their prehensile tails and specialized toe pads allow them to cling securely to branches, and they are skilled climbers. Chahoua geckos are mainly nocturnal and active around dusk through dawn. They will be on occasion be seen basking during the day.
Captive Care: Temperature & Humidity
Caring for Chahoua geckos in captivity requires attention to their natural needs and habitat preferences. Proper housing should include a spacious, vertically-oriented enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities and hiding spots. Live plants, such as pothos and ficus, can be added to mimic their rainforest habitat and provide enrichment. The temperature 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
Chahoua geckos are omnivorous, which means they eat a variety of foods. They are veracious insect feeders and should be offered a heavier protein diet of insects 2-3x a week and gecko diet 2-3x a week. In the wild, their diet consists of insects, fruits, nectar, and even small vertebrates like baby lizards. In captivity, it's essential to provide a balanced diet that mimics their natural food sources. Common food items for captive chahoua geckos include:
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
Chahoua do not need full-spectrum UVB lighting but will bask under it. Because Chahoua geckos lay fully calcified eggs having a UVB light can greatly help with egg production which means less stress on the female. Chahoua also enjoy a basking light which it is recommended keeping the hot spot 80°F to 85°F.
Enclosures
For a single Chahoua gecko (25 grams or more), the enclosure size is 12 inches x 12 inches x 18 inches to 18 inches (45 cm) in length, 18 inches (45 cm) in width, and 18 inches (60 cm) in height. However as they are arboreal and appreciate vertical space. A size of 18 inches (45 cm) in length, 18 inches (45 cm) in width, and 24 inches (60 cm) in height is a common enclosure size for adult chahoua. Another option is the use of plastic containers with adequate air circulation.
For hatchling Chahoua 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) or a bit larger. As they grow (10 to 25 grams) they can be moved in to an enclosure that is 12 inches (30 cm) in length, 12 inches (30 cm) in width, and 18 inches (45 cm) in height. As they grow, you can gradually upgrade to a larger enclosure.
Chahoua geckos are omnivorous, which means they eat a variety of foods. They are veracious insect feeders and should be offered a heavier protein diet of insects 2-3x a week and gecko diet 2-3x a week. In the wild, their diet consists of insects, fruits, nectar, and even small vertebrates like baby lizards. In captivity, it's essential to provide a balanced diet that mimics their natural food sources. Common food items for captive chahoua geckos include:
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
Chahoua do not need full-spectrum UVB lighting but will bask under it. Because Chahoua geckos lay fully calcified eggs having a UVB light can greatly help with egg production which means less stress on the female. Chahoua also enjoy a basking light which it is recommended keeping the hot spot 80°F to 85°F.
Enclosures
For a single Chahoua gecko (25 grams or more), the enclosure size is 12 inches x 12 inches x 18 inches to 18 inches (45 cm) in length, 18 inches (45 cm) in width, and 18 inches (60 cm) in height. However as they are arboreal and appreciate vertical space. A size of 18 inches (45 cm) in length, 18 inches (45 cm) in width, and 24 inches (60 cm) in height is a common enclosure size for adult chahoua. Another option is the use of plastic containers with adequate air circulation.
For hatchling Chahoua 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) or a bit larger. As they grow (10 to 25 grams) they can be moved in to an enclosure that is 12 inches (30 cm) in length, 12 inches (30 cm) in width, and 18 inches (45 cm) in height. As they grow, you can gradually upgrade to a larger enclosure.
Offer appropriate hiding spots, branches, and foliage for them to feel comfortable and secure in their new environment.