Introduction: Meet the Chahoua Gecko
The Chahoua Gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua), also known as the Mossy New Caledonian Gecko, is one of the most captivating and underrated lizards in the hobby. With its extraordinary cryptic patterning, intelligent eyes, and bold personality, the chahoua is a gecko that genuinely rewards patient, experienced keepers — and increasingly, curious first-timers who want something a little more special.
At Gecko Pantry, we stock everything you need to keep your Chahoua thriving — from premium Crested Gecko Diets (CGDs) to Enclosure Accessories and Supplements. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Natural Habitat
Chahoua Geckos are endemic to New Caledonia, found on both the mainland (Grande Terre) and the Isle of Pines. They inhabit humid subtropical and tropical forests, where they spend their nights foraging in the canopy and shelter during the day in tree hollows and dense vegetation. Two distinct locality types exist — mainland and Pine Island — which differ subtly in colouration and build, making locale lineage an important consideration for serious breeders.
Appearance & Lifespan
Chahoua are named for their stunning mossy, lichen-like patterning — an extraordinary natural camouflage that makes them look as though they were carved from bark and moss. They are robust, muscular geckos with a prehensile tail they actively use for climbing, and large toe pads that give them exceptional grip.
Common colourations and patterns include:
- Red Base – warm brick-red tones with cream and white patterning
- Green Base – earthy olive-green with contrasting mossy markings
- White Collar – a highly sought-after trait producing striking white neck markings
- High White – extensive white or cream patterning across the body
- Locality variants – mainland and Pine Island animals differ in build and base colouration
Adults typically reach 20–27 cm (including tail) and weigh 45–80g, making them noticeably larger and heavier than Crested Geckos. With excellent husbandry, a Chahoua can live 15–20+ years in captivity — a serious long-term commitment and a deeply rewarding one.
Note: Unlike Crested Geckos, Chahoua do regenerate their tails after autotomy, though regenerated tails lack the original's patterning.
Housing
Enclosure Size
- Juvenile (under 20g): A smaller, well-planted enclosure (30x30x45cm) prevents overwhelm and makes feeding easier.
- Sub-adult to Adult: A minimum of 45x45x60cm is recommended, with larger being better. These are active, intelligent animals that benefit enormously from space and enrichment.
Temperature & Humidity
Like Crested Geckos, Chahoua are well-suited to typical UK ambient temperatures — supplemental heating is often unnecessary:
- Day temperature: 20–26°C
- Night temperature: 18–22°C
- Humidity: 60–80%, achieved with a daily misting cycle — allow the enclosure to partially dry between sessions
⚠️ Important: Chahoua are sensitive to sustained high temperatures. Anything above 28°C poses a serious risk. During UK heatwaves, monitor closely and implement cooling measures promptly.
Décor & Enrichment
Chahoua are intelligent and curious — a well-structured, enriched enclosure makes a measurable difference to their wellbeing. Include:
- Cork bark flats, tubes, and rounds for hiding and climbing
- Live or artificial plants (pothos, bromeliads, and ficus work well)
- Magnetic feeding ledges positioned at mid-to-upper height
- A sturdy Hide at both ground level and elevated positions
- Branches and vines for climbing enrichment — chahoua use their prehensile tails constantly
A bioactive setup is particularly well-suited to Chahoua, mimicking their forest floor-to-canopy range and dramatically reducing maintenance while providing constant environmental enrichment.
Diet: Feeding Your Chahoua Gecko
Chahoua are omnivores — frugivorous but also enthusiastic insect hunters. In captivity, they do very well on Crested Gecko Diet (CGD), the same powdered complete food used for cresties, supplemented with regular live insect offerings.
Which CGD Should You Choose?
At Gecko Pantry, we stock three leading CGD brands — all suitable for Chahoua:
- Pangea Fruit Mix – Globally trusted, with a wide range of flavours; the Pangea Breeding Formula is a popular choice for Chahoua due to its higher protein content.
- Repashy Superfoods – A long-standing staple. Grub N' Fruit is particularly well-suited to Chahoua given their affinity for insect protein.
- Gecko Nutrition – A premium UK-formulated complete diet; flavours such as Banana, Guava, and Dragonfruit are popular choices.
Diet rotation is strongly recommended — alternating between brands and flavours ensures a varied nutritional profile and keeps feeding responses keen.
Insects
Chahoua are more insectivorous than Crested Geckos and genuinely benefit from regular live feeding. Offer crickets, dubia roaches, or black soldier fly larvae 2–3 times per week for juveniles and sub-adults, reducing to 1–2 times per week for adults. Always dust live feeders with a calcium supplement.
Supplements & UVB
Chahoua respond well to low-level UVB provision (5.0 or 6% output) — while not strictly required, it supports immune function, D3 synthesis, and overall vigour, and is particularly recommended for breeding animals. Dust all live feeders with a calcium supplement and use a multivitamin on rotation every 2–4 weeks.
Handling & Temperament
Chahoua have a well-earned reputation for bold, confident personalities — many become remarkably tame and interactive. That said, they are strong and fast, and early handling should be approached calmly:
- New geckos: Allow at least 3–4 weeks to settle before handling
- Sessions: Begin with short 5–10 minute sessions and extend gradually
- Approach: Support the body fully — chahoua are heavier than cresties and will appreciate secure footing
- Juveniles: Handle with extra care — young chahoua can be skittish before they settle
With consistent, gentle handling, many Chahoua become genuinely personable animals — it's one of the most rewarding aspects of keeping this species.
Is a Chahoua Right for You?
Pros:
- Stunning, unique appearance — truly unlike any other gecko
- Intelligent and interactive
- No heating required in most UK homes
- Thrive on CGD with insect supplementation
- Prehensile tail — active and engaging to watch
- Long lifespan — an exceptional long-term companion
Cons:
- Less commonly available than Crested Geckos — sourcing quality animals requires research
- Higher insect feeding commitment than cresties
- Sensitive to high temperatures (UK summers require monitoring)
- Can be more expensive to acquire, particularly locale-specific or high-white animals
Shop Chahoua Gecko Supplies at Gecko Pantry
Whether you're setting up your first chahoua enclosure or expanding an established collection, Gecko Pantry has everything you need — premium CGDs from Pangea, Repashy, and Gecko Nutrition, enclosure accessories including hides and feeding ledges, supplements, and more — all with fast UK shipping.