Introduction: Meet the Crested Gecko
Once thought extinct, the Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) was rediscovered in New Caledonia in 1994 and has since become one of the most popular reptile pets in the world — and for very good reason. Hardy, handleable, and strikingly beautiful, cresties are ideal for first-time reptile keepers and experienced hobbyists alike.
At Gecko Pantry, we stock everything you need to keep your Crested Gecko thriving — from premium Crested Gecko Diets (CGDs) to bioactive enclosure supplies. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Natural Habitat
Crested Geckos are native to the southern islands of New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific. They inhabit humid subtropical forests and are arboreal by nature — spending most of their lives in trees and shrubs. Understanding their natural environment is key to recreating the conditions they need in captivity.
Appearance & Lifespan
Crested Geckos are named for the distinctive fringed crests that run from their eyes along their backs. They come in a huge variety of colours and patterns — known as morphs — including:
- Flame – dark base with a contrasting dorsal stripe
- Harlequin – patterned lateral markings
- Pinstripe – raised scales forming a contrasting line along the dorsum
- Brindle – mottled, marbled patterning
- Lily White – a co-dominant morph with cream/white colouration
Adults typically reach 15–25 cm (including tail) and weigh 35–55g. With good care, a Crested Gecko can live 15–20 years in captivity.
Note: Crested Geckos can drop their tails (autotomy) as a defence mechanism. Unlike many other lizards, they do not regenerate their tails — this is completely normal and does not harm the gecko.
Housing
Enclosure Size
- Juvenile (under 15g): A small enclosure such as a 30x30x45cm (ExoTerra or similar) is ideal to prevent them being overwhelmed and to ensure they can locate food easily.
- Adult: Upgrade to a minimum of 45x45x60cm — more height is always preferable for this arboreal species.
Temperature & Humidity
Crested Geckos are one of the few reptiles that do not require supplemental heating in most UK homes. They thrive at:
- Day temperature: 20–26°C
- Night temperature: 18–22°C (they tolerate cooler nights well)
- Humidity: 60–80%, with a daily misting cycle to allow the enclosure to dry out between mistings
⚠️ Important: Sustained temperatures above 28°C can be fatal. During UK heatwaves, monitor your gecko carefully and use cooling methods if needed.
Décor & Enrichment
Crested Geckos need plenty of climbing opportunities and hiding spots. Include:
- Cork bark flats and tubes
- Artificial or live plants (pothos, bromeliads, and ficus are popular choices)
- Magnetic ledges or bamboo for perching
- A secure hide at ground level
A bioactive setup — with a living substrate, microfauna (such as springtails and isopods), and live plants — is an excellent long-term option that mimics their natural environment and reduces maintenance.
Diet: Feeding Your Crested Gecko
Cresties are frugivores — they primarily eat fruit and insects in the wild — and in captivity they do exceptionally well on Crested Gecko Diet (CGD), a powdered complete food that simply mixes with water.
Which CGD Should You Choose?
At Gecko Pantry, we stock three leading CGD brands:
- Pangea Fruit Mix – One of the most trusted brands globally, with a wide range of flavours and formulas.
- Repashy Superfoods – A pioneer in CGD, with a proven track record. The Crested Gecko MRP is a classic staple diet.
- Gecko Nutrition – A premium UK-formulated CGD with high-quality ingredients and excellent uptake.
Diet rotation is widely recommended — alternating between two or three flavours or brands helps ensure a varied nutritional intake and prevents food boredom.
Insects
Offering live insects (crickets, dubia roaches, or black soldier fly larvae) 1–2 times per week is beneficial, particularly for juveniles and breeding females. Dust insects with a calcium supplement.
Supplements & UVB
Crested Geckos can be kept without UVB, but low-level UVB (5.0 or 6% output) is increasingly recommended by keepers and vets for optimal health, immune function, and D3 synthesis. Always provide a calcium supplement dusted on live feeders.
Handling & Temperament
Crested Geckos are generally docile and tolerant of handling once accustomed to their keeper:
- New geckos: Allow at least 2 weeks to settle before handling
- Sessions: Keep handling to 10–15 minutes initially
- Approach: Move slowly and let the gecko walk from hand to hand rather than grasping
- Juveniles: Handle with extra care — they are fast and can leap unexpectedly
Is a Crested Gecko Right for You?
Pros:
- No heating required in most UK homes
- Thrive on complete CGD — no need for complex live-feeder-only diets
- Handleable and personable
- Huge variety of stunning morphs
- Long lifespan — a rewarding long-term companion
Cons:
- Cannot tolerate high temperatures (UK summers require monitoring)
- Tail loss is permanent
- Need careful humidity management
Shop Crested Gecko Supplies at Gecko Pantry
Whether you're setting up your first enclosure or expanding your collection, Gecko Pantry has you covered with premium CGDs from Pangea, Repashy, and Gecko Nutrition, alongside enclosure accessories, supplements, and more — all with fast UK shipping.