Say hello to one of the reptile world’s most charismatic characters — the Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)! With their big eyes, “eyelash” ridges, and quirky personalities, these little lizards have captured the hearts of reptile lovers everywhere. Once thought to be extinct, they’ve made an incredible comeback — and now they’re one of the most popular pet geckos in the world.
From Extinct to Extraordinary
Crested Geckos hail from the lush rainforests of New Caledonia, an island paradise near Australia. For decades, scientists believed they were gone forever — until a group of them was rediscovered in 1994. Since then, they’ve thrived in captivity and inspired a new generation of reptile enthusiasts.
Why Keepers Love Them
Handle with care: They’re gentle, calm, and easy to handle once they trust you.
No need for bugs every day: Crested Geckos can live on specialized fruit-based diets — though they still love the occasional cricket or roach.
No UVB? No problem (sort of): They can survive without UVB, though they thrive even better with it.
So many colors! From fiery reds and bright yellows to creamy whites and dark “phantoms,” Crested Geckos come in stunning morphs that look almost painted.
Fun Fact
Crested Geckos can drop their tails — and unlike other geckos, they don’t grow them back! That’s why you’ll often see “frogbutt” geckos proudly rocking their unique look.
Care Tip of the Month
Keep humidity between 60–80% and temperatures around 72–78°F. A vertical enclosure with lots of climbing space and live or artificial plants makes them feel right at home!
Show Us Your Geckos!
Do you have a Crested Gecko? We’d love to see them! Share your gecko photos on social media and tag @ShowMeReptileShow or #ShowMeReptiles for a chance to be featured in next month’s highlight!
