Crested Gecko data sheet
Latin name:
Correlophus ciliatus (also: Rhacodactylus ciliatus)
Origin:
South of the main island of New Caledonia and the Isle of Pines (east of Australia)
Size:
15-25 cm (of which 10-15 cm tail)
Behave
Behave:
crepuscular and nocturnal, less shy, agile, climbers
Lining:
smaller insects and fruits
Groups vs. individual housing:
Individual keeping possible, with group keeping one male to two females is ideal
Life expectancy:
15-20 years (maybe even longer as not yet fully explored)
Difficulty level:
slightly Lennart Hudel, Correlophus ciliatus 33484989, CC BY 4.0
The crested gecko is one of the best-known gecko species for the domestic terrarium. Theoretically, it can only be found in a small spot on earth, namely at the southern tip of New Caledonia.
His is striking brown, red or yellowish coloring. In general, Crested Geckos are not difficult to keep good starter animal for people who want to buy a terrarium.
acquisition and maintenance
First it should be said that the Export and import of wild Crested Geckos prohibited is. The animals can only be found on a very tiny part of the world and should be protected there.
those that circulate were bred outside. As a beginner-friendly animal for terrariums, however, they are not difficult to obtain. Setting up the terrarium is also not difficult and can be controlled easily.
requirements for the terrarium
Crested Geckos are not difficult to keep as you can easily recreate their natural habitat.
The terrarium should rainforest climate match, with a warm and humid air. Little effort is required to reproduce these conditions and keep them constant.
ideal temperatures
- Summer: 25-29 degrees during the day, 22 degrees at night
- Winter: 22-25 degrees during the day, 19 degrees at night
- humidity: Over 60 percent during the day and over 80 percent at night
Equipment of the terrarium
Crested geckos don’t need a lot of space either, but they should have enough climbing opportunities.
Here you should best to build up, a terrarium of 50 x 50 x 80 cm is the minimum requirement for the gecko. If there are several animals, a slightly larger terrarium should be purchased.
The terrarium should be there lined with many plants be where the crested gecko can climb. Tree bark, branches and twigs, roots and caves are suitable for this. Artificial and real plants are equally good.
Types of ficus, ivy, dragon tree or bow hemp are suitable for natural plants. The floor should unfertilized soil, coconut humus and moss to be lined. No coarse materials should be used as the geckos can swallow them.
maintain temperature and humidity
As lamps can normal LEDs be used. This should be active for nine (winter) to twelve (summer) hours to simulate daily rhythm.
A heat lamp can be used in winter, but the terrarium should be able to regulate itself. UV light can also be good, but it’s not absolutely necessary. In summer you have to make sure that it doesn’t get too hot.
The Use of a thermometer is important here. You should always keep an eye on this so that the ideal temperature can be maintained.
In order to maintain humidity, the interior of the terrarium should sprayed with water several times a day. This not only pleases the Crested Geckos, but also the ambient humidity.
A hydrometer should also be attached in order to be able to read the humidity. Despite all this, air should circulate well through the terrarium to avoid mold.
gender differences
Externally, there are hardly any differences between the two sexes in crested geckos. Males can be identified by having a double row of preannal pores at the back of the cloaca and a hemipenical pouch at the base of the tail. This is not found in females.
feed and nutrition
The crested gecko feeds on small insectsthat are given alive. These include crickets, small grasshoppers or house crickets.
For more nutrients, these can be added up to three times a week Calcium and Vitamin D3 be mixed and once with a mixture of vitamin powder. Then simply sprinkle them on slightly moistened insects.
Crested geckos like too Fruit that has been mashed. Mango, peach and banana are particularly popular here. No citrus fruits should be fed.
Feeding time is in the evenings when the geckos wake up and become active. Leftover food should be removed from the terrarium in good time and replaced with fresh food.
In adult Crested Geckos you should stop feeding every two days carry out.
acclimatization and handling
The acclimatization applies above all to another gecko. This must first be quarantined until its droppings have been checked for possible communicable diseases. It can happen very quickly that crested geckos bring parasites with them from outside.
crested geckos should are rarely taken out of their terrarium. They are quick and nimble and can escape out of hand with relative ease.
In addition, their bodies are very sensitive to pressure. They can be recaptured with a landing net, but a first time Escape should be avoided.
The animals could injure themselves. If it does have to be removed, this is best done with a landing net. The animals can also bite, but this is not a danger to humans.
If you notice redness in the mouth area, mucus or sneezing, the crested gecko should be taken to an appropriate veterinarian.
The animals are sensitive to temperature differences or poor hygiene in the terrarium. As the owner, care must be taken to ensure that the animals do not become ill.