Dalmatian Crested Gecko Care Guide
Correlophus ciliatus
SIZE
• Adult: 20–25 cm including tail
• Lifespan: 15–20+ years
HOUSING
• Arboreal species — use a tall vivarium
• Adult minimum: 45 × 45 × 60 cm
• Provide branches, vines, cork and dense foliage
• Plenty of elevated hiding and resting areas
• Secure doors and good ventilation are essential
TEMPERATURE
• Day: 22–26°C
• Night: 18–22°C
• Avoid temperatures above 28°C
• Cooler temperatures are safer than overheating
LIGHTING
• Low-level UVB 2–5% recommended
• Provide a 10–12 hour day/night cycle
• Include shaded areas
HUMIDITY
• Aim for 50–70%, with higher humidity after misting
• Allow the enclosure to partially dry between mistings
• Good ventilation prevents stagnant, overly damp conditions
FOOD
• Use a quality complete crested gecko diet (CGD)
• Offer live crickets, locusts or roaches as enrichment
• Feed adults around 3–4 times per week
• Juveniles require more frequent feeding
• Remove uneaten food promptly
WATER
• Provide fresh water daily
• Many will drink droplets from misted leaves and surfaces
• A shallow water dish can also be provided
SHEDDING
• Usually shed regularly and often eat the shed skin
• Maintain appropriate humidity
• Check toes and tail after shedding to ensure no retained skin
HANDLING
• Generally gentle and suitable for careful handling
• Allow the gecko to walk onto your hand
• Keep close to the ground — falls can cause injury
• Never hold or pull the tail — Crested Geckos can drop it permanently
HEALTH
• Watch for weight loss, poor appetite, lethargy or difficulty climbing
• Ensure adequate calcium and UVB to help prevent metabolic bone disease
• Check toes for retained shed
• Avoid overheating
CLEANING
• Remove faeces and uneaten food regularly
• Clean food and water dishes daily
• Spot-clean surfaces as required
• Perform a deeper clean periodically
BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME
✓ Tall secure vivarium
✓ Branches, vines & foliage
✓ Suitable substrate
✓ Low-level UVB
✓ Thermostat & thermometer
✓ Hygrometer
✓ Food ledge/bowls
✓ Complete crested gecko diet
✓ Live insects
✓ Water/misting bottle
IMPORTANT BITS
• Arboreal — provide plenty of climbing space
• Avoid temperatures above 28°C
• Never grab the tail — it will not grow back
• Provide a varied, complete diet rather than relying solely on insects
• Allow the enclosure to dry partially between misting
• Handle gently and avoid sudden drops or falls
