The crested gecko is the easiest “first exotic” we sell — and one of the most rewarding. No live insects required, no hot basking lamps, no complicated setup: a crestie thrives at ordinary room temperature on a complete powdered diet, and repays you with 15–20 years of big-eyed, lash-crowned personality. Once thought extinct, this New Caledonian species is now fully established in European captive breeding, and every gecko we sell is EU captive-bred and feeding confidently on Pangea before it leaves us.
Cresties are gentle, slow-moving climbers that tolerate calm handling well, making them a superb choice for families and first-time keepers.
At a Glance
| Species | Correlophus ciliatus (crested gecko) |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 20–25 cm including tail |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Enclosure | 45×45×60 cm arboreal terrarium (adult) |
| Temperature | 22–26 °C — no basking lamp needed in most homes |
| Humidity | 60–80 % with nightly misting |
| Diet | Complete crested gecko diet (Pangea/Repashy); insects optional |
| Experience level | Beginner |
Crested Gecko Care Basics
Set up a vertical terrarium with cork branches, sturdy live or artificial plants, and two food ledges. Mist lightly each evening so humidity spikes and then falls — constant saturation causes more problems than dryness. Offer fresh CGD two to three evenings a week and remove leftovers. Cresties are nocturnal: expect your gecko to sleep in foliage by day and explore at dusk. Handle in short, low sessions; never grab the tail, which can drop and does not regrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are crested geckos good for beginners?
Yes — they are arguably the best beginner arboreal reptile: room-temperature husbandry, a powdered complete diet instead of live insects, and a calm temperament.
Does a crested gecko need special lighting?
Low-output UVB (2–7 %) is beneficial and we recommend it, but with a properly supplemented complete diet cresties can also be kept successfully without it.
Will my gecko arrive feeding?
Yes. We only ship crested geckos that are established and feeding reliably on complete diet, and we tell you exactly which brand and flavour yours is used to.
Why Buy From EU Exotic Reptile Hub
- Captive-bred in Europe — no wild-caught animals, ever
- Live-arrival guarantee and health guarantee on every animal
- Verified feeding — we ship only established feeders, with a feeding record
- Lifetime care support from our keepers, one message away
Shipping Across the EU
We ship EU-wide with specialist live-animal couriers in insulated, heat- or cool-packed boxes, dispatched only when the weather forecast along the whole route is safe. You receive tracking on dispatch day and your animal typically arrives within 24 hours. See our shipping policy and FAQ for full details.
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