These are computer-made illustrations, not photographs. No animal was handled, moved, lit or disturbed to produce them, which is the point: an animal photographed for a care guide is an animal taken out of its enclosure.
‹ All husbandry guidesThe numbers
Enclosure
45 × 45 × 60 cm
Diet
Commercial gecko diet powder (Repashy/Pangea)
Temperature
night ~20 °C
Humidity
60–70% (mist evenings, dry through day)
UVB
Optional low-level beneficial
Identity
Family / Order
Diplodactylidae / Squamata
Origin
Adult size
~20–23 cm total
Lifespan (captivity)
15–20 yrs
Activity
Nocturnal; arboreal
Temperament
Docile, hardy — handles better than crested
Price (THB)
~1,500–5,000 (morphs more)
Morphs
6 morphs, with how each one is inherited.
BlotchedLine-bredSuper form: —
Mocha / MarbleLine-bredSuper form: —
OrangeLine-bredSuper form: —
RedLine-bredSuper form: —
ReticulatedLine-bredSuper form: —
StripedLine-bredSuper form: —
Enclosure and conditions
Ambient
22–26 °C (72–78 °F)
Night
~20 °C
Note
Avoid > 29 °C
Humidity
60–70% (mist evenings, dry through day)
UVB (required)
Optional low-level beneficial
Min. size
45 × 45 × 60 cm vertical
Substrate
Coco / bioactive
Furnishings
Branches, foliage, cork
Water
Dish + misting
Diet
Staple
Commercial gecko diet powder (Repashy/Pangea)
Method
2–3×/week (mix with water)
Staple insects
Crickets/dubia 1×/week, dusted
Note
Eats insects more readily than crested
Prey size
≤ space between the eyes
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Tolerant, hardier than crested
Tail
Drops tail and DOES regrow (unlike crested)
Cohabitation
Solo; juveniles can be cannibalistic
Defense
Stronger jaw — may nip
Children
OK, supervised
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
15–18 months / ~35 g
Sexing
♂ hemipenal bulge
Clutch
2 eggs every few weeks in season
Incubation
~60–90 days at 22–24 °C
Common health problems
Metabolic bone disease
Signsweak limbs
Preventcomplete diet + supplement + low UVB
Dysecdysis
Signsstuck shed on toes
Preventmist + humid microclimate
Overheating
Signsstress > 29 °C
Preventkeep cool
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- Named for the bony 'horns' over the head (gargoyle bumps).
- Regrows its tail — unlike the crested gecko.
- A semi-arboreal predator — eats other geckos in the wild.
Common questions
Like a crested gecko?
Yes but hardier, eats insects, and regrows its tail.
Must I feed insects?
Diet is complete, but they enjoy insects weekly.
Handleable?
Yes — calmer and sturdier with age.
What it needs
- Vertical terrarium 45×45×60
- Branches & foliage
- Coco substrate
- Gecko diet powder
- Feeder insects
- Calcium + D3
- Mister + hygro/thermo