Key Takeaway:
- Tokay Geckos are larger, more active, and have a more aggressive temperament than Gargoyle Geckos.
- Gargoyle Geckos are easier to care for and have a more docile temperament, making them a better choice for novice reptile owners.
- Both species require specific environmental conditions and a varied diet to thrive.
- The choice between a Tokay Gecko and a Gargoyle Gecko is ultimately determined by the owner’s level of experience, personal preferences, and ability to give each species the appropriate care.
Reptiles can make fascinating pets, and geckos are no exception. Their striking appearance and unique characteristics make geckos increasingly popular as pets.
However, with so many different species of geckos available, it can take time to decide which one is right for you.
In this article, we will compare two popular species of geckos, the Tokay Gecko vs the Gargoyle Gecko, to help you decide which one is the best fit for your lifestyle and experience level.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced reptile owner, read more about these fascinating geckos and which one might be the perfect pet for you.
| Category | Tokay Gecko | Gargoyle Gecko |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 10-15 years |
| Size | 10-12 Inches | 8 Inches |
| Activity | High level of activity, requiring plenty of space | Moderate activity level, suitable for smaller enclosures |
| Temperature Requirement | 75-88℉ | 78-82℉ |
| Humidity | 60-70% | 50-70% |
| Temperament | Aggressive and territorial, not suitable for inexperienced owners | Relatively calm and docile, great for novice reptile owners |
| Habitat | Arboreal species that require vertical space and hiding spots | Semi-arboreal species that require climbing structures and hiding spots. |
| Diet | Carnivorous, mainly feeding on live insects | Omnivorous, eating live insects, fruits, and nectar |
| Cage Requirements | 20 Gallon per individual adult | 20 Gallon per individual adult |
| Price | $40-$50 per individual, with specific morphs costing much more | $230-$600 |
Tokay Gecko Overview
The Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) is a fascinating lizard species native to Southeast Asia. These geckos are known for their striking appearance and distinctive vocalizations, which sound like “to-kay”.
They can grow up to a foot long (12 inches) and come in a range of colors, such as blue-gray, green, and orange.
Tokay Geckos have a long lifespan and can live up to 20 years in captivity if given proper care and nutrition.
They are primarily nocturnal and require a warm and humid environment to thrive.
Tokay Geckos are insectivores and have a larger appetite than some other species of geckos, requiring more frequent feedings.
They can be aggressive and territorial, which may not make them the best option for first-time reptile owners.
Gargoyle Gecko Overview
The Gargoyle Gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) is a unique and popular species of gecko that originates from the islands of New Caledonia.
These geckos have a distinct appearance, with bumpy skin and a prehensile tail that they use to climb and hold onto branches.
They come in a range of colors and patterns, including bright orange, red, and green. Gargoyle Geckos are relatively easy to care for, as they have specific temperature and humidity requirements that can be met with a simple setup.
They are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet of insects and fruit. Gargoyle Geckos are known for their calm and docile temperament, making them a great option for first-time reptile owners.
They can reach up to 8 inches in length and can weigh up to 35 grams when fully matured. They have a lifespan of around 15-20 years in captivity.
Tokay Gecko vs Gargoyle Gecko Comparison
Lifespan
Both Tokay Geckos and Gargoyle Geckos have a similar longer lifespan with the potential to live up to 20 years in captivity, if properly taken care of.
Temperament
Tokay Geckos are known for their aggressive and territorial behavior, which can make them difficult to handle and not the best option for inexperienced reptile owners.
On the other hand, Gargoyle Geckos are known for their docile and calm temperament, making them an excellent option for first-time reptile owners.
Activity
Both gecko species are primarily nocturnal and are more active at night. However, Tokay Geckos tend to be more active and vocal than Gargoyle Geckos.
Habitat
Both species have specific temperature and humidity requirements, but Tokay Geckos require a warmer and more humid environment than Gargoyle Geckos.
Tokay geckos require a temperature of 75-88° Fahrenheit, with a basking spot at a temperature of 90-105° Fahrenheit. The humidity requirement for Tokay geckos should be in the range of 60-70%.
On the other hand, Gargoyle geckos require Temperatures between 78 and 82° Fahrenheit to thrive throughout the day. At night, the temperature may fall into the low 70s.
The humidity level should be kept at 50-70% for these geckos. If you live in a dry region, you should softly spray the tanks every night or install a cold air humidifier in the room.
Tokay Geckos are also arboreal and require taller enclosures with plenty of climbing structures. Gargoyle Geckos are semi-arboreal and prefer a horizontal space to move around.
Diet
Tokay Geckos are insectivores and require a diet primarily of live insects, while Gargoyle Geckos are omnivores and require a varied diet of insects, fruit, and a special powder mix like Repashy.
Cage Requirements
Both species require a specific type of enclosure with temperature and humidity control. Tokay Geckos require a 20 gallon enclosure per individual with plenty of climbing structures and hiding spots.
At the same time, Gargoyle Geckos prefer a more horizontal setup and could be kept in a 20 gallon naturalistic vivarium per individual, with hiding spots and climbing structures.
It is worth mentioning that one Gargoyle gecko can be kept with multiple Female Gargoyle geckos, but not with any other male Gargoyle gecko, as males might exhibit aggressive behavior towards each other.
On the other hand, Tokay geckos are solitary creatures and should be kept separately from other male and female geckos.
Male and Female Tokay geckos may only be kept together during breeding and should be separated once breeding has been done.
Price
The cost of both species varies depending on the breeder and location. However, Tokay Geckos are generally more affordable than Gargoyle Geckos, with prices ranging from $40-$50 per individual, with specific morphs costing much more.
Gargoyle Geckos, on the other hand, are much more expensive than Tokay geckos and can cost anywhere from $230-$600.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Tokay Gecko
Tokay Geckos are unique and fascinating pets, but they are not recommended for beginners. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider before buying one.
Pros
- Visually stunning with unique markings
- Long lifespan in captivity
- Entertaining to watch
- Fascinating loud calls during the night
- Feeding them live insects can be enjoyable
Cons
- Aggressive and territorial behavior
- Challenging to handle and not suitable for inexperienced owners
- Costly and time-consuming enclosure setup
- Annoying vocalization to some people
- Powerful bites and loud bark can be intimidating
Pros and Cons of Owning Gargoyle Gecko
Historically, gargoyle geckos were among the rarest captive lizards. Today, gargoyle geckos are produced in vast quantities and have become a staple in the pet trade.
Although they are easy to take care of, you should also consider some of the pros and cons before buying one.
Pros
- Visually striking with varied colors and patterns
- Relatively calm and docile temperament
- Moderate activity level, fun to watch
- A varied diet including live insects, fruits, and nectar
- Great for novice reptile owners
Cons
- Specific environmental conditions needed, including high humidity and moderate temperatures
- It can be challenging to maintain the required conditions and may require additional equipment
- Relatively expensive, with prices ranging from $200-$600 depending on the morph
Tokay Gecko vs Gargoyle Gecko: Which To Choose?
Deciding between a Tokay Gecko and a Gargoyle Gecko can be difficult, as both species have unique characteristics and care requirements.
If you are an experienced reptile owner looking for a challenging and rewarding pet, the Tokay Gecko may be the right choice.
With their striking appearance and high level of activity, they can make fascinating pets, although their aggressive temperament may require more care and attention.
On the other hand, if you are a novice reptile owner looking for an easier pet to care for, the Gargoyle Gecko may be a better choice.
Their relatively calm and docile temperament makes them suitable for beginners, although they may require more specific environmental conditions and may be relatively expensive to purchase.
Ultimately, the decision between a Tokay Gecko and a Gargoyle Gecko will depend on your level of experience, personal preferences, and ability to provide the necessary care for each species.
To help make you an informed decision we have highlighted some of the factors in a table form below to consider.
