Gargoyle Gecko Enclosure & Habitat Requirements: Your Guide For 2025

Gargoyle geckos require a warm, humid, and arboreal environment that mirrors their native New Caledonian rainforest habitat.
Proper heating, lighting, and humidity levels are essential for their well-being, with temperatures ranging from 75-80°F (24-27°C) and humidity maintained at 50-70%.
Choosing the right enclosure, including plants, hides, and essential accessories, is vital to creating a comfortable and secure home for your gargoyle gecko.

Creating the perfect habitat for your gargoyle gecko is essential for its health and well-being.

These remarkable creatures are native to the lush rainforests of New Caledonia and have specific requirements to thrive in captivity.

In this guide, we’ll explore the enclosure and habitat requirements for your gargoyle gecko, ensuring it enjoys a comfortable and happy life in your care.

Gargoyle Gecko Habitat In The Wild

Gargoyle geckos are native to the southern tip of the island of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean.

They live in subtropical rainforests, where the climate is warm and humid. Gargoyle geckos are arboreal animals, meaning they spend most of their time in trees.

They are well-adapted to arboreal life, with sticky toe pads that allow them to climb vertical surfaces and even walk upside down.

Gargoyle geckos typically live in dense forests at elevations of up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).

They prefer habitats with plenty of trees and other vegetation to climb on and hide in. Gargoyle geckos are also found in degraded habitats, such as secondary forests and plantations.

However, they are more abundant in primary forests, which have a higher diversity of trees and other plants.

Gargoyle geckos are important members of the New Caledonian rainforest ecosystem. They help to control insect populations and are a food source for other animals, such as snakes and birds.

Here are some of the key features of gargoyle gecko habitat in the wild:

Warm and humid climate
Subtropical rainforest habitat
Dense vegetation with plenty of trees and other climbing surfaces
High elevation (up to 1,000 meters)
Primary forests are preferred, but secondary forests and plantations are also used

Gargoyle Gecko Enclosure Requirements

Heating

Gargoyle geckos are ectotherms, meaning they need external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.

The ideal temperature range for a gargoyle gecko enclosure is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 degrees Celsius).

You can maintain a proper temperature range in the enclosure using a heat lamp or mat.

If you are using a heat lamp, place it on one side of the enclosure so that your gecko can create a thermal gradient.

This means that the gecko can choose to bask in the warmer area of the enclosure or cool down in the cooler area.

If you are using a heat mat, place it under the substrate on one side of the enclosure. Be sure to use a thermostat with your heat mat to prevent it from getting too hot.

heat source guide — Heat source guide for reptiles

Lighting

Gargoyle geckos are nocturnal animals, but they still need some UVB lighting to help them absorb calcium and produce vitamin D3.

You can provide your gecko with UVB lighting using a fluorescent bulb or an LED bulb.

The UVB bulb should be placed in the enclosure on the same side as the heat lamp. The bulb should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on the type of bulb you use.

In addition to UVB lighting, you can also provide your gecko with a basking light. This light will help your gecko to warm up and digest its food.

The basking light can be placed on the same side as the heat lamp or on the opposite side of the enclosure.

Humidity

Gargoyle geckos need a humid environment. The ideal humidity level for a gargoyle gecko enclosure is 50-70%.

You can maintain humidity in the enclosure by misting it regularly or by using a humidifier.

Be sure to mist the enclosure with warm water, as cold water can shock your gecko. You should also mist the enclosure in the morning and the evening so that it has time to dry out before nightfall.

Size

The minimum size enclosure for a gargoyle gecko is 18″ x 18″ x 36″ (46 cm x 46 cm x 91 cm). However, a larger enclosure is always better, as it will give your gecko more room to explore and climb.

If you are planning on keeping multiple gargoyle geckos in the same enclosure, you will need to provide them with even more space.

A good rule of thumb is to provide an additional 18″ x 18″ x 36″ of space for each additional gecko.

Type

The type of enclosure you choose for your gargoyle gecko is important. Gargoyle geckos are arboreal animals, so they need an enclosure that is tall and has plenty of climbing surfaces.

A good type of enclosure for a gargoyle gecko is a glass terrarium. Glass terrariums allow you to monitor your gecko’s health and behavior, and they also make it easy to maintain a proper humidity level.

You can also use a wooden enclosure for your gargoyle gecko, but you will need to make sure that it is well-ventilated. Wooden enclosures can be more difficult to clean and maintain humidity levels in.

No matter what type of enclosure you choose, make sure that it is secure and that your gecko cannot escape.

Gargoyle Gecko Tank Accessories

Plants, Branches And Vines

gargoyle gecko habitat close up — Climbing plants are a must in a gargoyle gecko’s enclosure

Plants, branches, and vines are essential for a gargoyle gecko enclosure. They provide your gecko with hiding places, climbing surfaces, and a more natural environment.

Some good plants for gargoyle gecko enclosures include:

Pothos
Spider plants
Ficus
Schefflera
Philodendron

When choosing plants for your gecko’s enclosure, be sure to select ones that are non-toxic and that can tolerate high humidity.

Hides

Gargoyle geckos need hiding places where they can feel safe and secure. You can provide your gecko with hides by placing rocks, logs, or other objects in the enclosure. You can also purchase commercial gargoyle gecko hides.

Background

A background can help your gecko feel more secure and can also make the enclosure look more aesthetically pleasing.

You can purchase commercial gargoyle gecko backgrounds or you can make your own.

If you are making your own background, be sure to use materials that are safe for your gecko and that can tolerate high humidity.

Food And Water Dish

Gargoyle geckos need a food dish and a water dish. The food dish should be shallow and wide enough for your gecko to eat comfortably.

The water dish should also be shallow and wide enough for your gecko to drink from and soak in if it wants to.

Thermometer

A thermometer is essential for monitoring the temperature in your gecko’s enclosure.

You should place the thermometer in the warmest part of the enclosure and check it regularly to make sure that the temperature is within the ideal range.

Hygrometer

A hygrometer is essential for monitoring the humidity in your gecko’s enclosure. You should place the hygrometer in the middle of the enclosure and check it regularly to make sure that the humidity is within the ideal range.

Mister/Fogger

mistking system — Mister helps maintain humidity levels

A mister or fogger can be used to maintain the humidity level in your gecko’s enclosure. You should mist or fog the enclosure regularly, especially if you live in a dry climate.

Here are some additional tank accessories that you may want to consider for your gargoyle gecko:

Calcium dish: This is a good way to provide your gecko with a constant source of calcium.
Vitamin D3 supplement: You can sprinkle this supplement on your gecko’s food to help it absorb calcium and produce vitamin D3.
Basking spot: This is a warm spot where your gecko can bask to raise its body temperature.
UVB bulb: This type of bulb provides UVB light, which helps your gecko absorb calcium and produce vitamin D3.
Humidifier: This can be used to maintain the humidity level in your gecko’s enclosure.

Where To Buy These Accessories?

There are many places where you can buy gargoyle gecko accessories. Here are a few options:

Online retailers: Many online retailers sell gargoyle gecko accessories, such as our Pet Engineers shop.
Local pet stores: Many local pet stores sell gargoyle gecko accessories, especially those that specialize in reptiles.
Reptile shows: Reptile shows are a great place to find gargoyle gecko accessories and other reptile-related supplies.
Garage sales and thrift stores: You can sometimes find gargoyle gecko accessories at garage sales and thrift stores, but be sure to inspect them carefully before buying them to make sure that they are safe and in good condition.

If you are unsure where to buy gargoyle gecko accessories, you can ask your veterinarian or another experienced reptile keeper for recommendations.

Here are some additional tips for buying gargoyle gecko accessories:

Read reviews before you buy anything. This will help you to avoid buying products that are low quality or that have been known to harm reptiles.
Compare prices from different retailers before you buy. This will help you to get the best deals on the accessories you need.
Make sure that the accessories you buy are the right size for your gecko’s enclosure.
Avoid buying accessories that are made from materials that are toxic to reptiles.
Inspect all accessories carefully before you use them to make sure that they are safe and in good condition.

Summary

In summary, providing a suitable environment for your gargoyle gecko mimicking its natural habitat is crucial for its health and happiness.

With proper heating, lighting, humidity, and ample space, along with carefully chosen tank accessories, you can create a thriving home for your unique reptilian companion.

Gargoyle Gecko Habitat In The Wild