Key Takeaway:
- Gargoyle geckos and crested geckos can cross-breed; however such cross-breeding is often not recommended.
- As of 2022, there were no known hybrid gargoyle-crested geckos available in the breeders’ markets.
- Hybrid, cross-bred geckos are more prone to having genetic anomalies and chronic health issues.
If you’re a seasoned gecko lover, then you must be very familiar with gargoyle geckos and crested geckos.
You must also know that they belong to the same family of reptiles and come from the same habitat: New Caledonia.
Gargoyle geckos and crested geckos have a lot of similarities.
And so, it is natural for a seasoned gecko lover to be curious about the possibility of hybrid gargoyle-crested geckos. But the question remains: Can gargoyle geckos actually breed with crested geckos?
In this article, we will look into whether such cross-breeding is possible; and if it is, then is it advisable?
Can Gargoyle Geckos Breed with Crested Geckos?
Yes, gargoyle geckos can breed with crested geckos.
Gargoyle geckos (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) and crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are both popular species of geckos kept as pets, known for their unique appearances and interesting behaviors.
However, when it comes to interbreeding between gargoyle geckos and crested geckos, it is important to note that they belong to different species, and interbreeding attempts should be avoided.
Gargoyle geckos and crested geckos, while sharing some similarities, have distinct genetic and physiological differences.
Breeders generally do not recommend crossbreeding these species because it can result in hybrids with unknown health issues or genetic anomalies.
Additionally, responsible breeders focus on maintaining the purity and integrity of each individual species.
How Are Gargoyle and Crested Geckos Similar?
Gargoyle geckos (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) and crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) share several similarities, making them both fascinating and popular gecko species among reptile enthusiasts. Here are some ways in which they are similar:
- Appearance: Both gargoyle geckos and crested geckos have a similar body shape and size. They are both relatively small geckos with a similar range of length, typically reaching around 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) in total length.
- Arboreal Nature: Both species are primarily arboreal, which means they spend most of their time in trees and are well-adapted for climbing. They have specialized toes with adhesive pads that allow them to grip onto various surfaces easily.
- Nocturnal Habits: Gargoyle geckos and crested geckos are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. They possess excellent night vision and exhibit behaviors such as hunting for insects or exploring their environments under the cover of darkness.
- Scales and Skin Texture: Both species have soft, velvety skin and slightly bumpy scales. They lack the sticky toe pads found in other gecko species and instead rely on the structure of their scales for clinging to surfaces.
- Diet: Gargoyle and crested geckos share similar dietary requirements. They are omnivorous, feeding on a combination of fruits, nectar, pollen, and small invertebrates such as insects. In captivity, a balanced diet is typically achieved through commercially available powdered food mixes supplemented with occasional live insects.
- Conservation Status: Both species were once considered “extinct” until being rediscovered in the wild. As a result, they have gained conservation attention and are now protected. Responsible breeding practices and conservation efforts in captivity help ensure the preservation and genetic diversity of these gecko populations.
Do Gargoyle Crested Geckos Hybrid Exist?
Yes, gargoyle-crested gecko hybrids exist. However, a lot of these hybrid geckos tend to have poor immunity and too many health issues.
In appearance, a gargoyle-crested gecko hybrid resembles both its parents – it tends to have a broad head like gargoyle geckos and the signature crest from crested geckos.
While it looks interesting from the outside, a gargoyle-crested gecko hybrid may be prone to genetic anomalies and chronic issues.
Breeding Gargoyle Geckos with Crested Geckos
Breeding gargoyle geckos with crested geckos is possible, and hybrids between these two species do exist.
Here are some information on pregnancy and egg-laying behavior, incubation, candling and hatching, and hatchling care based on the search results:
Pregnancy and Egg-Laying Behavior
A healthy, mature female gargoyle gecko will lay 2 eggs every 30-45 days.
A healthy, mature female crested gecko will lay 2 eggs every 25-40 days.
Incubation
It takes around 60-70 days for crested gecko’s eggs to hatch if you incubate them at higher temperatures, and even more (up to 100 days) if incubated at lower temperatures.
Gargoyle gecko eggs take around 60-90 days to hatch.
Candling and Hatching
Candling can be done to check the development of the embryo inside the egg.
Once the eggs start to hatch, it is important to leave them alone and let the hatchlings emerge on their own.
Hatchling Care
Newly hatched geckos are sensitive and require more attention than adults. Hatchlings should be housed separately to avoid cannibalism.
Hatchlings should be fed small insects such as fruit flies and pinhead crickets.
It is important to note that while breeding gargoyle geckos with crested geckos is possible, it is important to consider the ethical implications of hybridization and to ensure that breeding is done responsibly and with the best interest of the animals in mind.
Summary
Gargoyle-crested gecko hybrids do exist, and indeed, form an interesting kind of reptile.
However, it is recommended that such cross-breeding be avoided because hybrid geckos are usually more prone to genetic anomalies and chronic health issues.
