Gargoyle Gecko Care Sheet

Gargoyle geckos are arboreal reptiles with simple care needs. With the right setup, they thrive in captivity and are an excellent choice for keepers of all levels.

Enclosure Size

• Babies: Start hatchlings in a 6 qt. shoebox with ventilation so they can easily find food without wasting energy.
• Juveniles: A 12x12x18 enclosure works well as they grow.
• Adults: Full-size geckos need at least an 18x18x24 enclosure.

Always use a screen top (like Exo Terra brand) with plenty of ventilation. After misting, the enclosure should dry out within 24 hours. If it stays damp, increase airflow by adding ventilation, such as drilling holes or slightly reduce the amount of misting. 

Inside the Enclosure

Basic Setup (minimum needs)

• Branches and cork bark tubes for climbing and hiding during the day
• Coco fiber bedding
• Water dish and food dish

Bioactive Setup (best option)

For keepers who want a low-maintenance, more natural environment, bioactive enclosures are ideal.

1. Start with hydro balls as a drainage layer.
2. Add a mesh barrier to keep soil from mixing with water.
3. Use bioactive soil from a trusted supplier.
4. Seed the enclosure with springtails and, if desired, isopods (choose species carefully).
5. Add live plants sturdy enough to support geckos, such as pothos or other short, strong plants.
6. Provide a day/night light cycle with LED lighting for plants.
7. UVB lighting is not required, but geckos will bask under it if available. A 6% UVB bulb is suitable.

Temperature & Humidity

• Gargoyle geckos are cool-climate reptiles, thriving between 65–75°F.
• Do not use heat sources.
• Mist daily or install a misting system to maintain proper hydration and humidity.

Feeding

We recommend alternating between prepared gecko diets and live insects:

• Prepared diet: Offer Pangea or Repashy Crested Gecko Diet powder mixed with water into a fruit smoothie-like consistency.
• Live food: Feed crickets once per week, dusted with calcium. If you provide UVB (ultraviolet B light), use calcium without D3 to avoid vitamin buildup.
• Schedule: A simple rotation is Monday, Wednesday, Friday, alternating between powdered diet and crickets.

Growth & Size

Adult gargoyle geckos typically weigh under 60 grams and grow up to 8 inches in length.

Key Takeaways

• Start small, size up the enclosure as your gecko grows.
• Provide adequate ventilation and avoid excess moisture.
• Bioactive enclosures create a natural, low-maintenance setup.
• Stick to a consistent feeding and misting schedule.
• Gargoyle geckos thrive at room temperature without added heat.