Rhacodactylus auriculatus (Gargoyle gecko) Care Sheet
Care Sheet:
The Rhacodactylus ariculatus species is found in New Caledonia and is the smallest of the Rhacodactylus species growing to a length of around five inches.
The Rhacodactylus species is noted for the knobs on the roof of the skull and large teeth. For this reason they have been nicknamed the Gargoyle Gecko.
Unlike other gecko species this species tends to eat a large amount of fruit; apricots, bananas, plums, etc., are all acceptable fruit items to feed as treats. They can thrive on Repashy's Diets, either the 1 part or 2 part diets (2 part can be found in different flavors).On occasion the Rhacodactylus will take insects such as crickets, Madagascan roaches, phoenix worms, small silk worms, or mealworms. Mealworms should ONLY be given to adult Gargoyle Geckos. All live food items should be dusted with a calcium or vitamin supplement.
This species should be provided with a large enclosure (15 gallon tall tank at minimum when adult for the 1st gecko, add 10 gallons for each additional gecko) preferably taller than wide. They are arboreal, therefor branches and leaves should be placed in the enclosure for climbing. These geckos do not have as "sticky" feet as chahoua or crested geckos do and should be given sturdy branches and textured (not smooth) leaves, because of this they cannot easily climb on glass. Only one male should be placed in the enclosure.
This species should also be provided with a hide area that is slightly dampened (a humid hide or lay box), the females will be drawn to this damp area to lay her eggs.
This species readily breeds in captivity and is long lived (aproximately 20 years).
A substrate that may be used is a mixture of potting soil and Canadian sphagnum peat moss, paper towels, or Eco-Earth. This species does not require the high humidity that other Rhacodactylus species require. A daily misting of the substrate is all that is required to keep the humidity levels at approximately 30-50% with a spike up to 90% once every day or two.
Daytime temperatures should reach 75 to 85 degrees F with a nighttime drop to no lower then 60 degrees F.
Breeding takes place in the fall with the first eggs being laid in January or February.
Incubation temperature of the eggs should be from 83 degrees F to 85 degrees F. At this temperature you will produce both male and female offspring. Incubation time for the eggs is around fifty to sixty days.
Sex distinction is easy in this species. The males have an obvious swollen tail-base.
Size: 190 to 210 mm adult average
Weight: 40 to 60 grams adult average
Distribution: New Caledonia. Southern half of Grande Terre
Habitat: Lowland scrub and forest.
Description: Nocturnal, mainly arboreal prehensile tailed gecko with three main pattern morphs being mottled, reticulated or striped.
Sexing: Males develop external large hemipenal bulges and pre-anal pores. Juveniles can be sexed at approximately 15+ grams.
Temperature: Maintained at 74-78°F during the day, dropping to a minimum of 68°F at night. Always properly protect the heat source as an unprotected heat source can cause severe burns if an animal comes into contact with it.
Lighting: Being a nocturnal species it seems not to require additional UVA/UVB lighting, but one may be provided for limited periods with no detrimental affects. Background lighting should be controlled with a timing device left on 10-12hrs a day in summer with a 2-4 hour reduction during winter months. As with the heat source, always properly protect the light source as this too may become hot after prolonged used.
Humidity/Water: Humidity should be kept high 50 to 70%. A misting should take once a day during the early evening. Also include a shallow water dish c¬ontaining filtered water which should be changed daily.
Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on crickets and soft fruits. Feed a number of appropriately sized crickets approximately two times a week with a twice weekly feeding of a commercially available Rhacodactylus powered diet, fresh pureed fruit or baby food mixed with a calcium and mineral supplement offered in a shallow dish. All fruit should be non citrus. Turkey or chicken baby food may also be sometimes taken. Food should always be removed at the first signs of spoiling. Females that are producing eggs should be monitored very closely for any early signs of calcium deficiency.
Housing: A minimum size of 400mm wide x 400mm deep x 600mm high is recommended for an adult pair. Our best results as regards growth have been attended when gargoyles are housed as singularly. Hatchlings should always be housed singularly as they can show aggression at an early age and will use their cage mate’s tail as additional source of nourishment. Never house males together as they will fight and can inflict serous damage, females will occasionally show aggressive behavior to both male and female animals. . If a number of animals are to be housed together make sure they are of a similar size and always closely monitor first introductions to identify any incompatibility. Peat or coconut fiber substrate can be used for juveniles/adults. Hatchlings are best kept on kitchen roll. Being a semi-arboreal species, climbing branches and cork bark should be used, also provide a different hide spot for every occupant. Plenty of foliage either real or artificial should also be used. A hide box half filled with a mixture of moistened vermiculite, peat and sphagnum moss should be included to facilitate shedding and egg laying if a natural substrate is not used. Fecal matter should be removed immediately with a complete cleaning accruing every month.
Breeding: Gargoyle geckos should be kept at 68-70°F during the day and 64-66°F at night for a couple of months prior to breeding. Animals kept in pairs have more productive than those kept in trios or more. They can produce up to 10 clutches in a season, laying two soft-shelled eggs every 5 weeks. Females should be at least 34 grams in weight before breeding is attempted and should be monitored closely for any early signs of calcium deficiency.
Incubation: Eggs should be incubated in an aerated plastic container, on a medium of vermiculite or perlite mixed with filtered water at a ratio of 2 parts medium to 1 part water, by weight and at temperatures between 70-80°F. Eggs normally hatch in 90-140 days. Any discoloured eggs should be put to one side in the container, do not discard as these eggs could still be viable, if they collapse and mould is visible they should be discarded immediately.