Native to New Caledonia, this crested gecko is known for its distinctive features and docile nature. It gets its name from the crest of skin that runs from its head to its tail, giving it a regal and elegant look. The moonglow variation is particularly stunning, with its luminous skin that seems to glow in the dark. This makes it a fascinating creature to observe both during the day and at night.
Moonglow Crested Gecko Care
A Moonglow Crested Gecko is a unique and captivating pet that is known for its shimmering and glowing appearance. These reptiles have a stunning moonlight-like iridescent coloration, making them a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts.
Housing
Temperature and Humidity
The humidity level should be maintained at around 50-70%. This can be achieved by misting the enclosure with water daily and providing a moisture-retaining substrate. It is also recommended to use a hygrometer to monitor and adjust the humidity levels accordingly.
Diet and Feeding
Moonglow Crested Geckos are primarily insectivores, but they also eat nectar and fruit in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed a diet consisting of commercially available powdered crested gecko food. This can be supplemented with live insects, such as crickets and mealworms, to provide additional protein.
The gecko’s diet should be dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. Fresh water should be provided at all times in a shallow dish or through misting the enclosure.
Handling and Socialization
Health and Common Issues
Keeping a close eye on the health of your Moonglow Crested Gecko is vital. Look out for signs of illness or injury, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, or abnormal behavior. Regularly check their eyes, mouth, and skin for any signs of infection or parasites.
If you notice any abnormalities or concerns, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian experienced in reptile care. Regular veterinary check-ups are also beneficial to ensure your gecko’s overall health and well-being.
Additionally, providing a clean and sanitary environment, maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels, and offering a balanced diet are essential in preventing health issues.
Shedding and Skin Care
Avoid handling the gecko while it is shedding, as this can cause stress and potentially damage their new delicate skin. It is best to let them complete the shedding process on their own without any interference.
Regularly inspect the gecko’s skin after shedding to ensure there are no remaining pieces stuck. If there are, you can gently assist in the removal by lightly moistening the affected area with warm water.
Enclosure Setup for Moonglow Crested Gecko
You can choose an enclosure size appropriate for the size of your gecko. A 20-gallon tank is a popular choice for juvenile geckos, while adult geckos may require a larger enclosure, such as a 30-gallon tank.
2. Substrate
3. Decorations and Hides
Moonglow Crested Geckos enjoy having hiding spots to feel secure and reduce stress. Provide multiple hides throughout the enclosure, such as cork bark tubes or reptile caves, for your gecko to retreat to during the day. Additionally, adding live or artificial plants can create a natural and visually appealing environment.
4. Temperature and Lighting
Maintaining the correct temperature and lighting is crucial for the overall health of your Moonglow Crested Gecko. Keep the temperature in the enclosure between 72-78°F (22-25°C) during the day and a slight drop at night. Using a reptile-specific heat mat or ceramic heat emitter can help achieve the optimal temperature.
Provide your gecko with a light source that mimics the natural daylight cycle. Use a low-wattage LED or fluorescent bulb, and ensure that the enclosure has a consistent 12-hour light-dark cycle.
5. Humidity
Moonglow Crested Geckos thrive in a humid environment. Aim for a humidity level of 60-80% in the enclosure. To maintain humidity, mist the enclosure daily with water using a spray bottle. A hygrometer can help you monitor and adjust the humidity levels accordingly.
6. Water Source
Provide a shallow water dish in the enclosure to ensure your gecko has access to clean and fresh water at all times.
7. Keep It Clean
Maintaining a clean enclosure is crucial for your gecko’s health. Remove any uneaten food, feces, or shed skin promptly. Regularly clean and disinfect the enclosure using a reptile-safe cleaner.
A properly set up enclosure will provide a comfortable and stimulating environment for your Moonglow Crested Gecko, allowing it to showcase its shimmering beauty and thrive as a pet.
| Enclosure Setup Checklist |
|---|
| Vertical terrarium |
| Appropriate-sized enclosure |
| Moisture-absorbing substrate |
| Multiple hides |
| Decorations (cork bark tubes, reptile caves, plants) |
| Reptile-specific heat mat or ceramic heat emitter |
| Low-wattage LED or fluorescent bulb |
| Hygrometer |
| Shallow water dish |
| Reptile-safe cleaner |
Temperature and Humidity
The Moonglow Crested Gecko requires specific temperature and humidity levels to thrive in captivity. Maintaining the proper conditions will promote their overall health and well-being.
Humidity: Moonglow Crested Geckos require a moderate to high humidity level of around 60% to 80%. This is best achieved by misting their enclosure with water multiple times a day. You can also use a reptile fogger or a humidifier to maintain the proper humidity level. The moisture is important for their skin shedding process and promotes hydration. Monitoring the humidity levels with a hygrometer is crucial to ensure they are within the appropriate range.
Importance of Moonlight: Moonglow Crested Geckos get their name from their moonlight-like appearance due to their shimmering skin. Providing a natural light cycle that includes a period of darkness is important for these geckos. They are primarily nocturnal creatures and need a dark environment to rest and regulate their biological clock. Applying a moonlight bulb or using a red light bulb during the nighttime hours will allow them to perceive a dim glow while preserving their natural behavior.
| Temperature | Humidity | Moonlight |
|---|---|---|
| Apply a moonlight or red light bulb during nighttime hours |
By providing an appropriate temperature range, maintaining proper humidity levels, and incorporating moonlight into their environment, you will create an optimal habitat for your Moonglow Crested Gecko. This will promote their well-being, encourage natural behaviors, and allow them to thrive in captivity.
Diet and Feeding
Glowing in the moonlight: Feeding your pet Moonglow Crested Gecko
Creasted geckos are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant matter and insects. As a responsible owner, you should aim to create a balanced diet for your pet, similar to their natural habitat in New Caledonia.
Plant-Based Diet:
The foundation of a Moonglow Crested Gecko’s diet should consist of various fruits and vegetables. Feedings of powdered fruit mix, such as Repashy Crested Gecko Diet or Pangea Fruit Mix Complete, are highly recommended. To ensure a diverse diet, you can also provide mashed fruits like bananas, apples, and apricots. Leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, and dandelion greens can be included as well.
Insect Protein:
In addition to plant-based foods, Moonglow Crested Geckos should also receive a protein source by incorporating insects into their diet. Small insects such as crickets, flightless fruit flies, and small roaches are perfect choices. These can be dusted with a calcium supplement or gut-loaded to maximize nutritional value before being offered to your gecko.
Feeding Schedule:
Water:
Provide a shallow water dish that is easily accessible for your gecko. Change the water regularly to maintain cleanliness.
To sum up, a balanced diet for your Moonglow Crested Gecko should consist of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects. Providing proper nutrition will not only maintain your gecko’s overall health but also enhance their glowing appearance in the moonlight.
Lighting and UVB for Moonglow Crested Gecko
Proper lighting and UVB exposure are crucial for the health and well-being of your Moonglow Crested Gecko. As a reptile, it relies on external light sources to regulate its body functions, including digestion, reproduction, and overall behavior.
Adequate lighting is essential for the Moonglow Crested Gecko to maintain its natural circadian rhythm. It needs a regular day and night cycle to thrive, just like in its natural habitat. You can achieve this by providing a natural light cycle using a timer. Approximately 12-14 hours of light and 10-12 hours of darkness is recommended for these geckos.
In addition to regular lighting, UVB exposure is crucial for the Moonglow Crested Gecko’s overall health. UVB light helps reptiles produce vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium absorption. Calcium is vital for maintaining strong bones and preventing metabolic bone disease.
When setting up the lighting for your Moonglow Crested Gecko’s enclosure, make sure to position the UVB bulb or tube at a proper distance and angle. This will ensure that your gecko receives the necessary UVB exposure without being too close or too far away from the light source.
Remember to regularly monitor and replace your UVB bulbs or tubes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Over time, the UVB output can diminish, even though the bulb may still emit visible light.
Handling and Socialization
Begin by spending time near the gecko’s enclosure, allowing them to observe your presence and become familiar with your scent. Over time, you can start by gently placing your hand in the enclosure and allowing the gecko to approach you voluntarily. Avoid making sudden movements or grabbing the gecko, as this can trigger a defensive reaction.
When the gecko is comfortable with your presence, you can slowly introduce hand feeding as a means of establishing trust. Use appropriate, small-sized food items such as live insects or crested gecko diet to feed them from your hand. This will help associate your presence with positive experiences and encourage the gecko to view you as a source of food.
Remember to wash your hands before and after handling the gecko to prevent the transmission of any bacteria or parasites. It is also advisable to handle the gecko over a soft surface or within a secure enclosure to prevent any falls or injuries.
Socialization is also an important aspect of owning a moonglow crested gecko. While they are not inherently social creatures, they can still benefit from regular interaction and exposure to their human caregivers. This can be accomplished through gentle handling sessions, as well as providing them with a stimulating environment that includes hiding spots, climbing branches, and visual barriers.
Health and Common Issues
One common health issue that owners may encounter is shedding problems. Moonglow Crested Geckos shed their skin periodically, usually in one piece. However, sometimes they may have difficulty shedding, leading to retained skin or incomplete shedding. This can cause discomfort and potentially lead to infections.
If you notice that your gecko is having trouble shedding, you can help by providing them with proper humidity and moisture. You can create a humid hide in their enclosure by using a small box or container filled with damp moss or paper towels. This will help create a microclimate of higher humidity, allowing the gecko to shed more easily.
Additionally, monitoring their weight is crucial, as both obesity and lack of weight gain can be signs of underlying health issues. Regularly weigh them and make sure they are maintaining a healthy body condition.
By staying proactive and taking proper care of your Moonglow Crested Gecko, you can minimize the risk of any health issues and ensure that your pet is happy and thriving. Regularly monitor their health, provide a balanced diet, and create the ideal environmental conditions, and your gecko will continue to shine like the shimmering moonlight they are.
Shedding and Skin Care
Shedding is a natural process for reptiles, including the Moonglow Crested Gecko. It is essential for their growth and allows them to replace old and damaged skin. Proper shedding is crucial to the overall health and well-being of your gecko, so it’s essential to understand and assist in the process when necessary.
During shedding, your Moonglow Crested Gecko’s skin will become dull and opaque. This is a sign that the shedding process has begun. Over time, the old skin will start to loosen and separate from the new skin underneath. Eventually, your gecko will wriggle out of the old skin, revealing a fresh and vibrant layer underneath.
Providing Proper Humidity
One of the most important factors in ensuring a successful shedding process is maintaining proper humidity levels in your gecko’s enclosure. The ideal humidity range for a Moonglow Crested Gecko is between 50% and 70%. This can be achieved by misting the enclosure with water daily and using a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
When your gecko is preparing to shed, you can increase the humidity slightly to help soften and loosen the old skin. This can be done by increasing the frequency of misting or using a moist hide box filled with damp moss or paper towels.
Skin Care
If you notice that your gecko is having difficulty shedding or there are patches of stuck skin, you may need to assist in the process. Gently misting the affected areas can help soften the skin and make it easier for your gecko to remove. You can also provide a shallow dish of warm water for your gecko to soak in, which can help loosen the old skin.
After your Moonglow Crested Gecko has completed shedding, it’s essential to inspect its skin for any retained shed or signs of infection. Retained shed can lead to circulation problems and even loss of toes or tail if left unaddressed. If you notice any retained shed, gently remove it using a damp cotton swab or your fingers.
Regularly monitoring your gecko’s shedding process and providing proper care will help ensure their skin remains healthy and vibrant. With proper humidity levels and attentive observation, your Moonglow Crested Gecko will continue to glow and shimmer with beauty.
Moonglow Crested Gecko Breeding
The Moonglow Crested Gecko is a unique and exotic pet lizard known for its stunning appearance. With its glowing moonlight-like shimmer, it has become a favorite among reptile enthusiasts. If you are considering breeding Moonglow Crested Geckos, there are several important factors to understand and consider.
It is recommended to have a separate enclosure for breeding purposes to ensure that the breeding pair has privacy and a controlled environment. The enclosure should mimic their natural habitat, with plenty of hiding spots and branches for climbing.
Pairing the Geckos
When selecting breeding pairs, it is essential to choose geckos that are healthy, of appropriate age, and have no genetic defects. It is advisable to consult with a reptile veterinarian or a reputable breeder to ensure that you are selecting the right geckos.
It is crucial to introduce the male and female geckos gradually to avoid aggression and stress. Make sure to monitor their behavior and separate them if any signs of aggression or injury occur.
Incubation and Hatching
The incubation period usually lasts around 60-90 days, but it may vary. It is essential to monitor the temperature and humidity levels regularly to ensure proper development. Once the eggs are ready to hatch, you may notice small cracks or openings in the eggshells.
Once the baby geckos hatch, it is essential to provide them with a suitable enclosure, similar to the adult geckos. The babies should be fed with appropriate-sized insects and a well-balanced diet to promote healthy growth.
Overall, breeding Moonglow Crested Geckos can be a rewarding and fascinating experience. However, it is crucial to have the necessary knowledge and resources to ensure the health and well-being of the geckos and their offspring.
Selecting Breeding Pairs
It is recommended to breed geckos that are at least one year old and have reached sexual maturity. Breeding younger geckos can put stress on their developing bodies, leading to health complications.
Compatibility is another important factor to consider when selecting breeding pairs. Choose geckos that are similar in size and temperament to ensure successful mating and reduce the risk of aggression. Introduce the pair gradually and monitor their behavior closely before allowing them to breed.
Incubation and Hatching
Incubating and hatching Moonglow crested gecko eggs can be an exciting and rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts. The process involves carefully controlling the temperature and humidity conditions to ensure the health and viability of the developing embryos.
Temperature
Humidity
Moonglow crested gecko eggs require a relatively high humidity level for successful incubation. Aim for a humidity range of 70% to 80% throughout the incubation period. This can be achieved by misting the incubation medium with water regularly and covering the container with a lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
Incubation Period
Hatching
Once the hatchlings have emerged from their eggs, it is advisable to leave them in the incubation container for a short period to allow them to fully absorb their yolk sacs and strengthen. During this time, it is crucial to maintain appropriate temperature and humidity conditions to support the hatchlings’ well-being.
Remember, hatching and raising Moonglow crested geckos requires patience, attention to detail, and dedication. However, the reward of seeing these moonlight shimmering beauties grow from tiny eggs to glowing adults makes it all worthwhile for reptile enthusiasts and pet lovers alike.
I’m Lena Adams—a product of an unconventional upbringing in the African wilderness. My father, a daring explorer of African wildlife, sparked my fascination with reptiles, a passion that intertwined with the tragic loss of my mother during an expedition, leaving an indelible mark on my life. Driven to understand the creatures that captivated my parents, I embarked on my journey, sharing insights about reptiles, frogs, and lizards on my website. Through my explorations and conservation efforts, I honour my family’s legacy while seeking connections—to the creatures, nature, and the mother whose presence I yearn to understand.