Crested geckos have become one of the most beloved reptiles in the hobby — and it's easy to see why. Native to the humid forests of New Caledonia, Correlophus ciliatus is a species that was once thought to be extinct, rediscovered in 1994 and quickly embraced by the reptile keeping community for their striking appearance, gentle temperament, and relatively manageable care requirements. With their distinctive fringed crests, expressive eyes, and prehensile tails, crested geckos are visually captivating animals that come in an extraordinary range of colors and patterns. But what truly sets them apart as pets is their personality — curious, responsive, and surprisingly interactive for a small gecko. That said, "easy to keep" should never be confused with "low maintenance." Crested geckos have specific environmental, nutritional, and behavioral needs that, when met consistently, allow them to live long, healthy, enriched lives in captivity.

Whether you're considering a crested gecko as your very first reptile or you're an experienced keeper looking to refine your husbandry, deepen your understanding of the species, or build a more naturalistic enclosure, this guide was designed for you. New keepers will find straightforward, research-backed guidance on everything from choosing the right enclosure and managing humidity and temperature to building a balanced diet and recognizing early signs of illness. More experienced keepers will find resources on bioactive builds, behavioral science, UVB lighting research, enrichment strategies, and the latest thinking in naturalistic crested gecko husbandry — because no matter how long you've been keeping geckos, there's always more to learn about giving them a better life in captivity.

This hub is organized into chapters that follow the full arc of crested gecko ownership, from initial preparation and sourcing your animal all the way through advanced topics like bioactive enclosures, tail loss, Cryptosporidium, and enrichment. Each chapter brings together every resource we've created on that topic in one place, so whether you need a quick answer or want to do a deep dive, everything is right where you need it. Our goal is simple: to give every crested gecko keeper — at every experience level — the most complete, trustworthy, and practical care resource available.