Gargoyle Gecko Terrarium Size Requirements

Here’s the baseline (MINIMUM) requirements for gargoyle gecko terrarium size:

  • Hatchlings (<12g) — 12″L x 12″W x 12″H
  • Juveniles and adults (>12g) — 18″L x 18″W x 36″H

As you choose an enclosure for your gecko, keep in mind that since gargoyle geckos are arboreal, height is better than width or depth. That being said, too narrow of an enclosure isn’t a good thing, either. Gargoyle geckos don’t just travel vertically — they also travel horizontally as they thermoregulate, photoregulate, and generally explore. Given that gargoyle geckos are not always proficient climbers, horizontal space can be especially important to provide for this species.

ReptiFiles recommends the following enclosures for use with gargoyle geckos:

HATCHLINGS

JUVENILES/ADULTS

Keep in mind that larger is always better! Providing a larger enclosure provides more space for your gecko to explore and exercise, which reduces the likelihood of obesity and increases muscle tone, which increases overall health and wellbeing. Being housed in a larger enclosure also creates more opportunities for enrichment and more options for how the gecko wants to spend its day. Freedom of choice in captivity also increases animal wellbeing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a hatchling gargoyle gecko under 13g, special adjustments will need to be made regarding heating and UVB lighting to avoid “cooking” your baby. Refer to the Light, Heat & Humidity page of this manual for details.

Photo contributed by Tiki's Geckos

Can multiple gargoyle geckos be housed together?

Some gecko keepers choose to house more than one gargoyle gecko per enclosure. I do not personally endorse this practice, as I believe that the risks of cohabitation outweigh the potential benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the risks so you can decide for yourself:

  • 2+ males: Never! In almost every species of reptile, males housed together **will** fight and injure/kill one another, and gargoyle geckos are no different.
  • Geckos of different sizes: Never! Gargoyle geckos are known to eat smaller lizards, and this includes juveniles of their own species. Housing a smaller gargoyle gecko with a larger individual is likely to end up in the smaller one getting devoured.
  • 1 male & 1+ females: This can work, but the geckos should be carefully supervised to make sure they don’t injure one another. Furthermore, please don’t cohab a male and female together unless you’re trying to breed them. They *will* mate and lay eggs! Breeding is not a project to be attempted casually.
  • 2+ females: This is the setup that is most likely to work (although still not optimal). Multiple females have been known to get along as long as they “move in” at the same time and are similarly sized. 

If you want to house two females together, you will need an enclosure that can provide at least 2x the volume of an 18x18x36 enclosure. The volume of an 18x18x36 is 11,664 cubic inches, so an enclosure volume of at least 23,000 cubic inches is recommended for two geckos. To further increase your likelihood of success, competition for resources must be minimized. You can do this by:

  • Provide multiple food and water dishes.
  • Provide a large and/or multiple basking areas. 
  • Provide lots of shade/cover to create visual barriers.

Keep in mind that cohabited geckos are more likely to lose their tails and may be injured in inter-gecko scuffles for dominance. Look out for tail nipping, weight loss, and unusual behavior. If any of the above are observed, separate them immediately!

Learn more about gargoyle gecko care:

  1. Introduction to Gargoyle Geckos
  2. The Gargoyle Gecko Shopping List
  3. Terrarium Size Guidelines
  4. Substrate Options
  5. Temperature & Humidity Requirements
  6. Decorating Your Gecko’s Terrarium
  7. Feeding Your Gargoyle Gecko
  8. Handling Tips
  9. Common Diseases & Health Questions
  10. Additional Resources

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