Gecko Care Guide: Key Differences Between Leopard Geckos and Crested Geckos

Why Gecko Species Matter for Care Decisions

The term "gecko" covers hundreds of species with dramatically different ecologies. Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are ground-dwelling desert reptiles from Pakistan and India. Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are arboreal rainforest reptiles from New Caledonia. Treating either one like the other results in serious health problems. Understanding your specific species is the prerequisite for correct care.

First 3 Steps at Home

1. Leopard gecko temperature setup: Leopard geckos are crepuscular/nocturnal and primarily absorb heat from warm surfaces rather than basking under hot lights. Use an under-tank heater (UTH) on a thermostat set to 30–32°C (surface temperature) on one end of the enclosure. Ambient cool end should be 22–25°C. A low-output UVB light (T5 HO 6% or lower) is now recommended by many exotic vets despite the traditional no-UVB approach — it supports vitamin D3 synthesis and has been associated with improved health outcomes. Minimum enclosure for one adult: 60x30cm floor space.
2. Crested gecko temperature setup: Crested geckos require cooler temperatures than most reptiles. They thrive at 22–26°C with no extreme heat source needed. Temperatures above 29°C can cause heat stress and death. They are nocturnal and tolerate lower UVB levels than diurnal species — a T5 HO 6% on 12-hour photoperiod is appropriate. They require 60–80% humidity and a tall, vertically oriented enclosure (60x45x60cm minimum) with climbing branches and live or artificial plants.
3. Diet differences are significant: Leopard geckos are insectivores — their entire diet is feeder insects (dubia roaches, crickets, mealworms) dusted with calcium. Crested geckos are omnivores that eat a commercial crested gecko diet (Repashy, Pangea are widely used) supplemented with occasional feeder insects. The commercial diets are nutritionally complete — crested geckos managed on insect-only diets frequently develop nutritional problems.

When to Go to the Vet Immediately

• Tail drop in leopard geckos (can occur from stress or improper handling) — the wound needs monitoring for infection
• Crested gecko appearing white or pale and non-responsive — heat stress emergency
• Any metabolic bone disease signs: limb softness, jaw softness, tremors
• Retained shed around digits causing constriction — toe loss risk
• Any respiratory signs

Follow-Up Care Checklist

• Leopard geckos: dust feeders with calcium 5x per week (juveniles) or 3x (adults)
• Crested geckos: replace commercial diet every 24–48 hours; insects 2–3x weekly as supplemental protein
• Both species: weigh monthly to monitor nutritional status
• Both species: annual wellness exam and fecal parasite screening
• Provide appropriate hides on both warm and cool ends for leopard geckos; multiple climbing options for crested geckos

Track Daily Care with TailRounds

Log daily feeding, temperature readings, and weekly weight in the TailRounds Daily Log. Geckos are small and changes in weight or behavior can be subtle — consistent records make them visible.

Book a Vet Appointment

A new gecko wellness exam sets the health baseline and confirms your setup is appropriate. Book at Happy Paws with our reptile team within the first month of ownership.

Summary for Your Clinic Visit

Describe your enclosure setup in detail — temperatures, UVB, humidity, substrate — and current diet and supplementation. Note whether the gecko is feeding and defecating normally, and bring your weight record.