Lily White Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)

Common Name: Crested Gecko
Scientific Name: Correlophus ciliatus
Source: CB26
Adult Size: 15–25cm (6–10") including tail
Native Range: New Caledonia (Grande Terre and Isle of Pines), South Pacific

Enclosure: A minimum 60×45×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium for a single adult — tall arboreal (tree-dwelling) format is essential. Furnish with plenty of cork bark tubes, live or artificial plants, and diagonal branches to allow natural climbing and hiding behaviour. A bioactive or coco fibre substrate helps maintain humidity at the base of the enclosure.
Heating: Ambient temperature 22–26°C during the day, dropping to 18–22°C at night. Crested geckos are sensitive to sustained heat above 28°C, so avoid hot basking spots — gentle ambient warmth via a low-wattage heat mat on the side wall or a low-output heat lamp is preferred.
Humidity: 60–80%, achieved by misting the enclosure once or twice daily and allowing it to partially dry out between sessions. This wet-dry cycle mimics the natural rainfall patterns of New Caledonia and helps prevent respiratory issues.
UVB: A 2.4% UVB tube positioned so the animal can bask 15–20cm from it if it chooses. While crested geckos are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) and historically managed without UVB, current evidence strongly supports providing low-level UV exposure for long-term health and natural vitamin D3 synthesis.
Diet: Primarily a commercial crested gecko meal replacement powder (MRP) such as Repashy or Pangea, offered every 1–2 days — this replicates their natural fruit-heavy diet. Supplement with appropriately sized live insects (crickets, dubia roaches) two to three times per week for enrichment and added protein. Dust livefood with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement on feeding days.

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Crested geckos hail from the lush, humid forests of New Caledonia — a group of islands in the South Pacific — and were actually believed to be extinct until rediscovered in 1994. They are instantly recognisable by the delicate eyelash-like crests running from their eyes down their backs, and the Lily White morph takes this further with a striking patterning of creamy white overlaid against softer base tones, making each individual genuinely unique.

These geckos have earned their reputation as one of the best beginner reptiles available — they are hardy, relatively tolerant of handling once settled, and straightforward to feed. They suit keepers of all experience levels, from first-time reptile owners to seasoned collectors who simply appreciate a beautiful, low-maintenance species.