Mossy Prehensile-Tailed Gecko (Chahoua)

Mossy Prehensile-Tailed Gecko (Chahoua) key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

15-20 years

Size

25-31cm

Temperature

18〜29℃

Humidity

60〜80%

Diet

Prepared fruit-based gecko diet, plus crickets and dubia roaches

Temperature & Humidity

Aim for 28-29 C in the basking area, 22-24 C in the cool zone and 18-22 C at night. These are low targets, so a powerful heat source is unnecessary. Average humidity should be 60-80 percent, naturally lower on the warm side and higher on the cool side, and it is normal for it to rise at night and fall by day.

Enclosure

As an arboreal species reaching 31 cm, the minimum for one adult is 60 x 60 x 90 cm, and larger is strongly recommended. In a tall enclosure the top is warmest, so place vines, branches and foliage at every level so it can thermoregulate. Juveniles under about 20 g go in a small grow-out enclosure of roughly 12 by 12 by 12 inches, with UVB and heat lamps left out for safety.

Diet & Feeding

In the wild it alternates between insects and fruit with the seasons. In captivity use a prepared fruit-based gecko diet as the staple with crickets and dubia roaches alongside. It can survive without UVB given dietary vitamin D3, but it does not thrive without it.

Temperament

Nocturnal, resting among branches and foliage by day. Keep it singly and never house males together. It drops its tail less readily than its relatives, but falls do happen, so substrate to cushion a landing is worthwhile.

Notes

It is not listed in the CITES appendices and has no entry in Species+. It is neither a specified animal nor an invasive alien species under Japanese law. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Vulnerable. As a New Caledonian endemic, confirm the origin of any animal you acquire.

About Mossy Prehensile-Tailed Gecko (Chahoua)

The Chahoua is an arboreal New Caledonian gecko known for its moss-like pattern, gripping tail, and calm temperament. Adults grow to 25-31 cm and are best suited to intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Mossy Prehensile-Tailed Gecko (Chahoua)

1. 1A Tall, Arboreal Setup

   Chahoua geckos are arboreal, so height matters more than floor space in their enclosure. Add sturdy climbing branches, thick perches, and epiphytic plants so they can rest well off the ground with plenty of leaf cover to retreat into.

2. 2A Gripping, Sturdy Tail

   Their muscular, prehensile tail wraps securely around branches, and unlike closer mikado gecko relatives, they're less prone to dropping it when startled. Still, tail loss isn't impossible, so avoid grabbing or startling them roughly.

3. 3Nocturnal and Shy by Day

   These geckos are most active at night and dusk, often staying hidden in shelters or foliage during the day. Not seeing them during daylight hours is normal behavior, not a sign of illness.

4. 4Temperature and Humidity

   Aim for moderate humidity without excessive stagnant moisture, and avoid extreme heat, reflecting their native climate. Misting to create daily humidity swings alongside good ventilation helps keep them healthy.

5. 5An Omnivorous Diet

   Beyond insects, Chahoua geckos readily eat fruit-based prepared diets, reflecting their omnivorous nature. Offering a rotating variety helps ensure balanced nutrition.

6. 6Sizing the Enclosure Right

   Adults reach 25 to 31 cm, so it helps to plan enclosure size around their eventual adult dimensions even while they're still young. Prioritize vertical space in particular.

7. 7Best Suited to Intermediate Keepers

   This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers rather than absolute beginners. It helps to have prior reptile-keeping experience and to have temperature, humidity, and feeding routines ready before bringing one home.

Frequently asked questions about Mossy Prehensile-Tailed Gecko (Chahoua)

Q.Is this gecko suitable for beginners?

A.The Chahoua is generally considered a species for intermediate keepers rather than complete beginners. Prior reptile-keeping experience, along with comfort managing temperature and humidity, is helpful before bringing one home.

Q.How big do adults get?

A.Adults typically reach about 25 to 31 cm in length. That makes them a fairly large-bodied gecko compared to many other species.

Q.Does its tail drop easily, and does it grow back?

A.Its muscular, prehensile tail wraps around branches, and compared to closer mikado gecko relatives, it's less prone to dropping when startled. That said, tail loss is still possible, so avoid grabbing or roughly handling the tail.

Q.Are they friendly, and can they be handled?

A.As a nocturnal species that prefers to stay hidden during the day, they aren't especially outgoing, but they're rewarding to observe calmly. Handling is best kept minimal and done gently, based on the individual gecko's comfort.

Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping one?

A.The Chahoua is not subject to CITES.

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