Sarasin's Giant Gecko

Sarasin's Giant Gecko key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

12-18 years

Size

9-14cm snout-to-vent length, about 25cm in total

Diet

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

Temperature & Humidity

Its habitat is southern New Caledonia at 20 to 600 m, in a climate alternating between a dry season and a rainy one. Being nocturnal it does not need high temperatures, so avoid a strong heat source, build a gradient and adjust from measured readings.

Enclosure

It is less arboreal than its relatives and often hides under leaf litter or loose bark, so provide ground-level cover as well as height. Furnish with leafy plants and slender branches so it can use its habit of sleeping face up; setups that leave it sleeping upside down raise the risk of floppy tail syndrome.

Diet & Feeding

In the wild it is an omnivore and frugivore, taking insects and fruit. In captivity use a prepared fruit-based gecko diet as the staple with crickets and dubia roaches alongside, dusting the feeders with calcium.

Temperament

Nocturnal, active from two or three hours after dark until dawn. Keep it singly and never house males together. It spends the day hidden, so observation is best done at night.

Notes

It is not currently 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. It has been found at only six locations in the wild and is widely regarded within herpetological circles as vulnerable to extinction. As a New Caledonian endemic, confirm the origin of any animal you acquire.

About Sarasin's Giant Gecko

A nocturnal gecko endemic to southern New Caledonia, known for the white V-shaped marking or spots on the back of its head. It resembles the crested gecko but has larger eyes, and suits intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Sarasin's Giant Gecko

1. 1Nocturnal Activity Pattern

   These geckos rest hidden during the day and become active after dark. Don't expect daytime activity — plan to observe them mainly in the evening. Keeping their enclosure in a quiet spot helps them settle into this natural rhythm.

2. 2An Enclosure with Both Height and Floor-Level Hides

   This species is less strongly arboreal than others in its genus and often hides under leaf litter or behind bark. Provide a tall enclosure, but also plenty of hiding places on the floor. Because it sleeps facing upward, include leafy plants and thin branches. Environments that force it to sleep upside down raise the risk of floppy tail syndrome.

3. 3Temperature and Humidity Control

   Its habitat is forest and scrubland at 20–600m elevation, with a climate that alternates between a dry season and a rainy season of long rains. Being nocturnal, it does not need high temperatures, so avoid strong heat sources and adjust by measuring, with a temperature gradient in the enclosure. Balance misting and ventilation to keep conditions neither too damp nor too dry.

4. 4Individual Variation in Color and Pattern

   Base color ranges from brown to gray, and the white V-mark or spotting on the head varies from one individual to the next. Even within the same species, each gecko has its own distinct look worth getting to know.

5. 5Larger Eyes Set It Apart from Crested Geckos

   While it resembles the crested gecko at a glance, the noticeably larger eyes are a key distinguishing feature. Take time to appreciate those large nocturnal eyes as one of this species' distinctive charms.

6. 6Size Changes as It Grows

   Snout-vent length varies widely from 9 to 14cm, with total length (including the tail) reaching around 25cm. Choose enclosure size and equipment with the adult size in mind, not just how it looks at the time you bring it home.

7. 7Preparing the Enclosure Before Arrival

   Set up a tall enclosure with hiding places on the floor, leafy plants and thin branches, and equipment that lets you create a temperature gradient before your gecko arrives. As this species suits keepers with some prior reptile experience, it's worth having the basics down before bringing one home.

Frequently asked questions about Sarasin's Giant Gecko

Q.Can beginners keep Sarasin's Giant Gecko?

A.This species is generally considered suited to intermediate keepers. Having some basic reptile-keeping knowledge and experience will help you care for it with confidence.

Q.How is it different from the crested gecko?

A.It closely resembles the crested gecko in appearance but is distinguished by its notably larger eyes. Body color ranges from brown to gray, sometimes with a white V-shaped mark or spots on the back of the head.

Q.How big does it grow?

A.Snout-vent length varies considerably, from 9 to 14cm, with a total length including the tail of around 25cm. It's best to prepare an enclosure sized for this adult length from the start.

Q.Is it active during the day or at night?

A.It is nocturnal, so it mostly rests hidden during the day. Active behavior is typically seen at night.

Q.Is this species subject to CITES regulation?

A.Sarasin's Giant Gecko is not listed under CITES.

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