Named for their unique lateral, ciliated crests that run along the sides of the head, neck, and back down to the base of the tail, these lizards are a triumph of herpetoculture. First described in the 1860s, crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) were thought to be extinct for several decades until they were rediscovered on the Isle of Pines, New Caledonia, in 1994. Within months, a few dozen specimens had been collected with the goal of establishing their multigenerational herpetoculture in the terrarium. Shortly afterward, this species became protected in the wild. These were some of the rarest, most expensive geckos in the world during the mid to late 1990s. Today, from those few dozen founding geckos, hundreds of thousands (maybe millions worldwide) of terrarium-bred geckos are produced annually, in all sorts of designer colors and patterns, ranging from inexpensive to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the individual gecko and its genetics.

If you are new to the terrarium hobby and are unfamiliar with these extraordinary geckos, crested geckos are among the most docile, least expensive, and easiest terrarium lizards to house and feed. Their care requirements are simple. No special heating or lighting is required for crested geckos, and they will thrive on commercially available diets.

Because of their easy care, gentle temperament, soft skin, and exotic appearance, less expensive varieties are among the most popular lizard pets for families and young people getting started in the terrarium hobby. High-quality, more costly examples of desirable color patterns and rare and new varieties often mark the pinnacle of an experienced geckophile’s reptile collection.

We have selected our breeding stock with great care. Most of our crested gecko lineage traces back to high-end lizards from name-brand breeders, including Altitude Exotics and Pangea Reptile. Some of our stock also traces back to well-known smaller breeders with excellent lineage, such as Fireside Geckos and Morph Menagerie.