Care Sheet
Background
Introduction
The Mniarogekko chahoua, commonly known as the Mossy New Caledonian Gecko is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal, omnivorous species native to New Caledonia.
Originally classified under the genus Rhacodactylus, chahouas are now placed in the genus Mniarogekko within the family Diplodactylidae, which includes medium to large geckos found exclusively in New Caledonia.
Renowned for their cryptic, moss-like camouflage, these geckos blend seamlessly into tree bark and foliage, making them remarkably elusive in their natural habitat.
Habitat
New Caledonia, the native home of chahoua geckos is a group of islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean and a sui generis collectivity of France.
Location: ~1,210 km (750 miles) east of Australia and south of Vanuatu
Land Area: ~18,576 km²
Chahouas inhabit regions where coastal forests meet the ocean, particularly the humid understory of southern Grand Terre and the nearby Isle of Pines.
They are frequently found in tree hollows or nestled among thick vegetation, where their mottled green, brown, and reddish coloration provides exceptional camouflage.
New Caledonia’s semi-tropical climate offers stability year-round, with mild seasonal shifts.
Average Temperature: 27°C (80°F)
Average Humidity: 76%
Unique Traits
Camouflage: Chahoua geckos rely on cryptic coloration, controlled by specialized skin cells. Their nervous system influences stress-related shifts in tone, though they do not exhibit the dramatic color changes seen in some other reptiles.
Lamellae: On the underside of their toes chahouas possess lamellae, thin scales covered in microscopic hair-like structures (setae) that branch into spatula-shaped tips.
These use van der Waals forces, allowing geckos to stick to surfaces without adhesives.
While their toe pads are not as specialized as those of crested geckos, chahouas combine functional lamellae with strong claws and muscular toes, giving them excellent grip on rough bark and natural surfaces.
Prehensile Tail: Unlike some geckos, chahouas have a prehensile tail, which acts as an extra limb for climbing and balance.
Their tails are more secure and less prone to detachment than those of many related species.
Intelligence & Social Behavior: Chahouas are known for their calm temperament and above-average intelligence among geckos.
They exhibit unusual social tendencies, often forming long-term pair bonds. A behavior observed regularly in captivity and believed to occur in the wild as well.
Lifespan
With proper care, chahouas thrive in captivity for 15 – 25 years, making them a long-term commitment for keepers.
Why They Make Good Pets?
Chahoua geckos are among the most rewarding reptiles to keep. Their calm temperament, intelligence, and manageable size make them well-suited for dedicated hobbyists.
Unlike many gecko species, chahouas often tolerate handling and may show signs of recognition toward their keepers.
Combined with their striking appearance and long lifespan, they are considered one of the most keeper-friendly New Caledonian geckos available.
White Collar Chahoua
The term “white-collar chahoua” refers not to a natural locality but to a selectively bred designer trait developed over many years of careful pairing.
These geckos display bold, pale bands of white or cream-colored scales around the neck and shoulders, creating a dramatic contrast against their mossy patterning.
Because this trait is the result of deliberate lineage work, white-collar chahouas are considered premium animals in the reptile market.
Market Value and Growth
Chahouas are among the most expensive New Caledonian geckos available today.
Chahouas often begin around $300 USD – $1,500 USD, while high-end designer morphs especially white-collars with exceptional lineages can command $4,000 USD – $20,000 USD or more.
This trend reflects the growing reptile market, where demand for high-quality, captive-bred species has steadily risen.
Chahouas, with their rarity, longevity, and unique traits, have become both a prized pet and a valuable investment for serious keepers and breeders.
Enclosure Setup
Enclosures
At Geckos.com, we exclusively use Exo-Terra terrariums for our geckos.
Our care recommendations are based on a sterile-style setup, which allows for easy cleaning, monitoring, and consistent husbandry results.
For keepers interested in bioactive enclosures, we encourage you to do your own research and determine what works best for your animals.
While bioactive setups can be rewarding, our care sheet reflects the sterile approach we use in-house.
✅ Setup Checklist ✅
1. Enclosure
Exo-Terra terrarium (size based on age/sex)
Hatchlings - Juveniles
8" x 8" x 12"
Juveniles - Adults
12" x 12" x 18"
Breeding Pairs
18" x 18" x 24"
2. Replacement screen top
To maintain proper humidity levels,we recommend replacing the factory mesh screen tops with a screen designed for better moisture retention.
3. Substrate
Paper Towels
4. Hides
Cork Rounds, Coconut Hide, Branches or sturdy climbing structures
5. Decor
Exo-Terra Plants (for cover and humidity control)
6. Food & Hydration
Food Dish, Water Dish, Feeding Ledge*
7. Care Tools
- Digital thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Spray bottle
- Misting system*
- Calcium
- Liquid Calcium
- Vitimin D3 Suppliment
- Pipette (for emergency calcium dosing)
Note: All items will be listed in the consumables tab below.
Diet & Care
Diet and Care
Chahoua geckos are opportunistic omnivores that thrive on a balanced mix of commercial fruit-based diets and live insects.
A consistent feeding and care routine is key to supporting their long-term health, breeding success, and overall well-being.
Feeding Schedule
Pangea Fruit Mix: Offered twice per week as the staple diet.
This provides a complete nutritional base with fruits, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Crickets: Fed once per week to add variety, promote natural hunting behavior, and supply additional protein.
All feeder insects should be dusted lightly with calcium powder prior to feeding. This helps maintain strong bone density and prevents metabolic bone disease.
All insects should be appropriately sized (no larger than the width between the gecko’s eyes).
Hydration
A shallow water dish with fresh water should always be available inside the enclosure.
Chahoua geckos will also lap droplets from leaves, glass, or decor after misting.
Misting Routine
Twice daily misting (morning and evening) is recommended.
This helps maintain proper humidity, stimulates natural drinking behavior, and supports clean, complete sheds.
Humidity
Ideal range: 60–80%
Lowest acceptable: 50%
High spikes are normal immediately after misting, but the enclosure should also be allowed to dry out slightly between mistings to prevent bacterial growth.
Temperature
Daytime range: 72–80°F
Nighttime drop: 65 –72°F
Minimum safe low: 65°F
Maximum safe high: 85°F
Avoid sustained high temperatures, as chahoua geckos are sensitive to overheating.
Supplemental heating is rarely necessary unless the ambient room temperature falls below their lower threshold.
General Care Tips
Monitor conditions with both a digital hygrometer and thermometer. Spot clean daily and perform full substrate changes as needed to prevent bacterial buildup.
Observe behavior during feeding and misting.A healthy chahoua should actively hunt insects, lap water, and display alert but calm responses to routine care.
Handling & Temperament
Chahoua geckos are widely admired for their calm, steady nature compared to many other gecko species. While individual personalities may vary, most respond well to gentle interaction and can become quite tolerant of handling over time.
Temperament
Chahouas are generally less skittish than other New Caledonian geckos, such as cresteds or gargoyles.
They often remain still and observe their surroundings rather than bolting when approached.
Their inquisitive, intelligent behavior makes them one of the more rewarding geckos to work with in captivity.
Handling Guidelines
Always handle your gecko gently and close to a flat surface in case it decides to jump.
Begin with short, calm sessions to build trust, gradually extending handling time as the gecko becomes more comfortable.
Avoid grabbing or restraining the tail. While chahoua tails are prehensile and less prone to dropping than other species, stress or improper handling can still cause tail loss.
Wash hands before and after handling to prevent transferring oils, scents, or bacteria.
Bonding Behavior
Many chahouas recognize their keepers and will readily come out during routine feeding or misting.
They display unique pair-bonding tendencies with mates, a behavior not commonly observed in other gecko species.
Over time, captive-bred chahouas often show a surprising level of trust and interaction, making them a standout choice for dedicated keepers.
Health
Common Health Issues
While chahoua geckos are generally hardy in captivity, improper husbandry can lead to preventable health issues.
Recognizing early signs of illness and maintaining proper care are essential for long-term success.
Shedding Problems
Inadequate humidity can result in stuck shed, especially on toes and tail tips. Persistent retained shed may cut off circulation and lead to loss of digits.
Ensure regular misting, provide textured decor for rubbing, and gently assist only if absolutely necessary.
Calcium Deficiency (MBD)
A lack of dietary calcium or vitamin D3 can result in metabolic bone disease (MBD). Symptoms include soft jaws, tremors, curved limbs, or a wavy (“squiggly”) tail.
Prevention relies on proper diet, supplementation, and UVB exposure (optional but beneficial in some setups).
Emergency Calcium Dosing
Breeding females are at risk of calcium crashes after laying eggs, as much of their calcium reserve is deposited into the clutch.
Signs include lethargy, poor coordination, and sudden tail deformities.
If a female is in distress, it is recommended to administer liquid calcium orally via pipette as an emergency measure.
Read manufacturer dosing instructions, consult with a veternarian if unsure or if any health issues persist.
This should be done cautiously and followed up with long-term dietary correction.
Dehydration
Insufficient misting or prolonged low humidity can cause dehydration, leading to sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, and lethargy.
Fresh water dishes, twice-daily misting, and proper humidity cycling prevent dehydration.
Stress
Overhandling, improper enclosure size, or incompatible pairings may cause stress.
Signs include hiding excessively, refusing food, or displaying darker stress coloration.
Always provide secure hides and minimize disturbance.
Parasites
Like all reptiles, chahouas can carry internal or external parasites.
Symptoms include weight loss despite eating, abnormal feces, or visible mites.
Routine veterinary checkups and quarantine of new animals are strongly recommended.
Consumables List
Consumables List
Enclosures & Housing
- Exo-Terra Terrarium (sizes based on age/sex)
- Replacement Screen Top (for improved humidity control)
Substrate
- Paper Towels
Decor & Hides
- Virgin Cork Rounds
- Coconut Shell Hides
- Exo-Terra Plants
- Exo-Terra Jungle Trees*
Feeding & Hydration
- Feeding Dish
- Water Dish
- Feeding Ledge*
- Live Cricket Container*
- Cricket Funnel Scoop*
- Cricket Food*
Supplements & Nutrition
- Calcium Powder
- Liquid Calcium
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Commercial Gecko Diets (e.g., Pangea, Repashy)
- Grass-Fed Whey Protein*- Magnesium Powder*
- Honey*
- Bananas*
- Blackberries
- Blueberries*
- Dragonfruit*
- Rasberries*
- Strawberries*
- Mangos*
Hydration & Misting
- Spring Water
- Spray Bottle
- Automated Misting System*
Care & Monitoring Tools
- Digital Thermometer
- Digital Hygrometer
- Pipette (for emergency calcium dosing)
- Enclosure Disinfectant (gecko-safe cleaner)
* = optional, at your own discretion based on preference and experience.