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, Mniarogekko chahoua belongs to the family Diplodactylidae, which includes medium to large geckos found exclusively in New Caledonia.

Known for their cryptic mossy camouflage, these geckos blend seamlessly into tree bark and foliage, making them elusive in the wild.

Habitat

New Caledonia, the home of chahoua geckos is a group of islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean, part of the sui generis collectivity of overseas France.

New Caledonia lies about 1,210 km (750 miles) east of Australia and south of Vanuatu, covering a total land area of 18,576 km².

Chahoua geckos inhabit specific regions where forests meet the ocean, particularly the humid forest understory of southern Grand Terre and the nearby Isle of Pines.

They are often found in tree hollows and among thick vegetation, where their mottled green, brown, and red coloration provides excellent camouflage.

New Caledonia enjoys a beautiful semi-tropical climate with consistent weather year-round, despite distinct warmer and cooler months.

Average temperature: 27°C (80°F)
Average humidity: 76%

Unique Traits
^CamoflagueChahoua geckos rely on static cryptic coloration controlled by specialized skin cells. Their nervous system helps regulate stress responses that may influence slight color variations.

^Lamellae
Lamellae are thin, plate-like scales found on the underside of a gecko’s toes. These scales are covered in microscopic hair-like structures called setae, which split into even finer spatula-shaped tips.

This unique adaptation allows chahoua geckos to take advantage of van der Waals force. Weak molecular attractions that let them stick to surfaces without using any adhesive substances.

The lamellae allow chahoua to instantly attach and detach from surfaces by altering the angle of their toes.

This ability is critical for navigating their arboreal habitat.

While chahoua geckos do have claws, their lamellae give them the ability to climb efficiently without relying on them, unlike many other reptiles.

They are not as specialized as those of species like crested geckos, which have even broader toe pads for enhanced sticking power.

However, chahoua geckos have an advantage in gripping rougher surfaces due to their stronger claws and more muscular toes, which help them navigate bark and branches more effectively.

^{Prehensile Tail}Unlike some gecko species, chahoua possess a prehensile tail, which aids in climbing and gripping branches.

The tails of chahoua are not prone to deattach as readily as some of the other gecko species.

^Intelligence
Chahoua geckos are known for their calm temperament and intelligence, making them popular in the reptile-keeping community.

Chahoua exhibit unusual social behavior compared to many other gecko species.

They form long-term pair bonds, often remaining with the same mate for extended periods. This bonding behavior is more commonly seen in captivity but may also occur in the wild.

^LifespanMniarogekko chahoua geckos have a long lifespan in captivity, often living 15 to 25 years with proper care.

Enclosure Setup

Enclosures

At Geckos.com, we exclusively use Exo-Terra terrariums for our geckos.

^{Hatchlings - Juveniles}
8" x 8" x 12"

^{Juveniles - Adults}12" x 12" x 18"

^{Breeding Pairs}18" x 18" x 24"

To maintain proper humidity levels,
we recommend replacing the factory mesh screen tops with a screen designed for better moisture retention.

^Substrate
Paper Towels

^HidesCork Rounds, Coconut Hide

^DecorExo-Terra Plants

Misc
Feeding Ledge, Food Dish, Water Dish,

Note: All items will be listed in the consumable list below.

Diet & Care

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Consumable List