Crested geckos may darken their colors for camouflage in low lighting environments or at night due to stress or activity, transforming into the form of “fire up and darken”.
One of the more recently developed morphs of gecko is a green flame crested gecko with light olive-toned bases and intricate harlequin patterns. Although relatively rare, this species may prove expensive.
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Color
Crestid geckos come in various hues. Some hues may be more prevalent, while the hue may also depend on your crestie’s environment or mood; additionally, as it ages it will change further.
Bi-color crested geckos have two distinct tones of color with darker heads and backs, contrasting lighter stripes running down their bodies that resemble tiger gecko patterns. Bi-color cresties tend to be more colorful than solid patternless geckos; however, their variations of hue may not match that of their more colorful patterned cousins.
Halloween crested geckos have an orange pattern similar to flame morphs, yet brighter and less intense than their counterparts. Their legs, sides, belly and tail patterns vary more; additionally, there’s even a tricolor harlequin crested gecko which combines colors in different patterns such as spots or patches; it combines the characteristics of flame, tiger and harlequin species into one distinct hue!
Size
Crested geckos are polymorphic species, meaning they display numerous physical variations known as morphs that vary greatly between individuals. Breeders cannot predict which variant their offspring will have until after they hatch from eggs.
Some crested geckos morphs are more widely available. For instance, you might find lavender crested geckos that are especially pale green in hue; these lizards may even be less costly than their more exotic counterparts.
Popular gecko morphs include flame crested geckos. These lizards feature intricately detailed markings that resemble flames on their bodies; colors may differ but all feature similar patterns. Flame crested geckos tend to be more expensive than other varieties.
Habitat
Crested geckos (Correphalus ciliatus) make great first reptile pets for beginners due to their simple care requirements and tropical climate preferences. Originating in New Caledonia, these herps prefer warm temperatures with moderate climbing accommodations and plenty of hiding spots; their outgoing personalities make them great first herpers!
Crested Geckos require an ideal humidity level between 50 to 70% for proper health. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity daily and mist their enclosure with water morning and evening. A humidifier and substrates that retain moisture such as palm peat, coconut fiber or cypress mulch may also aid this cause.
Cresties inherit their coloration and patterns genetically from their parents, though environmental influences also have an impact. Cresties tend to be nocturnal creatures that prefer hiding during the daytime; therefore, their enclosure should contain plenty of branches, plants, logs, egg cartons and other objects for them to hide behind when needed. Furthermore, cresties need an isolated dark nighttime area where their circadian rhythms can flourish.
Feeding
Crested geckos are omnivorous creatures and should be provided with a mixture of fruits and insects to feed on. Their colors can change to camouflage themselves from other lizards or communicate, with darker or lighter shades depending on whether or not they’re stressed, happy, hungry or cold.
Crested geckos require both a balanced diet and moderate-to-high humidity levels in their enclosure. To achieve this goal, misting with water twice daily, using a humidifier, or providing layers of substrate such as palm peat or coconut fiber are effective ways of providing this environmental comfort.
These exotic reptiles are very easy to care for, as they do not require high temperatures like other reptiles do. They make an excellent starter pet as they can live in simple 20-gallon tanks filled with branches and leaves and fed once or twice weekly on crickets with gut-loaded crickets or insects as well as different varieties of fruit sliced, mashed or jarred fruits; three times every week you should also dust them with calcium/vitamin D3 powder supplements as an extra treat!
