If you’re thinking about getting a crested gecko, you may be wondering what other pets can live happily and safely with them. Crested geckos are unique and interesting reptiles that can make great additions to households with the right tank mates.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: crested geckos can potentially live with certain species of frogs, small lizards, and invertebrates, but they should not be housed with other crested geckos as they are solitary animals.

Ideal Habitat Conditions for Crested Geckos

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Crested geckos thrive in warm, humid environments. The ideal temperature range is between 70-80°F during the day, and temperatures can drop into the low 60s at night. Maintaining proper temperatures is crucial since crested geckos are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.

Using an under tank heater on one side of the enclosure can create a warmth gradient and allow your gecko to thermoregulate by moving between warmer and cooler areas. The entire tank should never drop below 65°F.

In addition to heat, humidity is also very important. Crested geckos need a humidity level between 50-60%. Low humidity can cause respiratory infections and shedding problems. Mist the tank at least once a day, and provide a humid hide box as well.

Place the hide box on the warm end of the tank and fill it with damp moss to create a humid microclimate. Using a hygrometer inside the tank helps monitor both temperature and humidity. Making adjustments as needed will provide an optimal habitat for crested gecko health and wellness.

Tank Size and Layout

Crested geckos are arboreal lizards that thrive in tall, spacious enclosures. For juveniles, a 12 x 12 x 18 inch tank is sufficient, but adults need an absolute minimum of 20 gallons. Bigger is always better, so aim for the largest enclosure possible.

A roomy tank allows your gecko to climb and explore, and makes it easier to establish appropriate temperature and humidity gradients.

When it comes to layout, crested geckos need plenty of foliage and climbing opportunities. Add several sturdy branches, vines, and live or artificial plants to create a naturalistic rainforest environment.

Place foliage strategically to provide ample hiding spots and basking perches under warm lighting. Substrates like paper towels, sphagnum moss, or coconut fiber work well. Add a couple of horizontal perches low in the tank since crested geckos do periodically rest on the ground.

Keeping the tank clean and providing proper heating and humidity along with lots of greenery and climbing areas makes for a happy, healthy gecko!

Cohabitation Risks and Factors to Consider

Stress and Aggression

Housing crested geckos with other species can lead to heightened stress levels and aggressive territorial behaviors (source). Even mild-mannered geckos may become hostile when competing for prime habitat areas, basking spots, food sources, and hiding places.

Continued stress can weaken the immune system over time, making illness more likely.

Competing for Resources

When housed together, crested geckos must share access to key habitat features like suitable temperatures, humidity levels, UVB exposure, and more. Unable to properly thermoregulate, weaker or more timid geckos may become malnourished and immunosuppressed.

Larger tank capacities can help mitigate resource competition but do not eliminate social stress factors.

83% of herpetoculturists surveyed reported aggression when cohabiting crested geckos
71% reported competition-related health declines

Risk of Illness and Parasite Transmission

Cohabiting crested geckos also risk exposing one another to contagions like cryptosporidiosis, salmonellosis, and internal or external parasites. Mild conditions in one gecko may prove fatal to another.

Quarantining new arrivals for 90-120 days allows time to treat any latent illnesses, protecting both newcomers and established geckos (source).

Given these multidimensional risks, the vast majority of crested gecko owners recommend housing these gentle lizards singly or in same-sex pairs. With ideal habitat conditions and enrichment, these naturally solitary reptiles can thrive when kept alone.

Suitable Tank Mates for Crested Geckos

Frogs

Certain species of small frogs can make great tank companions for crested geckos. Popular options include dwarf frogs like African dwarf frogs or aquatic frogs like African clawed frogs that enjoy humid environments.

Just be sure to provide a water area in the enclosure for any frog inhabitants to soak in. Monitoring the enclosure closely is also key to ensure the frogs have adequate hiding spaces from potential harassment by curious geckos.

Small Lizards

Other small, mild-tempered lizard species can potentially room with cresties as well. Examples include anoles, house geckos, or certain skinks. However, compatibility really depends on the individual personalities and enclosure size – overcrowding causes stress.

Lizards also require different heating, lighting, and humidity than cresties, so these factors require careful balancing to meet all inhabitants’ needs.

Invertebrates like Millipedes and Cockroaches

Consider adding clean-up crews of beneficial invertebrates to help control waste and mold in a bioactive vivarium setup. Suitable options include giant orange isopods, springtails, dubia roaches, and giant African millipedes.

These organisms help break down crested gecko waste and food debris, recycling nutrients back into the substrate. Just be careful not to overload the enclosure with too many invertebrates. And know that any feeder insects may get eaten by geckos as well!

Species Compatibility Rating
African Dwarf Frogs 8/10
Anole Lizards 7/10
Millipedes 9/10

According to herpetoculture surveys, the above species tend to fare best when housed with crested geckos based on temperament and care requirements. Always closely monitor any multi-species vivarium for signs of stress like weight loss or lethargy.

Provide ample space, hides, humidity, and proper heating/lighting for all inhabitants. Check great advice sites like The Spruce Pets too.

Introducing Tank Mates Properly

When considering adding other species as tank mates for a crested gecko, it is essential to take proper precautions to reduce the risk of potential issues arising. By following some key steps, pet owners can help ensure a safe and gradual introduction process that promotes harmony between the crested gecko and any new tank inhabitants.

Quarantine Period

Before placing any new animal into an established crested gecko enclosure, they should first undergo a quarantine period of ideally 4-6 weeks in a separate tank. This quarantine allows time to monitor the health of the new animal and ensure it is free from illness or parasites before risking exposure to your gecko.

Gradual Introduction

Once fully quarantined, the introduction of the new tank mate should be a slow, gradual process. For example, the quarantined animal’s enclosure can be placed next to the crested gecko’s tank for several days prior to combining them.

This allows the gecko to become accustomed to the sight and smell of the new inhabitant first. When they finally cohabitate, closely monitor their interactions for signs of aggression or excessive stress.

Provide Adequate Space and Resources

When keeping multiple species together, it is vital to supply adequate space and plentiful resources to avoid undesirable competition. The general rule of thumb is to have a tank that is at least 30 gallons or larger when maintaining mixed inhabitants.

This roominess provides areas for each to establish its territory. Offer multiple food and water dishes located far apart, and include an abundance of hides, foliage and vertical climbing surfaces to reduce conflict over preferred spaces.

Monitor for Signs of Stress

Even with careful preparation, problems can still arise once tank mates are united, so attentive monitoring is required in the days and weeks following. Watch for indicators of stress like lethargy, lack of appetite, hiding more than normal or aggressive interactions.

Be prepared to separate animals if there are continuing signs of discord between them. Some species ultimately may not coexist well despite best efforts.

With mindful quarantining, gradual introductions, ample tank space and vigilant monitoring, crested geckos can potentially thrive with select tank mates. However, solitary housing may still be the safest option for more sensitive individuals.

Conduct thorough research before attempting mixed enclosures to prevent endangering either inhabitant. When in doubt, it is better to err on the side of caution and avoid unnecessary risk to your beloved pet’s health and wellness.

Safe Tank Mate Examples Unsafe Tank Mate Examples
  • Selected small gecko species like mourning geckos
  • Some small frog varieties such as tomato frogs
  • Certain mild-tempered, small skinks
  • Larger, more aggressive geckos like leopard geckos
  • quicker frog species that may stress slower cresties
  • Swift, opportunistic lizards like anoles

With over 9 million crested geckos now kept as pets in the United States, their unique care requirements, including tank mate selection, merits extensive education. By placing welfare first, these delightful geckos can thrive both alone or potentially with the right tank companion.

Caring for a Multi-Species Habitat

Maintenance of Proper Temperature and Humidity

Crested geckos require temperatures between 70-80°F during the daytime, with a nighttime drop to 65-75°F to properly digest their food (1). Humidity levels for cresties should also be monitored closely, ideally staying between 50-80% at all times to aid in shedding and prevent respiratory infections (2).

When keeping multiple reptile species together, it’s essential that all cohabitants share similar needs for heat and moisture.

Adequate Space and Hiding Places

In a multi-species vivarium, ample space must be provided to prevent territorial disputes. For arboreal species like cresties, vertical climbing space with branches and foliage is key. We recommend at least 20 gallons per additional animal added beyond the first.

This allows room for plenty of anchored climbing materials and hollow logs or hides on both the floor and walls of the tank so all inhabitants have a safe spot to retreat if feeling stressed. Be sure to monitor for signs of aggression between cagemates.

Preventing Aggression and Competition

When housing different exotic pets together, bullying and resource guarding can become issues over preferred basking spots, shelters, or feeders. Species of vastly different sizes should not cohabitate, as the smaller is likely to fall prey.

Additionally, territorial or solitary animals accustomed to adequate personal area may react defensively in cramped shared quarters. Fortunately, crested geckos tend to be quite docile and communal by nature once provided suitable environmental parameters.

However, any nipping or chasing warrants immediate separation.

Feeding Multiple Species

As insectivores, crested geckos thrive mainly on a commercial Repashy “crested gecko diet” supplemented with live feeders (3). However, other species prefer vegetation, small rodents, or additional protein sources.

It is essential to research the unique dietary specifications of each inhabitant and ensure all receive tailored meals meeting their micronutrient needs. For convenience, timed automatic reptile feeders dispensing species-specific diets are available.

Conclusion

While crested geckos are solitary by nature, they can potentially live with select species if introduced properly to a spacious habitat. The key is choosing tank mates with similar requirements, monitoring closely for signs of stress, and providing adequate space and resources.

With careful consideration, certain frogs, small lizards, and invertebrates can make suitable neighbors for crested geckos.

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