Rhacodactylus chahouas are quickly becoming my favorite gecko, from the Rhacodactylus family and My favorite gecko all around. These are very alert and curious geckos. I will even go as far as saying that these may be the best pet gecko.
They are also known as, mossy New Caledonian geckos, short-snouted New Caledonian geckos,
Chahouas and somtimes called 'Chewies' by enthusiasts.
R. chahoua gets its common name from the pattern that they display, they have lichen like patterns and somtimes look like moss is growing right off of them. Colors range from Pastels to vivid colors, browns to light brown to incredible green, pinks and greys and even red ! Some suggest that color could possibly be an indicator of where they come from. However I have noticed the mainland locality seems to sport more browns and lighter greys or pastels. I have seen mainland geckos show brilliant colors just as the Pine Island locality does, this leads me to believe color really
does not tell you where the gecko has come from.
This gecko is arboreal like the crested gecko and also commonly comes down close to the ground for shelter. They are also often found on the ground in search of food and insects. R. chahoua, like all Rhacodactylus geckos, are omnivores. Their diet in the wild consists of insects as well as fruits.
Like other Rhacodactylus geckos they lay two eggs at a time.These are very well calcified
and are layed on the surface of the soil where they become adhered to each other. This is known as "egg gluing".
These are the only geckos of the Rhacodactylus family that lay adhering eggs. The female will guard the eggs after laying them, however I am unsure how long they gaurd the eggs, the eggs will hatch within 60-90 days somtimes taking up to a 100 days or more.
R. Chahoua is seen for sale occasionaly, however has been becoming more popular
as the years go on.
A male/female pair can be kept in a terrarium that is 18"x18"x24". Remember that height is more important then length, as these are an arboreal gecko.
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Like the Crested Gecko, These Geckos do well in temperatures ranging from
60 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity levels of 60%-80% percent.
A Thermometer and Hygrometer are
necessary. You may need a heat lamp/mat and or air conditioner if your where you live does not stay within the appropriate temperatures.
Humidity levels can be achived by misting the cage once to twice daily.
Rhacodactylus Chahoua
Male R. Chahoua, mainland locality, in shed.
Female R. Chahoua, mainland locality
Female R. Chahoua, mainland locality
Male R. Chahoua, mainland locality
Male R. Chahoua, mainland locality
Male R. Chahoua, mainland locality
