Which pet fits your life? Every care dimension compared — lifespan, size, difficulty, budget, temperature, humidity, diet, UVB and handling.
Correlophus ciliatus
A low-maintenance, arboreal gecko that thrives on powdered diet and room-temperature setups—perfect for beginners.
IntermediateRhacodactylus leachianus
Large, expensive, and vocal; needs tall enclosure with sturdy branches and cool temps.
Crested Gecko and Leachie Gecko are both rewarding pets, but they suit different owners. If you are new to reptile keeping, Crested Gecko is the more forgiving pick — rated Beginner — while Leachie Gecko is rated Intermediate and expects more setup experience. Crested Gecko is the space-friendly option with only a Medium enclosure needed. If regular handling matters to you, Crested Gecko scores higher (★★★☆☆). Read both full care guides below before you decide.
| Trait | Crested Gecko | Leachie Gecko |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Correlophus ciliatus | Rhacodactylus leachianus |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Adult size | 20-25 cm (8-10 in) | 38-43 cm (15-17 in) |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Typical price | $50-$150 | $800-$2000 |
| Basking temperature | 22-26°C (72-78°F) | 22-26°C (72-78°F) |
| Ambient temperature | 22-26°C (72-78°F) | 22-26°C (72-78°F) |
| Night temperature | 18-22°C (65-72°F) | 18-21°C (65-70°F) |
| Humidity | 60-80 | 60-80 |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
| UVB needs | Low/optional | Low/optional |
| Handling tolerance | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Activity | Nocturnal | Nocturnal |
| Space needed | Medium | Large |
The easier species to start with is Crested Gecko — it is rated Beginner.
Crested Gecko tolerates handling better (3/5 vs 2/5). Start with short, calm sessions and read the handling tips in the care guides below.
Typical purchase price: Crested Gecko $50-$150 vs Leachie Gecko $800-$2000. Ongoing costs (enclosure, heating, food) differ mainly through similar diets (Omnivore) and identical UVB requirements (Low/optional).
Crested Gecko reaches 20-25 cm (8-10 in) and suits a Medium-class enclosure, while Leachie Gecko reaches 38-43 cm (15-17 in) and needs a Large-class setup. Measure your available space before choosing.
Leachie Gecko vs Crested Gecko
Pick any two species from our library
Crested gecko care: enclosure size, temperature and humidity targets, CGD diet, bioactive setups, and the mistakes new keepers make.
Leachie GeckoThe leachie gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) is the world's largest gecko, reaching 17 inches and over 300 grams. This comprehensive guide covers enclosure setup, climate control, diet, pair bonding, handling, and troubleshooting for these demanding but magnificent New Caledonian giants.