Which pet fits your life? Every care dimension compared — lifespan, size, difficulty, budget, temperature, humidity, diet, UVB and handling.
Rhacodactylus leachianus
Large, expensive, and vocal; needs tall enclosure with sturdy branches and cool temps.
BeginnerCorrelophus ciliatus
A low-maintenance, arboreal gecko that thrives on powdered diet and room-temperature setups—perfect for beginners.
Leachie Gecko and Crested 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 | Leachie Gecko | Crested Gecko |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Rhacodactylus leachianus | Correlophus ciliatus |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Adult size | 38-43 cm (15-17 in) | 20-25 cm (8-10 in) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Typical price | $800-$2000 | $50-$150 |
| 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 | 18-21°C (65-70°F) | 18-22°C (65-72°F) |
| Humidity | 60-80 | 60-80 |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
| UVB needs | Low/optional | Low/optional |
| Handling tolerance | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity | Nocturnal | Nocturnal |
| Space needed | Large | Medium |
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: Leachie Gecko $800-$2000 vs Crested Gecko $50-$150. Ongoing costs (enclosure, heating, food) differ mainly through similar diets (Omnivore) and identical UVB requirements (Low/optional).
Leachie Gecko reaches 38-43 cm (15-17 in) and suits a Large-class enclosure, while Crested Gecko reaches 20-25 cm (8-10 in) and needs a Medium-class setup. Measure your available space before choosing.
Crested Gecko vs Leachie Gecko
Pick any two species from our library
The 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.
Crested GeckoCrested gecko care: enclosure size, temperature and humidity targets, CGD diet, bioactive setups, and the mistakes new keepers make.