Defining Characteristics:

• Diurnal
• Smallest gecko available in captivity!
• Small size = less expensive setup

Name: Sphaerodactylus nicholsi. Their common name, the Puerto Rican crescent geckos, refers to their native island as well as the characteristic crescent mark found on top of their heads.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Adults should be kept alone or in pairs in a 12x12x12 or 12x12x18 enclosure. Because this species does not grow very large, upgrading adults to a larger enclosure is usually unnecessary. Coco fiber-based substrates or sand-soil substrates work well. A bioactive substrate can be made with BioBedding, springtails, and isopods. Keep the substrate slightly moist. A layer of leaf litter should be added on top of the substrate. 

Hides should be provided; cork bark and similar items work well. Climbing materials like rocks, driftwood, cork bark, and manzanita branches can be provided. Live plants are also a welcome addition.

Temperature (°F): Keep crescent geckos between 75-80°F. A heat source is not necessary if stable temperatures are maintained. If a heat source is provided, use a low wattage heat pad or bulb to prevent overheating. Temperature should be monitored with a digital thermometer. Night temperatures should not fall below 65°F.

Ferguson Zone 1 levels of UV light should be provided for your gecko. The Exo Terra TerraSky Spot Light or VivTech First Call SurSun work well, paired with Josh's Frogs Green Gro LED Light Fixture (12 inch, 18 Watt) which is excellent for plant growth!   Be sure to offer plenty of shade in the enclosure to avoid overexposure. 

Measure UV levels with the Josh's Frogs Model 6.5R Reptile UV Index Meter!

Humidity: Keep crescent between 55-65% humidity. Plants can be added to provide humid microclimates. Ambient humidity should be monitored with a digital hygrometer. Ashy geckos should be lightly misted daily or every other day to provide dew on the enclosure walls and cage items from which they can drink, but enough ventilation should be provided to allow the enclosure to dry out after several hours.

A shallow water dish can be provided but is not necessary with regular misting.

Size: These are the smallest gecko species available in captivity! Hatchlings come out measuring less than an inch, with adults reaching only around 2 inches!

Age: Crescent geckos are at least 4 weeks old when sold by Josh’s Frogs. It is estimated that these geckos live for 10-20 years in captivity.

Feeding: Crescent geckos sold by Josh’s Frogs are fed pinhead crickets and 1/8 inch crickets. These juveniles can also occasionally be offered extra small black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster fruit flies, and springtails. Adults should be fed a staple of 1/8 inch crickets, but can also be offered black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster fruit flies, dwarf white isopods, and bean beetles.

All feeder insects should be gutloaded and dusted with vitamin/mineral supplements, and can be offered in a food dish.

Sexing: Male crescent geckos can be identified by a series of shiny scales between their hind legs.

Color/Pattern: Puerto Rican crescent geckos are dark brown in color. Juveniles have a red tail. Some individuals have dark mottled lines running down their back and tail. Characteristic of these geckos is the crescent mark found on top of their head.

Social Behavior: This species is best kept alone or in pairs, but not in larger groups.

Breeding: A light brumation period in the winter or longer days in the summer will help incite breeding. Females lay single eggs every 3-4 weeks in a secure area, and will often make use of strategically placed egg-laying tubes.

Natural Range: As their name suggests, these geckos are found on Puerto Rico.

History in the Hobby: Captive-bred individuals are not common at all in the trade. We’re excited to make this micro gecko more popular and available!

Links of Interest:

• How to Set up Micro Geckos in a Bioactive Enclosure

Still not sure if the Puerto Rican crescent gecko from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!