While 15-20 years is typical, some well-cared-for crested geckos have reportedly lived into their mid-20s
As one of the more recently established species in the pet trade relative to leopard geckos, long-term lifespan data is still accumulating, but anecdotal reports and early keepers' animals suggest the upper end of the species' potential lifespan may extend meaningfully beyond the commonly cited 15-20 year range with excellent care.
See the full facts guide, or browse all 440 info pages.
For much of the 20th century, Correlophus ciliatus was known only from old museum specimens and thought to be extinct.
Like many geckos, a crested gecko can voluntarily drop its tail (autotomy) as a defence mechanism when grabbed or startled — but unlike leopard geckos, it lacks the regenerative capacity to grow a new one.
Unlike species with moveable eyelids, crested geckos have a fixed transparent scale (brille) over each eye and use their long tongue to lick away dust and debris, similar to many other gecko species.
Unlike leopard geckos, crested geckos have adhesive lamellae on their toe pads (and a prehensile, sticky-tipped tail used as a fifth limb) that let them climb smooth vertical surfaces, including glass, with no trouble at all.
The fringed, eyelash-like row of skin projections running from above each eye back along the body gives this species its common name.
With correct husbandry, crested geckos are notably long-lived for a small gecko — commonly reaching 15–20 years, occasionally more.