Chahoua Gecko Mniarogekko chahoua

The Mossy Camouflager of the Rainforest

Mniarogekko chahoua, commonly known as the Chahoua Gecko or "Mossy Prehensile-tailed Gecko," is a rare gem from New Caledonia. Their most captivating feature is their intricate pattern of interwoven reds, greens, whites, and browns, allowing them to vanish perfectly against lichen-covered tree trunks. Compared to the Crested Gecko, the Chahoua is stockier with deeper, more soulful eyes, making it a dream species for advanced reptile collectors.

Care & Behavior

• Ideal Temperature: Heat sensitive. 22–28°C is optimal. Ventilation and cooling are crucial during summer.
• Primary Diet: Omnivorous; loves Commercial Gel Diet (CGD), but requires more insects than Crested Geckos for calcium intake.
• Personality: Generally docile but has a very enthusiastic feeding response (Food Aggressive). Watch your fingers if they smell like fruit!
• Activity Cycle: Nocturnal; they actively jump and climb among branches at night.
• Habitat Tips: Arboreal setup required. Provide plenty of sturdy branches and cork bark for climbing and hiding.

Field Notes

The tail structure of the Chahoua Gecko is unique and powerful. It can curl tightly around branches to support its full body weight like a monkey, earning it the name "Prehensile-tailed Gecko."

Another fascinating biological trait is reproduction. Unlike other New Caledonian geckos, Chahouas lay "hard-shelled" eggs rich in calcium. This means breeding females require significant calcium supplementation. Furthermore, unlike the Crested Gecko, if a Chahoua drops its tail due to danger, the tail can regenerate. The new tail may have a slightly different pattern, but it remains fully functional.