Gargoyle vs Chahoua Gecko: What Is The Difference?
Gargoyle geckos and chahoua are two common geckos today. They’ve become increasingly popular as exotic pets due to their friendly, intelligent, and mixing nature. However, what are the differences between them?
The main differences between gargoyle gecko and chahoua include – size, weight, color, care, and behavior. Moreover, gargoyle geckos are semi-arboreal whereas chahoua are arboreal.
If you want to know more about the differences between gargoyle gecko and chahoua, read on!
Contents
Gargoyle Gecko vs Chahoua: Quick Comparison Table
The table below covers the differences between gargoyle gecko and chahoua in brief.
| Category | Gargoyle Gecko | Chahoua |
| Size | 7 to 9 inches | 10 inches |
| Weight | 60 to 70 grams | 45 to 75 grams |
| Color | Various colors – Grey, Orange Blotch, Orange Stripe, Pink, Red, Red-Striped, and White | Black and white (juvenile) Brown, black, white, and slightly red (adult) |
| Personality | Skittish (if new) and comfortable/friendly (once familiar with the owner and surroundings) | Jumpy initially and friendly (once comfortable) |
| Behavior | Semi-arboreal and nocturnal | Arboreal and nocturnal |
| Diet | Consists of mainly fruits and vegetables | Consists of mainly gutloaded feeder insects |
| Lifespan | Up to 20 years | Up to 30 years |
Differences Between Gargoyle Gecko and Chahoua
There are several minor and major differences between gargoyle geckos and chahoua. Let’s go over each difference in detail.
Size
Gargoyle geckos and chahoua mainly differ in size at both juvenile and adult stages. The table below denotes the differences clearly at each stage.
| Gecko Type | Juvenile Stage | Adult Stage (Snout to Vent) | Adult Stage (Snout to Tail) |
| Gargoyle Gecko | 4 to 5 inches | 4 to 4.5 inches | 5 to 7 inches |
| Chahoua | 5.5 inches | 5 to 5.5 inches | 10 inches |
Therefore, chahoua geckos are typically larger when compared to gargoyle geckos. Chahoua geckos are also the second-largest Rhacodactylus gecko.
Weight
Gargoyle geckos and chahoua geckos don’t differ too much when it comes to weight. There are only slight differences as seen in the table below.
| Gecko Type | Juvenile Stage or Hatchlings | Adult Stage |
| Gargoyle Gecko | 3 grams | 60 to 70 grams |
| Chahoua | 3 to 4.5 grams | 45 to 75 grams |
Color
Gargoyle geckos tend to come in a variety of colors and patterns. For instance, you’ll find various colors like yellow, brown, white, and gold. There are several patterns available too like banded, striped, and mottled.
Similarly, chahoua geckos also come in various colors like brown, white, black, and red. However, chahoua geckos with a red base are more common than any other.
Personality
Both gargoyle gecko and chahoua gecko have friendly personalities. However, you need to make them feel comfortable. If they aren’t comfortable, they may act skittish and restless around you.
Typically, chahoua geckos are friendlier and warmer than gargoyle geckos.
Behavior
Gargoyle geckos and chahoua geckos are nocturnal reptiles. Therefore, both of them are more active at night rather than during the day.
Now, you may find a slight difference in the aggression of these two geckos. Although neither of the two geckos is truly aggressive in nature, gargoyle geckos are slightly more aggressive than chahoua geckos. They’re known to attack other geckos, especially their own kind.
Note that neither gargoyle geckos nor chahoua geckos are prone to biting their owners.
Care
You may find some differences when caring for gargoyle gecko and chahoua gecko. It’s because gargoyle geckos are “semi-arboreal” whereas chahoua geckos are “arboreal”. Therefore, their habitat requirements may differ accordingly.
Diet
Gargoyle geckos are omnivores – therefore, they eat fruits, vegetables, and insects too. However, they primarily survive on fruits and vegetables.
Some of the best food items for gargoyle geckos include:
- Papaya
- Apricots
- Berries
- Mango
- Powdered Crested Gecko Diets
- Feeder insects like crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, and BSL larvae
You should provide your adult gargoyle gecko with powdered CGD every day whereas insects should be given twice a week.
Similarly, chahoua geckos are also omnivores. However, they rely more on feeder insects rather than vegetables and fruits. You can provide them with powdered CGD too.
Tank
Chahoua geckos are larger than gargoyle geckos. So, they typically need more space in their tank as compared to gargoyle geckos. The table below gives a better idea about the living conditions required by both chahoua geckos and gargoyle geckos.
As a quick side note, I answer if crested geckos and gargoyle geckos can live together in this article. You may want to check it out also..
As a quick side note, I answer if crested geckos and gargoyle geckos can live together in this article. You may want to check it out also..
| Category | Gargoyle Gecko | Chahoua Gecko |
| Tank Size | 18”L x 18”W x 24”H | 18”L x 18”W x 36”H |
| Temperature | Basking Temperature: 82-85°F Cool zone: 70-75°F | Basking Temperature: 82-85°F Cool Zone: 72-75°F |
| Humidity | 50 to 70% | 60 to 80% |
| Substrates | Peat Moss | Substrate isn’t always needed as chahoua geckos are arboreal and spend more time on trees. |
Final Thoughts
Both gargoyle geckos and chahoua are friendly and easygoing geckos to keep as pets. However, if you’re a beginner and are looking for a small and affordable gecko to breed, then opt for gargoyle geckos.
But, if you don’t mind the cost and size of a chahoua gecko, then you can opt for them as well.
