How Big Do Crested Geckos Get? [Average Size To Expect]

If you’re considering getting a crested gecko as a pet, then I’m sure you want to know how big they get. Besides, you need to think about what this means for ownership; homing them, spatial requirements for their enclosure, holding them, etc. Having researched this particular species extensively, here is all that you need to know.

So how big do crested geckos get? Crested geckos typically reach a length of 6-7 inches (including the tail) and will weigh between 25-60 grams, on average. Females are generally heavier than males. Either way, you can expect a crested gecko to reach its final adult size within 12-18 months after hatching.

So not super big, but not the smallest lizard you can find either.

One thing is for sure, they are not going to take up a lot of space – either in the palm of your hand on where their terrarium is positioned in your home.

Add this to the fact that they are super low maintenance; suitable for both beginner and advanced reptile owners, and you have a pretty great pet.

Let us now explore their size in further detail, including all those factors that can impact their final size to be aware of.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect if you intend on taking on of these little guys home!

Average Crested Gecko Height, Weight, and Size

The height, weight, and size of a crested gecko does range. Besides, there are several factors that all have an impact and influence.

Nevertheless, we can take averages based on the data of thousands of crested geckos, and anecdotal reports from owners.

So, let us now take a closer look at their dimensions, one by one.

Height

Once fully grown, a crested gecko normally measures anywhere between 1-2 inches in height. Not far off of the ground by any stretch.

Their small height allows them to fit through most gaps, which can sometimes lead to them getting stuck.

That’s why it’s important you keep them in an enclosure at all times…

Unless you want to spend hours looking for them.

Trust me, they’re not easy to find!

Weight

You’ll be surprised to hear that female crested geckos almost always weigh double that of the males.

• A recently hatched crested gecko will weigh between 1.5-2 grams.
• A fully grown female crested gecko will typically weigh between 35-55 grams.
• A fully grown male crested gecko will typically weigh between 20-25 grams.

One thing to consider is that once males reach their full weight, they can then begin mating with females.

Size

Out of all gecko lizards, crested geckos are one of the largest species you can find.

They pretty much rival the size of a leopard gecko, but they do have a larger and heavier tail.

However…

The crested geckos are certainly not the biggest lizard you can keep.

For example, an iguana can reach a length of 7 feet and weigh up to 14 kg (30 lbs) when fully grown and depending on the species.

How Long Does It Take For A Crested Gecko To Grow To Full Size?

For a baby Crested Gecko to become an adult, it can take anywhere from 1-2 years; however, the average is 18 months.

This isn’t always the case though…

Some Crested Geckos grow at faster or slower rates than others. This is typically due to the location that they are hatched in.

For example, if they hatched in a hot location, then they are more likely to grow at a faster rate.

On the flip side, if hatched in a cold climate, your crested gecko will most likely take longer to reach its full size.

The reason for this is due to the fact that they are cold-blooded reptiles.

Generally speaking, cold-blooded reptiles absorb heat from their environment, as they can’t produce it themself.

One other thing to consider is that crested geckos tend to go through growth spurts.

This typically comes once they reach around 10-12 grams in weight, pushing them up to the final size.

So if you do end up doubting the size of your crested gecko, worrying it is too small, try to be patient and give them adequate time to reach their final size.

Consider that they will likely have a growth spurt once it reaches 12 grams.

Oh, and consider the reference table below:

Average Crested Gecko Growth Rate Chart

Age	Weight
1 month	2 grams
2 months	3 grams
3 months	4 grams
4 months	5 grams
5 months	7 grams
6 months	9 grams
7 months	11 grams
8 months	13 grams
9 months	17 grams
10 months	21 grams
11 months	25 grams
12 months	29 grams
13 months	31 grams
14 months	32 grams
15 months	33 grams

While its based on the growth patterns of crested geckos, consider these numbers are just an average.

There may be some minor variance.

Especially when you take in the factors presented below…

Factors That Influence Full Crested Gecko Size

Apart from the factors already discussed, what else can influence your crested gecko’s full size?

Let’s look at each one below:

Genetics

Similar to humans, geckos are born with certain genetics depending on their parents, which can have a major impact on how fast they grow, and how long it takes them to reach their full size.

To get a rough idea of how fast your crested gecko is going to grow, and of its final size, your best bet is to look at its parents.

If you cannot do this, speak with the breeder.

They should be able to provide more information and provide some general expectations.

Food

One of the most important things that can influence a crested geckos size is the food they consume.

There are two main routes you can go down when it comes to feeding your gecko…

The first option is to use old school methods of feeding. This includes feeding your crested gecko baby food and live crickets.

If you do decide to use this method of feeding, then your crested gecko will grow at an exceptionally fast rate; it will reach adulthood within a year.

However….

There are some risks.

The most prominent risk being that your crested gecko will grow too quickly without getting the proper nutrients from birth to adulthood, which can lead to MBD and other health issues.

On the flip side, you can raise your crested gecko on a standard crested gecko diet.

If you take this route, it will take around two years for your gecko to reach full sexual maturity; however, it has less chance of developing any health conditions.

Terrarium Placement

Another important factor to take into consideration is where your crested gecko’s terrarium is located in your home.

A general rule of thumb is to keep it away from ventilation, direct sunlight, radiators, and cold spots.

The reason for this is because created geckos can suffer from heatstroke if exposed to constant sunlight.

On the flip side, crested geckos will also become ill if they are too cold.

Therefore…

It’s important to make sure there is a balance.

Sunlight Exposure

If you want to give your crested gecko the best chance to grow quickly, then you’re going to want to make sure it’s getting enough sunlight.

Be careful though…

You don’t want to put the enclosure in direct sunlight, as this may cause your crested gecko to suffer heatstroke.

However…

Make sure it experiences a normal day and night cycle with sunlight and darkness.

The reason for this is because crested geckos are nocturnal pets, meaning they’re most active throughout the night, and without a consistent cycle of sunlight and darkness, they won’t know when it’s time to sleep and time to wake up.

How Big Of A Tank Do Crested Geckos Need?

Another major thing that can influence the size of your crested gecko is the size of its terrarium.

If you want your crested gecko to grow as fast as possible, then the bigger the better when it comes to the Terrarium.

However…

There are some guidelines you should follow depending on the size of your crested gecko.

• If your crested gecko is below 10 grams, then get an enclosure between 1.5 and 5 gallons.
• If your crested gecko is between 10-25 grams, then a 7-10 gallon terrarium should do the trick.
• If your crested gecko weighs more than 25 grams, then a 30-gallon enclosure is your best bet.

Keep in mind that the sizes listed above are for one crested gecko.

If you have a pair, then you’ll want to get an even bigger terrarium.

Other Size Considerations For Owners

If you are looking at getting a crested gecko, then there are certainly some things you will need to think about regarding their care, which can influence their size

Here are the main considerations:

Keeping Two Crested Geckos In The Same Tank

It is generally not advised to house two crested geckos in the same tank, unless you are particularly careful.

Here is why.

Crested geckos are fairly solitary by nature. And they can be very territorial and competitive.

Thus, if you keep two crested geckos in the same tank, they will begin to start competing for food.

And chances are, they are not going to eat equally.

Furthermore, it will likely result in fighting and other issues associated with that.

So first and foremost, if you do intend on keeping two crested geckos together you are going to need a bigger tank.

You’re then going to need to consider all the different dynamics to keep both geckos happy and healthy.

Your pairing, set up and care will be vital.

Further research will certainly be required.

Your Gecko Has Parasites

Parasites that are quickly treated should not cause any issues. But more severe cases, or those left untreated, can cause long-term implications in any crested gecko that gets them.

And they can contract them in a variety of ways.

Those in the wild often already have them, but pet reptiles can quite as easily pick them up through coming into contact with contaminated objects, environments, and even by eating infected food.

And parasites can have a big impact on the amount of energy, and nutrients, a reptile receives.

It can lead to malnutrition, resulting in slow or reduced growth.

So, its important to regular check your geckos feces. Its also important to keep an eye for any other symptoms, such as lethargy.

And of course, contacting a vet when you suspect something could be up.

The quicker you get a crested gecko with parasites treated, the better.

Your Gecko Is A Natural Slow Grower

There is always the possibility that a crested gecko could be a slow grower.

But as long as they are eating fine, housed in the right size enclosure, have sufficient access to light and do not have any health issues, such as parasites, there generally should not be anything to worry about.

The only time when you should be is if they are abnormally small, beyond the 1-2 year mark.

For instance, if you have a gecko that is 2 years old, but only weighs 10 grams.

Finally

In reality, crested geckos are not that big. Even though they can vary quite dramatically in weight and still be equally healthy.

For example, you could end up owning a female crested gecko that weighs 60 grams.

Or you could own a male that weighs a third of this.

Either way, this is not heavy.

Put differently.

• It’s about one-one-hundredth as heavy as a Cat
• It’s about one-thirty-fifth as heavy as a Chihuahua

Noncomparative really.

And if you are still on the fence about getting a lizard, rest assured that their size should not be a reason against keeping one.

And better yet, they are generally super easy to look after, relatively inexpensive, and you can build quite the bond with them too.