Crested Gecko vs Mourning Gecko
Compare Crested Gecko and Mourning Gecko side by side — size, cost, diet, temperament, and care difficulty. Find your perfect pet.
Crested Gecko
Mourning Gecko
Quick Winner
It's a Tie
Both Crested Gecko and Mourning Gecko are excellent choices — the best pick depends on your space, budget, and experience level.
Full VerdictSide-by-Side Specs
| Feature | ACrested Gecko | BMourning Gecko |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Size | 7-9 inches including tail | 3-4 inches (one of the smallest pet gecko species) |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-15 years |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
| Temperament | Gentle, handleable, somewhat skittish when young | Shy, fast, communal — thrives in groups, not a handling pet |
| Tank Size | 18x18x24 vertical enclosure minimum for one adult | 12x12x18 inches minimum for a small group (3-5 geckos) |
| Diet | Frugivore/Omnivore | Omnivore |
| Humidity | 60-80% | 60-80% |
| Basking Temp | 78-82°F (no basking spot needed) | 78-82°F (no hot basking spot needed) |
| Price Range | $40 - $600+ (designer morphs) | $5 - $15 per gecko (one of the most affordable reptiles) |
Adult Size
A
7-9 inches including tail
B
3-4 inches (one of the smallest pet gecko species)
Lifespan
A
15-20 years
B
10-15 years
Difficulty
A
Beginner
B
Beginner
Temperament
A
Gentle, handleable, somewhat skittish when young
B
Shy, fast, communal — thrives in groups, not a handling pet
Tank Size
A
18x18x24 vertical enclosure minimum for one adult
B
12x12x18 inches minimum for a small group (3-5 geckos)
Diet
A
Frugivore/Omnivore
B
Omnivore
Humidity
A
60-80%
B
60-80%
Basking Temp
A
78-82°F (no basking spot needed)
B
78-82°F (no hot basking spot needed)
Price Range
A
$40 - $600+ (designer morphs)
B
$5 - $15 per gecko (one of the most affordable reptiles)
Pros & Cons
ACrested Gecko
Pros
- Temperament: Gentle, handleable, somewhat skittish when young
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Tank: 18x18x24 vertical enclosure minimum for one adult
Cons
- Diet: Frugivore/Omnivore
- Watch for: Dropped tail (permanent)
BMourning Gecko
Pros
- Temperament: Shy, fast, communal — thrives in groups, not a handling pet
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Tank: 12x12x18 inches minimum for a small group (3-5 geckos)
Cons
- Diet: Omnivore
- Watch for: Egg binding (rare but possible in stressed colonies)
The Bottom Line
Both Crested Gecko and Mourning Gecko are excellent choices — the best pick depends on your space, budget, and experience level.
AChoose Crested Gecko if...
you want a beginner-level pet with gentle, handleable, somewhat skittish when young temperament
BChoose Mourning Gecko if...
you prefer a beginner-level pet that is shy, fast, communal — thrives in groups, not a handling pet
Learn more about each species:
Common Questions
Crested Gecko grows to 7-9 inches including tail and is beginner-level, while Mourning Gecko reaches 3-4 inches (one of the smallest pet gecko species) and is beginner-level. They have different habitat needs: Crested Gecko requires 60-80% humidity, while Mourning Gecko needs 60-80% humidity levels.