Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all:

I am interested in purchasing a gargoyle or crested gecko. I think they are both great looking animals, but I have a question regarding issues with dropped tails.

I've researched their care and have read that crested can drop their tails if scares, especially when they are younger. And, that they can never grow them back.

But...I have also read that the gargoyles CAN grow back their tails. I was really surprised when I read this because I thought they were such similar reptiles.

Is this true about the gargoyles...can a gargoyle re-grow it's tail, whereas a crested can not?

thanks,
dj

Yes, Gars can regrow their tails, but don't expect them to be anything like the original. The ones I've seen are smaller and usually very dark or black, they hardly look like a tail sometimes. It is very clear that the gecko has dropped its original tail is what I am trying to say and they aren't very useful regrown.

In either case, the sign of excellent care is an original tail, however, wonderful discounts can be obtained on less than perfect animals if you are looking for a good deal on a fun hobby and beautiful pet.

As with all geckos, tail drops are from extreme stress, fighting, or other mishandling. It is a simple defense mechanism to avoid being eaten. Handle your little guy/gal well and you'll always have a tail wrapped around you. Hope this helps. Let us know if we can answer any more questions! (I wish I had some links to regrow pics, but I'm not quite awake enough at this hour, sorry!)
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0.1 Albino Leo Gecko
0.1 Crested Gecko
1.0 Dear Boyfriend
Departed: Harvey and Spock

gargs are generally more aggressive towards each other than cresteds. when young, gargs will eat the tails of less dominant geckos, which causes them to grow larger faster, and they can be cannibalistic to smaller geckos. this is why juvies need to be kept singly, although tail-eating could possibly happen with 2 adult females as well. it is also a common occurrence during breeding for gargs to lose their tails.
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3.1 snakes, 1.2.1 crested geckos, 2.0 devon rex cats, 1.0 betta