Gargoyle geckos are very beautiful lizards that have a quite colorful and distinctive coloration and many different morphs as well. But why is a gargoyle gecko turning white or changing color? In this post, you will learn why a gargoyle gecko is turning white or changing colors and whether you need to worry about the pale coloration.
The main reasons why a gargoyle gecko is white include reaction to environment changes and shedding. Other reasons why a gargoyle gecko is white include albinism and stress or sickness.
Reason 1. Different times of the day & environment changes
Gargoyle geckos are generally lighter when they are resting, or sleeping. And after a gargoyle gecko wakes up and starts moving around, it generally turns darker in color. Your gargoyle gecko’s colors can also change if it gets excited or stressed.
Environment changes can also cause color change in your gecko – these can include temperature changes, humidity, lighting and so on. ‘Firing up’ is a term used when your gecko will become brighter with its colors more visible, and ‘firing down’ – paler in color. This is normal and caused by changes in your gargoyle gecko’s environment.
Make sure temperatures in your gargoyle gecko’s tank are optimal, not too high or too low. Gargoyle geckos do well in room temperatures, and the optimal range is 72 to 82 Fahrenheit (22.2-27.7 Celsius). Don’t allow temperatures to get over 82 F (27.7 C), as it can be deadly for your gargoyle gecko. Make sure to have a temperature gradient – with the lowest temperature away from basking spot.
In the high heat of summer, make sure to think about cooling the tank if needed. But very low temperatures also affect your gecko very negatively – disturbing digestion and immunity. Temperatures of 68-70 F (20-21 Celsius) at night will be tolerated well. To keep a track of temperatures, make sure to have thermometers on each side of the tank. Also, using a handheld thermometer like this will help measure temperatures immediately in any spot.
Most owners don’t need to use supplemental heating for their gargoyle gecko’s enclosure. But if your temperatures drop below optimal, one of the good choices of heating is a ceramic heat emitter like this 50W one. Depending on the size of the tank, you might need to use lower or higher wattage (they get very hot).
Ceramic heat emitters don’t produce light, which is convenient. Make sure your gecko can’t reach the light. Providing low percentage UVB, such as 5%, is also beneficial. Avoid using colored lights (night lights, for example), because gargoyle geckos can see them. This can disturb them and their cycle.
Make sure to also keep a track of humidity levels with a hygrometer in the tank (or use one that has a probe). Don’t let humidity drop below 50%. It’s better to mist the tank towards the evening, and allow the humidity to rise to 80-90%. However, always allow the tank to dry a bit and humidity to drop to around 55-65% before you mist again. This will prevent buildup of bacteria and other microorganisms. You can also use a reptile humidifier on cycles for automation.
Reason 2. Shedding
Another reason why a gargoyle gecko is turning white is because it is about to shed. Before gargoyle geckos shed, they develop this very thin white film over their bodies. After your gargoyle gecko sheds, its colors will return to normal. Some other signs that your gargoyle gecko is about to shed are if its eating a bit less or being less active than normal.
If your gargoyle gecko is young, it will shed more often than an older gecko because it’s growing. Gargoyle geckos often shed in one piece, so always check around limbs and tail for any stuck skin. You can even increase the humidity a bit while it’s shedding, or help it if needed with a warm bath or a wet cotton bud.
Reason 3. Stress or sickness
Another possible cause of a pale gargoyle gecko is sickness or stress. Gargoyle geckos are quite hardy, but some issues in its care can add up and cause a problem in the long run. For example, most owners debate over the need of UVB in gargoyle gecko’s enclosure because they are nocturnal.
However, vitamin D is important for your gecko for calcium absorption, and if there’s lack of vitamin D, a gecko can develop metabolic bone disorder. It will not harm to have a 5% UVB compact bulb or tube like this over your gecko’s tank. Make sure to gut-load feeders for 24 hours and dust food (if live food) before offering. Metabolic bone disorder can cause soft bones and other irreversible damage.
Internal parasites are another problem. If you notice any bloody, runny, smelly poop, have your gecko’s poop checked for parasites. Also make sure to keep an eye on humidity levels, and after another misting, allow the tank to dry out a bit. Too much moisture can cause bacterial and fungal overgrowth. Weight loss, pale coloration and lack of movement can indicate a sick gargoyle gecko.
Reason 4. Pale gargoyle gecko morph
Another reason why your gargoyle gecko turns white or pale is because you have a paler morph of a gargoyle gecko. For example, white or bright reticulated gargoyle geckos will look white when ‘fired down’.
Albino gargoyle geckos lack any coloration due to inherent inability to produce pigment. In this case, however, you would probably know why it’s white. But with other paler geckos it might come as a surprise when it becomes pale when ‘fired down’. Don’t worry, as it will change coloration throughout the day, especially towards the evening.
Conclusion – white gargoyle gecko
To sum it up, gargoyle geckos often turn pale or white when they react to various changes in their environment. Often, gargoyle geckos tend to be ‘fired down’ (paler in color) in the morning, and get darker, or show brighter coloration as they get ‘fired up’.
Make sure to review all the living conditions and make sure that your gargoyle gecko is not sick. If it’s eating, moving around, pooping and shedding properly, and getting its normal coloration, then there might be nothing to worry about.