Overview
- The two-headed crested gecko hatched at Rockstar Geckos in northeastern Pennsylvania on June 29 and was nicknamed Simon and Garfunkel.
- By late July the breeders said the roughly four-week-old animal weighed about 1.8 grams and both heads were eating independently.
- Polycephaly, the condition of having two heads, arises from an embryonic malformation that often leaves organs misshapen and cuts typical survival times.
- Rockstar Geckos is giving the gecko specialized care and close monitoring and has considered an X-ray to check internal anatomy but noted the animal’s tiny size makes procedures risky.
- Photos and video posted to social platforms have drawn wide public interest, and breeders say the occurrence is extremely rare while cautioning updates will determine whether the hatchling thrives longer term.