By The African Fat-Tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) is a popular reptile pet because of its striking appearance, gentle nature, and manageable size. This comprehensive care guide and species profile will cover everything you need to know about this fascinating lizard, including diet, habitat, tank setup, and more.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The African Fat-Tailed Gecko is a member of the Eublepharine family, which also includes the Leopard Gecko. These nocturnal reptiles are native to West Africa, where they can be found in rocky woodlands and savannas. Their unique tail, which stores fat and can be dropped to distract predators, is one of their most distinguishing features.
Overview
The African Fat-Tailed Gecko is characterized by its lack of toe pads and presence of eyelids, which are common traits among members of the Eublepharine family. Males are larger than females and can be identified by their wider heads. These geckos are generally docile and easy to handle, making them an ideal pet for both beginners and experienced reptile keepers.
Size and Appearance
African Fat-Tailed Geckos typically reach a length of 7 to 9 inches. Their most notable feature is their tail, which serves multiple functions. The tail stores fat, helping the gecko survive periods of food scarcity, and can also be dropped in the face of danger to distract predators. The price of these geckos can range from $75 to $500, depending on the specific morph and appearance.
Lifespan
These geckos can live up to 25 years in captivity. However, little research has been done on their lifespan in the wild, so it’s not clear if they live as long in their natural habitat.
Diet
African Fat-Tailed Geckos are carnivorous, feeding primarily on insects in the wild. In captivity, their diet should consist of:
- Crickets
- Roaches
- Mealworms
- Waxworms
- Silkworms
- Occasionally, pinkie mice
Feeding schedules should be adjusted based on the gecko’s age. Geckos under four months old should be fed up to five crickets per day, while juveniles and adults should be fed less frequently, with nine crickets or mealworms three times a week. Uneaten crickets should be removed from the enclosure, while mealworms can be left in a shallow dish or jar lid.
To ensure proper nutrition, insects should be fortified with vitamins and calcium powder. This can be done through dusting (coating the insects in calcium powder and vitamins) or gut loading (feeding the insects a nutrient-rich diet before offering them to the gecko). Gut-loaded insects should be offered to the gecko within 24 to 48 hours of feeding.
Food items should be no larger than the width of the gecko’s head, and appropriate cricket sizes should be based on the gecko’s weight.
Enclosure and Tank Setup
A suitable terrarium for an African Fat-Tailed Gecko would be an Exo-Terra glass terrarium with dimensions of 18″ x 18″ x 12″. Alternatively, a 10-20 gallon aquarium can be used. A 20-gallon tank can house two adult geckos, but it’s important to avoid keeping two males together, as they can be territorial. Females can be housed together, provided they are of similar size.
The enclosure should have hiding places for the gecko, as they are nocturnal and need a secure place to rest during the day. This can be achieved by using small boxes or plastic containers with entrance holes. Provide at least two hiding places, with one containing damp moss or a paper towel to assist with shedding and hydration.
Lighting and Temperature
Proper lighting and temperature are crucial for the health of African Fat-Tailed Geckos. Heat lamps are not recommended, as they raise air temperature, and these geckos absorb heat primarily through their undersides. Instead, use heating pads to maintain a temperature between 85-88°F (30-31°C).
A temperature gradient should be provided, with one end of the enclosure being warmer than the other. This allows the gecko to thermoregulate and find the ideal temperature for its bodily functions. The cooler end of the enclosure should be maintained around 80°F (27°C) or in the high 70s.
As these geckos are nocturnal, UVB lighting is not necessary. However, a photoperiod of 10-12 hours of light should be provided to maintain a regular day-night cycle. Monitor temperature with a thermometer and consider using a thermostat to maintain proper levels.
Humidity and Substrate
African Fat-Tailed Geckos require a humidity level between 50-70%. This can be achieved through the use of appropriate substrate, such as:
- Eco Earth or Exoterra Sand Mats
- Paper towels
- Newspaper
- Coconut bedding
- Orchid bark
A blend of peat moss and vermiculite can also be used for sub-adult and adult geckos. Maintain a 1:1 ratio and layer it 1 inch deep.
Never use sand as a substrate, as it can cause blockages in the gecko’s digestive tract if ingested during feeding.
Spot clean the enclosure daily to maintain cleanliness and prevent the buildup of feces, which can lead to health issues such as cryptosporidiosis. Thoroughly clean the enclosure every three months, using a 5% bleach solution and replacing the substrate.
Health Concerns
Many health issues in African Fat-Tailed Geckos are the result of improper care. Respiratory infections can be caused by incorrect humidity levels, while cryptosporidiosis is linked to unsanitary conditions. Routine cleaning and proper maintenance of the enclosure are essential for preventing these issues.
Monitor the condition of the gecko’s tail, as a plump tail is a sign of good health. A thin or shrinking tail may indicate a health problem.
Handling
African Fat-Tailed Geckos are gentle and easily tamed, making them safe to handle even for children. However, adult supervision is recommended for young handlers, as the gecko can be easily injured if not handled gently. Support the gecko with both hands and avoid restraining it or grabbing it by the tail, as this can cause the tail to drop. Although the tail will regenerate, it will not have the same appearance as the original.
Allow new geckos to acclimate to their environment and begin eating and defecating before handling them.
Purchasing and Morphs
When purchasing an African Fat-Tailed Gecko, it’s best to buy from a reputable breeder to ensure a healthy, captive-bred specimen. Breeders often produce geckos with a variety of color and pattern morphs, such as:
- Blackout
- Whiteout
- Tangerine
- Albino
- Striped
- Aberrant
- Ghost
- Zulu
- Oreo
The rarest and most sought-after morph is the whiteout.
Conclusion: Are African Fat-Tailed Geckos Good Pets?
African Fat-Tailed Geckos are among the best pet reptiles due to their beautiful appearance, gentle nature, and manageable size. They make great pets for both beginners and experienced reptile keepers, as long as their specific care requirements are met. By providing the proper diet, habitat, and environmental conditions, you can ensure a long and healthy life for your African Fat-Tailed Gecko.