Geckos are well-represented in the reptile hobby but the fat-tailed gecko is one of the more unusual-looking ones. Their large cat-like eyes, broad tongue, and wedge-shaped head make them instant favorites. But just how easy are they to care for are these lizards?
What is the African Fat Tailed Gecko?
The fat tailed gecko is a member of the subfamily Eublepharidae, just like the leopard gecko. Eublepharid geckos have a number of traits that are distinctive compared to other gecko species.
For one, they don’t have adhesive toe pads so they can’t climb very well. They are ground dwelling lizards and adhesive toes would just pick up dirt. They also have movable eyelids instead of a protective membrane.
Fat tailed geckos come from West Africa and Cameroon. They are found in dry areas of the Sahel region; the transition zone between the Sahara desert and the grasslands of the south.
African fat tailed geckos are easy to care for and tame lizards. They never bite and are quiet pets. Like most lizards they will drop their tails if handled too rough. But the tail does grow back, if a little shriveled and discolored.
Fat tailed geckos get their name from the thickness of their tails. They store fat in their tails during times of plenty. Which gets them through the lean months where food is scarce.
When shopping for a fat tailed gecko, a nice, plump tail is the first thing you should look for. A thin tail is a sign of starvation or recent illness.
- Common Names: African Fat Tailed Gecko, African Gecko
- Scientific Name: Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
- Origin: West Africa
- Length: 7 to 9 inches
- Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: Insectivorous
- Fat Tailed Gecko Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
- Ease of Care: Very Easy
African Fat Tailed Gecko Care
Fat tailed geckos are as easy to keep as their cousin the leopard gecko. They aren’t as colorful and don’t come in as many pattern morphs. But their dark patterns have a beauty all their own.
Setting Up a Fat Tail Gecko Enclosure
Big tail geckos mature at 7 to 9 inches long. Being so manageable in size, a single 20 gallon aquarium is suitable for one. A 20 gallon long is better than a 20 gallon high due to the extra floor space.
African Fat Tailed Gecko Decorations and Substrate
As a ground dwelling lizard, choose an enclosure with more horizontal living space instead of vertical space. Fat tailed geckos don’t climb and may hurt themselves in a fall. Stick to rocks and small pieces of wood as decorations.
The substrate should be sand-based and deep enough for a burrow (4 to 6 inches). If you go with a shallow substrate, give these lizards a place to hide and get out of the light during the day. Fat tailed geckos are nocturnal lizards.
The sand should be a reptile calcium sand as fat tailed geckos often get a mouthful of substrate when lunging for insects. Calcium sand is digestible and won’t cause intestinal blockages if eaten in large amounts.
Mix in a generous amount of organic matter as well. Coco coir, soil, or peat moss helps hold humidity, which these burrowing lizards want. Humidity levels don’t need to be super high; 40% yo 60% is fine. But a little soil moisture will keep their burrow air humid.
Moderate humidity also ensures that your fat tailed lizard sheds its skin fully. They are prone to getting bits of skin stuck to their toes. When this happens blood circulation is reduced or cut off, leading to the toe falling off.
A small water dish will also help maintain a consistent humidity level. Fat tail geckos do drink standing water. The dish needs to be shallow enough for the lizard to climb out of with ease. These geckos can’t swim or climb and will drown in a deep water bowl.
Lighting and Heat for Fat Tail Geckos
While they are nocturnal, fat tailed geckos do benefit from low power ultraviolet lighting during dawn and dust. UVb radiation helps reptiles metabolize calcium through the creation of vitamin D3.
Without it, reptiles are susceptible to getting metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD is a nutritional deficiency that results in weak bones, broken shells, disfigurement, and death if not caught and corrected.
A basking spot is not required but you do need a heat source. Undertank heating pads, heat tape, or a basking light will work as long as there is also a cool area outside of the warm zone. Aim for an air temperature of 90-95°F in the warm zone during the day, with 70-80℉ outside of it.
What Do African Fat Tailed Geckos Eat?
Fattailed gecko lizards are insectivores, feeding on small invertebrates they encounter along the ground. Watching them hunt is fun to watch; the lizard will twitch its tail with excitement right before it strikes.
Small feeder insects should be the foundation of a fat tailed gecko diet. Crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches are the easiest to find. Mix in fatty treats like wax worms, silkworms, and hornworms when you can.
All insects should be dusted using a vitamin D3 and calcium blend before feeding. I also gut load insects for my reptiles. Gut loading is done by feeding insects the day before you offer them to your pets.
Offering them fresh fruits and vegetables increases their nutritional content. The partially digested remnants of their meals get passed onto the fat tailed gecko that eats them.
Fat tailed geckos should be fed 3-4 times per week. Younger lizards need to eat more often, to acquire enough protein to fuel their growth. If their tails start to look too thick, take that as a sign to cut back on the number of insects you feed. Too many fatty insects will also cause obesity.
Fat Tailed Gecko vs Leopard Gecko
When you look at a fat tailed gecko the resemblance to a leopard gecko is very obvious. Like all members of the family Eublepharidae, they lack toe pads and have blinking eyelids. Leopard geckos also store fat in their tails for periods where food is scarce.
Leopard geckos come from southwest Asia, rather than Africa. But both prefer the same temperature and humidity range, however. Leopard geckos will grow a little larger; up to 11 inches in a mature male.
Fat tail geckos are a little more expensive than standard color leopard geckos since they aren’t bred as often. Neither lizard is expensive to buy or care for, though.
Both lizards are very handleable. You’re more likely to encounter a fat tailed gecko that does not enjoy handling than a leopard gecko, however. Leopard geckos are one of the few domesticated lizards in the world. They are much more used to humans, as a result.
Handling a Fat Tailed Gecko
Handling an African fat tailed gecko is much the same as handling a leopard gecko. They are calm lizards, for the most part. They do have distinctive personalities so you may get one that is aggressive.
Fat tailed geckos do have a powerful bite. But as long as you aren’t hurting them, they aren’t inclined to bite. They move slowly and are often curious to explore the world outside of their enclosure. Fat tailed geckos also enjoy the warmth of your hands and will sit there for long periods.
Fat tailed geckos are vocal lizards. The ability to “talk” is a special trait that geckos share; they are some of the few lizards with vocal chords. Fat tailed geckos males will chirp at night seeking females and trying to find rivals to drive off.
Conclusion
The African fat tailed gecko is an excellent pet lizard for beginners. They have a calm demeanor and eat easy to acquire feeder insects. Fat tailed geckos need basic equipment and live for decades. They are ideal for reptile keepers who want something a little different than an ordinary leopard gecko.
FAQs
Fat tailed geckos are great pets. Their care requirements are basic and you will find all of the supplies you need at any pet store. They eat insects every other day and are very handleable lizards.
Fat tailed geckos will bite if hurt or scared. But as long as you handle them with care, they will relax when held. Always monitor children during handling since a drop or squeeze will frighten them.
Fat tailed geckos should be fed six to nine cricket-sized insects every other day. Baby geckos need small feedings every day.
