African Fat-Tailed Gecko
Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
The African Fat-Tailed Gecko is a gentle, ground-dwelling gecko native to the savannas and forest edges of West Africa, from Senegal through Cameroon. Often compared to its more well-known cousin the Leopard Gecko, this species is distinguished by its plumper tail, softer skin, and generally calmer demeanor. Their coloration features alternating bands of brown and tan, though selective breeding has produced a number of attractive morphs including oreo, whiteout, and patternless varieties. African Fat-Tailed Geckos prefer slightly higher humidity than Leopard Geckos, typically between 50 and 70 percent, and benefit from a humid hide to support healthy shedding. They are crepuscular, becoming most active during dawn and dusk, and rarely show defensive behavior when handled regularly. Their manageable size of seven to nine inches, simple insectivore diet, and docile temperament make them an excellent choice for first-time reptile owners.
Habitat
West African savannas and forest edges
Diet
Insects (crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches)
Lifespan
15–20 years
Difficulty
beginner
Recommended Products
Everything you need to create the perfect habitat for your African Fat-Tailed Gecko.
Accessories
Exo Terra Water Dish Small
A shallow, stable water dish that provides hydration without posing a drowning risk, designed to blend naturally into the substrate of a ground gecko enclosure.
Zoo Med Analog Reptile Thermometer and Humidity Gauge Combo
A dual thermometer-hygrometer that lets you monitor both temperature and humidity at a glance, critical for maintaining the proper environment for your Fat-Tailed Gecko.
Exo Terra Gecko Cave Medium
A naturalistic rock-styled hide that provides a secure, snug retreat on the warm side of the enclosure where your Fat-Tailed Gecko can rest during the day.
Zoo Med Repti Shelter 3-in-1 Cave Medium
A versatile three-in-one hide that includes a dry hide, humid hide, and shedding box — all essential for maintaining the humidity gradient Fat-Tailed Geckos depend on.
Enclosures
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 24x18x12
A wide, low-profile front-opening terrarium ideal for ground-dwelling African Fat-Tailed Geckos, providing ample floor space for multiple hides and a warm-to-cool gradient.
REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium
A front-opening 20-gallon glass enclosure with a raised bottom for under-tank heaters and excellent visibility for observing your Fat-Tailed Gecko during its crepuscular active periods.
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 36x18x12
A spacious 36-inch wide low-profile terrarium that gives an adult African Fat-Tailed Gecko plenty of room to explore, with front access that reduces stress during maintenance.
Zoo Med 20 Gallon Long ReptiHabitat
A complete 20-gallon long setup kit designed for ground-dwelling geckos, including a screen top for ventilation and convenient top access for light fixtures.
Food
Repashy Calcium Plus LoD 6 oz
An all-in-one calcium and vitamin supplement with low vitamin D3 for use with UVB-exposed Fat-Tailed Geckos, dusted on every feeding to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Fluker's Freeze-Dried Mealworms 5.5 oz
A convenient supplemental treat for African Fat-Tailed Geckos, freeze-dried mealworms store easily and can be offered alongside live insects for dietary variety.
DBDPet Live Dubia Roaches Medium 100 Count
Nutrient-dense live dubia roaches that are an excellent primary feeder insect for Fat-Tailed Geckos, offering more protein and less chitin than crickets.
Josh's Frogs 3/4 Inch Crickets 250 Count
Appropriately sized live crickets that are a dietary staple for African Fat-Tailed Geckos, gut-load them with nutritious greens before offering.
Heating
Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater Small
An adhesive under-tank heating pad that creates the essential warm-side belly heat African Fat-Tailed Geckos need for proper digestion, placed under one-third of the enclosure floor.
Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller
A thermostat controller essential for regulating under-tank heaters to maintain a safe warm-side floor temperature of 88–92°F for your Fat-Tailed Gecko.
Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter 40W
A lightless heat source perfect for maintaining ambient nighttime warmth in the enclosure without producing light that would disturb this crepuscular species.
Aiicioo Under Tank Reptile Heating Pad 8x12
An appropriately sized heat mat for a 20-gallon enclosure that provides consistent belly heat across the warm side where your Fat-Tailed Gecko will digest meals.
Lighting
Arcadia ShadeDweller ProT5 Kit UVB 7%
A low-intensity UVB kit ideal for crepuscular species like African Fat-Tailed Geckos, providing beneficial UV exposure without the high output designed for desert baskers.
BN-LINK 24 Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer
A simple plug-in timer to automate a consistent photoperiod for your African Fat-Tailed Gecko, ensuring reliable day and night light cycles.
Zoo Med Nightlight Red Reptile Bulb 15W
A dim red nighttime bulb that allows you to observe your crepuscular African Fat-Tailed Gecko during its active hours without disrupting its day-night cycle.
Zoo Med Nano LED 5W
A compact daylight LED that provides a natural light cycle for your Fat-Tailed Gecko without adding excessive heat to a small enclosure.
Substrate
Zoo Med New Zealand Sphagnum Moss 80 Cubic Inches
Excellent for lining the inside of a humid hide, this long-fiber sphagnum moss holds moisture for hours and aids healthy shedding in African Fat-Tailed Geckos.
Zoo Med ReptiSoil 10 Quart
A specially blended topsoil-based substrate that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, ideal for creating a humid hide microclimate for Fat-Tailed Geckos.
Reptichip Premium Coconut Substrate 72 Quart
A premium coconut chip substrate that holds humidity well while resisting mold, creating a naturalistic floor for your African Fat-Tailed Gecko to walk and burrow in.
Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber 3-Pack
A moisture-retaining coconut fiber substrate that helps maintain the 50–70% humidity African Fat-Tailed Geckos need, especially around the humid hide area.