🦎 General Info

African Fat-Tailed Geckos (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) are small, docile, terrestrial geckos native to the dry savannas and scrublands of West Africa. Known for their calm temperament, thick “fat” tails, and earthy color patterns, they are close relatives of leopard geckos but require slightly higher humidity. Adults reach 7–9 inches and are excellent for both beginners and experienced keepers.

They are nocturnal, slow-moving, and highly tolerant of gentle handling. African fat-tailed geckos thrive in simple or naturalistic enclosures and have straightforward care needs. With proper husbandry, they can live 15–20+ years, sometimes longer.

Enclosure

  • Size: African fat-tailed geckos are terrestrial but appreciate floor space and hides.

    • Juvenile: 10–20 gallon

    • Adult: 20-gallon long (30" x 12") minimum

    • Pairs or large adults: 30–40 gallons (not recommended to house males together)

    • More space improves enrichment and exploration.

  • Material

    • Glass terrariums

    • PVC enclosures

    • Front-opening preferred for easy access

  • Substrate

    • They require moderate humidity and secure footing.

    • Coconut fiber

    • Reptisoil

    • Organic topsoil/sand mix

    • Eco-earth

    • Bioactive soil mixes (optional)

    • Avoid loose sand on its own.

    • Depth: 2–4 inches for burrowing and humidity stability.

  • Décor

    • African fat-tailed geckos need multiple hides and cluttered ground-level structure:

    • Warm hide

    • Cool hide

    • Moist hide (critical)

    • Cork flats

    • Driftwood

    • Rocks (securely placed)

    • Leaf litter

    • Low plants (live or artificial)

    • They feel safest with numerous shelters and dark tunnels.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Ambient Temperature

  • Warm side: 88–92°F (belly heat recommended)

  • Cool side: 75–80°F

  • Air temps: 75–82°F

  • Night temps: can drop to 70–72°F safely

  • Lighting

    • African fat-tailed geckos are nocturnal but benefit from low-level UVB:

    • 2–5% UVB optional but recommended - Change bulb every 6 - 12 months according to manufacutre

    • Light Cycle: 12-hour light cycle to maintain a normal rhythm

    • Use overhead lighting for visibility if needed

  • Heating

    • A heat mat or heat projector controlled by a thermostat is ideal.

    • Belly heat is important for digestion

    • Ensure one-third of the enclosure is warm, two-thirds cooler

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 50–70% higher than leopard geckos.

  • Maintain Humidity:

    • Provide a moist hide with damp sphagnum moss

    • Light misting may be needed in drier climates

    • Ensure good ventilation to prevent mold

  • Water

    • A shallow water bowl

    • Clean, fresh water changed daily

    • Occasional light misting to support hydration

Diet

  • Type: Insectivores with strong feeding responses.

  • Staple Insects

    • Crickets

    • Dubia roaches

    • Mealworms

    • Black soldier fly larvae

    • Superworms (occasionally)

    • Silkworms

    • Hornworms

    • Variety improves nutrition and keeps them stimulated

  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Feed 3–4× per week:

  • Supplements

    • Important for long-term health:

    • Calcium without D3: every feeding

    • Calcium with D3: 1–2× per week

    • Multivitamin: 1× per week

    • Gut-load insects 24 hours before feeding.

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: African Fat-Tailed Geckos are usually pretty gentle and slow moving similar behaviors to Leopard Geckos. They are docile and easy to handle as they are also less jumpy than other species of geckos.

  • Handling

    • Begin with slow, calm interactions

    • Always support their whole body

    • Avoid sudden movements

    • Do not grab their tail — they can drop it

    • Keep sessions short until they are comfortable

  • Enrichment

    • Multiple hides

    • Burrowing substrate

    • Rearranging décor

    • Occasional live insect hunts

    • Tunnel systems under hides

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 15–20+ years, with proper care

  • Common Health Issues

    • Stuck shed (especially toes and tail)

    • Dehydration

    • Respiratory infections (from excess humidity + low temps)

    • Parasites

    • Metabolic bone disease (rare with correct supplementation)

    • Tail loss due to stress

  • Signs of Illness

    • Loss of appetite

    • Lethargy

    • Stuck shed on toes/tail

    • Trouble walking

    • Sunken eyes

    • Rapid weight loss

    • Wheezing or clicking sounds

  • Veterinary Care: Schedule annual exams with a reptile veterinarian. Fecal checks for parasites are important, especially for imported or newly acquired monitors.

🦎 Final Thoughts

African fat-tailed geckos are calm, hardy, and rewarding pets. Their gentle nature, moderate humidity needs, and simple diet make them an excellent beginner-friendly reptile that still appeals to advanced keepers. With correct heating, humidity, hides, and nutrition, they display natural burrowing and hunting behaviors and thrive for many years.