African Fat-Tailed Gecko is the ground dwelling Gecko from West Africa. They are found in savannahs, river edge and other plains that are dusty in the West African deserts.
They are nocturnal animals, and are part of the Eublepharinae subfamily that comprises the leopard gecko..
The Africa Fat-Tail Gecko is distinct because of a variety of factors:
- They are both terrestrial and crepuscular.
- Eyelids that move can be used to prevent dust from entering their eyes.
- Their well-known Fat-Tailed appearance originates from their long tail, a caterpillar-like shape..
They are smaller in terms of size, with a range of 7-9 inches. Their skin is typically lined with warm colors like brown or beige (with some white stripes).
Since they are very gentle and are able to be handled by the owners of them, they’re suggested for those who are new to or new reptile owners.
What is exactly an African Fat-Tailed ?
The Hemitheconyx caudicinctus is a part of the Eublepharinae family.
The African fat-tailed Geckos are a well-known kind of Gecko that is renowned for their calm disposition and distinctive patterns.
They originate from the dry regions in West Africa, they often stay in moist areas.
Although they resemble a lot to leopard Geckos Africa Fat-Tailed Geckos are smaller and come with less hues.
African Fat-Tailed Geckos have a variety of unique characteristics among them is its Fat Tail. Their tails are so long because they store fat, and also possess a defense mechanism known as “caudal autotomy’. A capability to drop their tails when they are threatened or in danger.
In captivity, Fat-Tails have been well-known for their gentle nature. They are becoming increasingly sought-after in the pet industry and are highly recommended for new owners.
Males and females have distinct characteristics like dimensions and head shapes. Males are typically bigger than females. They typically measure approximately 8-9inches.
| Lizard Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Fat-Tailed Gecko |
| Scientific Name | Hemitheconyx caudicinctus |
| Adult Size | 7 inches, up to 45-75 grams |
| Lifespan | 10-25 years old |
| Diet | Insects |
| Tank Size | 10 gallon plus |
| Humidity and Temperature | The temperature should be between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity maintained between 50-70%. |
| Popular Alternatives | Leopard Gecko |
Africa Fat-Tailed Gorilla Care Manual
The majority of West Africa, they are located in dry and deserted regions. Due to this, African Fat-Tails Geckos typically live in extremely humid hideouts, and are completely terrestrial.
Fat Tails require a habitat that is moderately moist , but high in temperatures. Their enclosure should have places to hide and a heat gradient that includes an area to bask.
Their enclosures should therefore have controlled temperatures and lighting, as well as provide plenty of places to hide for the timid Lizards
Tank and enclosure
Wooden vivariums work great for Africa Fat-Tailed Geckos because they are excellent insulators that help maintain the warm and comfortable environment that the Gecko requires.
Their enclosure must be fitted with glass sliding doors and large air vents to ensure an air flow. Because this reptile doesn’t develop like other reptiles and can be kept in one enclosure for the rest of their existence. The size of the tank that is recommended for adults and hatchlings is 10 Gallons.
If you plan to keep more pairs of adults it is recommended to choose an 20 gallon tank rack or rack.
The terrarium must have at minimum one humid cover for every Gecko that will have to be put at the top of the tank, on its hot sides. Additionally, it should be decorated with decorations such as cork round grape wood, logs, grape wood or bamboo hollows.
Lighting
It is essential to ensure that the African Fat-Tailed Geckos get exposed to 10-12 hours of sunlight every day. Since they don’t enjoy a long, continuous day, they do not require a large UVB lighting sources (around 5 percent over the area of).
A T8 or T5 lamp can be used for these lizards and should be positioned on the side of the ceiling closest to the warmer side and generating a nice UV gradient.
African Fat-Tailed Geckos frequently spend their much of their time in the darkness so parts of the enclosure need to be covered in order to provide dark.
Basking lights are required throughout the day to create the ideal temperature of 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool part of the tank must fall to around 70 degrees. The reptiles with cold blood require a gradient of heat in their tank to ensure that they are able to regulate their body temperature according to the environment they are in.
Heating and Temperature
The temperature in the enclosure must be monitored very closely. It should be equipped with an area that is hot between 90-95degF, and a cool side with a temperature of around 80 degrees. This allows your pet to regulate its temperature by changing across the sides.
Basking lights and under tank heaters will reach the required high temperatures.
They require humidity levels that are between 50 and 70 The humidity should be between 50 and 70 percent. The right substrate along with a water dish and misting the tank every day will keep their tank moist. Many owners also have plants in their enclosures to increase the amount of humidity.
A humid hiding spot can be constructed by placing sphagnum or sphagnum moss beneath bamboo hollows in order to make sure it stays damp.
Substrate
Paper substrates work well in an African fat-tailed gecko’s enclosure, like newspapers or paper towels.
Some owners choose to use delicate orchid’s bark, or even a soil mixture. However, it is essential that sand alone is not utilized as a substrate since it can cause digestive issues and harm their stomach.
Paper will help make spot cleaning simple, however it will require to be changed every 2 to 3 days. Orchid bark and compressed coconut bedding need to be replaced every week.
| Tank Tips | |
|---|---|
| Tank Type | Wooden vivariums |
| Lighting | Light from the Basking |
| The Best Substrate | Fine orchid bark |
Feeding
Africa Fat-Tailed Geckos are carnivores They aren’t believed to eat plants in their natural habitat.
Their diet is mainly comprised of invertebrates and insects they encounter at night in the savannahs. This includes various types of worms, beetles and crickets. In captivity they may be able to only eat live prey, however, other than that , their diet is simple to meet.
In captivity, African Fat-Tailed Geckos should be fed crickets as well as other kinds of larval insects such as mealworms. They also need additional supplements, such as Vitamin D3 to aid in their adaptation to the new environment.
Owners can supply the nutrients either by ‘dusting insects’ with calcium or other vitamins powers, or gut feeding’ their insects.
Adults, juveniles and hatchlings Geckos have to feed on insects. They are able to go for days without eating due to the fat storage inside their tails.
African Fat-Tailed Geckos like mealworms and crickets. They may also be given silkworms, waxworms, pinky mice, and hornworms:
- Young hatchlings less than 4 months old should eat only 1/2-sized crickets, and should be fed five crickets
- Adults are advised to eat 9 crickets (or worms). Their crickets may be slightly larger (2/3 size)
Prey that is not eaten should be removed in a couple of hours, if you’re Gecko does not eat the prey.
It is essential to have an shallow water dish that has clear water in their tank. They aren’t able to directly drink it, but it can aid in retaining the moisture.
| Diet Summary | |
|---|---|
| Insects | 100% of the diet |
| Fruits | Zero percent of the diet |
| Vegetables | Zero percent of the diet |
| Supplements are required | Calcium and Vitamin D3. |
How to Maintain Their Health
At first the African Fat-Tailed Geckos may be shy. You must allow them to adjust to their new habitat for a few weeks before you begin taking care of them.
When you’ve established that your Africa Fat-Tail Gecko has eaten and urinating in a normal manner You can take care of the situation.
Many owners have found that dealing with the African fat-tailed Gecko is an enjoyable experience because they are extremely gentle and are very responsive to human contact (without moving around or trying to get away). To handle them the hands should be close to the ground and they’ll usually move with ease onto your hands.
A African Fat-Tailed Gecko shouldn’t be attached to its tail since it may be afraid and pull off its tail. But, it will regenerate.
They Geckos are extremely calm and do not bite. but for the protection of yourself as well as your Africa Fat-Tail Gecko, be gentle and wash your hands prior to or after touching.
How to Shower
Generallyspeaking, bathing isn’t an essential step, since the skin of theirs is cleaned through the process of shedding.
The humidity levels in the tank must be sufficient to aid in the Gecko shed. If it has retained skin, or has become dirty, it is possible to put it into a dish of hot water for couple of minutes.
A small, shallow bathtub should be filled to 1/4 with water between 50 and 70 degF The feet of your pet are to be submerged for about five minutes. This shouldn’t be routinely done as the pets don’t like being submerged in water.
Tank Cleaning
The tank should be cleaned spot-on every day and thoroughly cleaned every month. In order to clean the cage, apply a reptile-friendly disinfectant that should be left on for 30 seconds prior to being removed with a towel.
In the course of cleaning, everything must get removed from your enclosure which includes the gecko, bedding, and decorations.
It is essential to mist the tank every day, either with an air mist or tank humidifier.
Waste shouldn’t be allowed to accumulate since it can lead to your reptile to contract cryptosporidiosis. A disease that African Fat-Tailed and Leopard Geckos are vulnerable to. To prevent this from happening, wash their feces each day.
Healthy poop is dark brown with a well-formed. The presence of poop that is runny may not necessarily suggest illness however a fecal test must be performed if the problem persists.
| The Signs of Health | The symptoms of sickness |
|---|---|
| Human interaction and movement and the decorations throughout the day | Waste that is strangely colored |
| The desire for food and water | Completely unactive during the daytime |
| They don’t shed their tails and are gentle and affectionate | A complete loss of appetite. issues with sheds e.g. the tail tips are shrivelling |
African fat-tailed Gecko Lifespan
If the conditions are right for captiveization, the Fat Tail Gecko could live as long as 25 years.
Although they are healthy Lizards that are healthy However, they are more at risk of contracting Cryptosporidiosis. If not treated, this disease could be fatal. It is characterized by abnormally swollen waste as well as a thin tail. See a vet if believe your pet may be sick.
Temperament and Behavior
It is not necessary to wear gloves when handling the geckos however, it is essential that you wash your hands prior to as well after you handle.
In the wild and in captivity the Africa Fat-Tailed Geckos are extremely calm tranquil creatures that are nocturnal or basking, as well as occasionally searching for insects at night.
They aren’t likely to bite or scratch other human or animal species over their territory or food in the event of a threat.
Male African fat-tailed Geckos make a quiet sound with clicks and squeaks in disputes about territory, in order to warn males off or to attract females. Both genders will make a squeak to repel unwanted attention.
If they are hunting they can lift their tails and waving them up in the air, a move that can be used to deter prey prior to the attack.
They also fool predators by lure them into their tails, after the predator has seized it the tail, escaping and giving predators the impression that they own the head of the Gecko.
In captivity they will most likely only be active during the late at night and are likely to be content in secluded areas or just relaxing.
Male fat tail Geckos can be kept as a single unit in a female couple or in a group with several females. Females aren’t as solitary, so they can be in groups. Each Gecko must also have their own secluded area to protect their privacy and avoid stress.
In the winter months you must permit the Gecko to be brum. Their tank must be able to cool to 68-77 degrees to prepare in time for the spring season and males are required to undergo brumation if you are planning to reproduce.
Appearance
Females and males exhibit gender dimorphism (i.e. distinct physical traits between male and female. Males are generally larger than females and have a larger tail. Also, they have preanal pores on the end of their tails while females don’t.
The African Fat-Tailed Gecko is one of a handful of species that have eyelids that stop dust from entering their eyes.
They also have pupils that are vertical and have no adhesive lamellae which means that their feet do not have sticky lamellae.
Size Fat Tailed Gecko
The hatchlings will measure 2.5-3 inches long and weigh around 4 grams.
Geckos have a rapid growth rate. They can be found measuring between seven and nine inches in length and weigh between 45 and 75 grams. They’re comparable in size to leopard geckos.
Colors
They are distinct reptiles come in one of two types either striped or banded. Every African Fat-Tailed Gecko comes with an unnatural base color that is lighter brown, or even beige.
Banding runs along across the head, body, and tail and is dark brown in color. The majority of them have a white underbelly , and certain have a white line running down their dorsal.
As the species grows with respect to popularity, more many African fat-tailed Gecko variations are being made accessible to eager owners. Some of them include popsicle orange, or lighter gray.
How to Sex Fat-Tailed Geckos
Males draw females through a click. If they are able to conquer a female the Fat-Tailed Geckos are vocal. They’ll make squeaking sounds in an attempt to attract an opponent.
Mating starts the month of November and typically lasts until March.
In the course of mating, male grasps the female’s neck and holds it tightly. The gestation time is typically between 40 to 70 days, and it is possible to see eggs inside the female’s abdomen. Females usually have 1-3 offspring in each clutch.
When the temperature in the tank incubating will be lower than the recommended temperature, then a longer time of gestation can occur. The ideal temperature for incubation is between 75 and 90 degrees F; temperatures above this level are likely to be fatal.
Babies African Fat-Tailed Geckos
Babies are like adults Geckos in every aspect, with the exception of size. The hatchlings are about 2.5 inches in length, and weigh only 4 grams.
They are mature around 8-11 months after the hatching. They must be placed in an enclosure that has many hiding places so that they feel comfortable and at the right place. They should be fed only tiny insects that they can digest.
What is the cost of African fat-tailed Geckos Cost?
Prices could start as low as $75, or up to $500 USD, based on the appearance of the breeder and!
African Fat-Tailed geckos are becoming more famous and are a modern reptile, so they will not be found in pet stores near you. They are Geckos are available through my breeders online instead. Since there are a variety of beautiful and distinct forms (ball python morphs) offered, prices can vary.
Care Guide Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique and attractive patterns make them captivating to look at | They have to fight cold temperatures, which is why the temperature of their tank is closely controlled |
| Docile and willing to be handled, they make excellent first reptiles | They are picky about the insects they consume |
| Can be easily bought from breeders | They are often shy in their youth, which makes it more difficult for parents to connect with them. |
African Fat-Tails are often in comparison to the more well-known Leopard Gecko. They’re alike in many ways, like their temperament, appearance and the requirements for care. The primary difference the two is the shy African Fat-Tails’ personality.
After you have set up their tank in a proper manner, the African Fat-Tailed Gecko isn’t difficult to maintain.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration is to ensure that they are fed an adequate food source of insects, and the cage is kept clean to prevent illness.
Because of their calm and gentle nature due to their gentle and calm nature, Geckos are recommended to all reptile enthusiasts, particularly those who are new to the hobby.
Their distinctive markings and the corresponding sounds make them fascinating to observe, and their ability to be calmly held by both children and adults can make them great pets for families!
Africa Fat-Tailed Geckos are beloved for their charming “smile”, bashfulness and willingness to be handled.
