The African fat-tailed gecko is a ground-dwelling, nocturnal relative of the leopard gecko from the savannahs and dry forests of West Africa.
Like the leopard gecko it has eyelids and lacks climbing pads, storing fat in its thick tail, but it comes from a more humid habitat and is often considered even calmer.
It is a hardy, slow-moving and forgiving first reptile that lives well into its teens.
Its modest size and gentle temperament suit beginners, provided they meet its need for a warm spot, a humid hide and a properly furnished terrestrial vivarium.
Housing
House one adult in a vivarium of at least 90x45cm floor area, with a tight lid and good ventilation.
Provide a warm end with a basking surface around 30-33C and a cool end of about 24C, controlled by a thermostat, with a nighttime drop.
A low-output UVB tube supports bone health and is recommended.
Offer at least three hides, including a humid hide with damp moss, as this species needs higher humidity (around 50-60%) than leopard geckos to shed cleanly.
Use a solid or fine, particle-free substrate such as a bioactive soil mix or tile rather than deep loose sand, which can contribute to impaction.
Spot-clean daily.
Diet
African fat-tailed geckos are strict insectivores.
Feed a varied rotation of appropriately sized live insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, locusts and black soldier fly larvae, keeping fatty waxworms as an occasional treat only.
Gut-load all feeders and dust them with calcium and a vitamin/D3 supplement on a regular schedule.
Feed juveniles daily and adults every two to three days, with prey no longer than the gap between the eyes.
Provide a shallow dish of fresh water at all times.
Obesity from over-feeding rich insects and metabolic bone disease from poor supplementation are the most common diet-related issues.
Health
A healthy fat-tailed gecko has a plump tail, clear eyes and a steady appetite.
Because it needs more moisture, retained shed around the toes and eyes is a frequent problem if humidity is too low, so a damp hide and correct husbandry are essential.
A dropped tail will regrow with an altered shape and colour.
Watch for metabolic bone disease, impaction and respiratory infections from cold or overly damp, poorly ventilated conditions.
A wobbly gait, soft jaw or weight loss needs a vet experienced with exotics.
Stable warmth, correct humidity and good supplementation prevent most problems.
Temperament
African fat-tailed geckos are typically docile, even more placid than leopard geckos, and tolerate gentle, regular handling once settled.
They are nocturnal, so they are quiet by day and most active in the evening.
When startled they may wave the tail or vocalise, but they rarely bite.
They are solitary and should be housed alone.
Males fight, and any grouping risks stress, injury and food competition.
One gecko per enclosure is the correct and trouble-free approach for this species.
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner