The African fat-tailed gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) is a captivating reptile native to West Africa. These small to medium-sized lizards, belonging to the family Eublepharidae, are admired for their patterned scales and distinctive plump tails. The characteristic fat tails store reserves of fat, serving as an energy source during periods of scarcity.
Fat-tailed geckos are popular pets due to their manageable size, docile temperament, and interesting appearance. These geckos come in a wide variety of colors. Continue reading to discover more about African fat-tailed gecko colors from rarest to most common.
General Information About African Fat-Tailed Geckos
Here are some core facts about African fat-tailed gecko care:
- Size: 7″-10″
- Active During: Dawn/Dusk
- Lifespan: 15-20+ years
- Nutrition: Insectivorous
- Humidity: Moderate
- Habitat: Terrestrial
- Basking Temp: 90 °F
- UVB: Recommended
- Availability: Common
- Natural Habitat: Semi-Arid Grassland, Dry/Wet Savanna
Here's a quick look at some key facts about African fat-tailed geckos:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long are African fat-tailed geckos? | African fat-tailed geckos are 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long, including their tail. |
| How much does an African fat-tailed gecko weigh? | African fat-tailed geckos weigh between 1.5-3.0 ounces (40-80 g). |
| What is the average lifespan of an African fat-tailed Gecko? | African fat-tailed geckos live up to 18 years in the wild. They can live even longer in captivity. |
| Are African fat-tailed geckos nocturnal? | Yes, in the wild, African fat-tailed geckos are nocturnal. |
| Are African fat-tailed geckos carnivores? | Yes, African fat-tailed geckos partake in a carnivorous/insectivorous diet of small insects and invertebrates, including worms, crickets, beetles, and roaches. |
| Where do African fat-tailed geckos live? | Fat-tailed geckos are native to West Africa. They are ground dwellers and make their homes near rivers and streams. |
| Are African fat-tailed geckos social creatures? | No, African fat-tailed geckos prefer to live alone. |
| Do African fat-tailed geckos make good pets? | Yes, African fat-tailed geckos are becoming increasingly popular pets thanks to their compact size and docile nature. |
| How much does an African fat-tailed gecko cost? | African fat-tailed geckos are becoming popular pets thanks to their compact size and docile nature. |
African fat-tailed geckos are found in West Africa, from Senegal to Nigeria, extending marginally to Central Africa (northern Cameroon). Within their range, these geckos are found in the dry Sahel habitat, as well as in wet or dry savannah habitat. African fat-tailed geckos have been seen to vary in physical attributes based on their habitat even within specific regions of Africa from size, scale pattern, to color.
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The African fat-tailed gecko is from the subfamily Eublepharinae. This subfamily has visibly different characteristics from other geckos. The African fat-tailed gecko is typically around 7-8 inches in length, and up to 75 grams in weight, with females being slightly smaller than males. Normal coloring is brown and tan/beige stripes, with a possible thin white stripe along the length of the back.
The tails of African fat-tailed geckos serve an important purpose to them. Their tails are used for fat storage, so when food is scarce their tails are able to sustain them for a while. Their tails also contribute significantly to their defense from predators. Like many other geckos they are able to drop their tails when necessary. This mechanism helps them make a quick escape from predators. They are also able to regenerate their tails, however it will not resemble the original tail.
The African fat-tailed gecko is equipped with the ability to lose its tail when threatened or attacked. If the tail is lost, the new tail will have a more rounded shape, similar to the head. It may not match the body coloration and pattern of the gecko.
Unlike other geckos, African fat-tailed geckos have eyelids and can blink! African fat-tailed geckos are similar in appearance to leopard geckos. However, African fat-tails are much calmer and more laidback than their leopard cousins. African fat-tailed geckos can live 20 years or more in captivity.
The fatter the tail, the healthier the gecko! In fact, a thin tail may be a sign of illness or improper diet.
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African Fat-Tailed Gecko Morphs
African fat-tailed geckos come in a variety of colors and patterns. However, these little lizards are most commonly brown, with a variable pattern of light and dark blotches or broad bands across the upper back and tail. Additionally, patterns vary among individuals.
While some color morphs are the result of natural adaptations, others are primarily the product of human selection and breeding for aesthetic purposes. Through selective breeding the reptile trade has been able to produce numerous color variants of the African fat-tailed gecko. These morphs can add diversity and interest to the captive population. Because some colors are rarer than others, the specific color morph affects a gecko’s price.
Albino
Albino African fat-tailed geckos are the rarest color morph. Because albino geckos lack melanin entirely, they have a white or cream-colored body with pink or red eyes. Additionally, they often have pale or yellowish patterns. Albinism is a genetic mutation, and these geckos are bred for their appearance.
Hypomelanistic
Hypomelanistic or hypo fat-tailed geckos have lighter background colors and reduced patterning. Hypomelanism is characterized by a reduced production of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark coloration in skin, scales, and eyes. Hypomelanism can lead to a range of color variations.
Patternless
Patternless fat-tailed geckos display no banding at all. Patternless geckos lack distinct stripes or bands on their bodies, but the base color remains unchanged. This morph is not commonly found in nature. They are the result of selective breeding in captivity.
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In the wild, fat-tailed geckos typically exhibit patterns of either bands or stripes on their bodies as a form of camouflage to help them blend into their surroundings. Reptile enthusiasts and breeders create unique and aesthetically appealing geckos for the pet trade, though these guys couldn’t survive in the wild.
Striped
Striped fat-tailed geckos have prominent stripes running down their backs or along their bodies, which can vary in thickness and color. These stripes contrast with the background coloration, which can range from various shades of brown, gray, or orange. The stripes vary in color and thickness, creating a visually striking and attractive pattern.
Banded
The banded morph features well-defined bands or rings of color that stretch across the body. Because these bands typically alternate between lighter and darker sections, they create a distinct and visually appealing pattern. The bands may vary in thickness and color intensity, giving each gecko a unique appearance.
Tiger
Tiger morphs exhibit bold, dark stripes against a lighter background, resembling the markings of a tiger. Bold, dark stripes or bands are characteristic of the tiger morph. These stripes and bands run down the back and sides. They are reminiscent of the markings of a tiger, hence its name. These dark stripes contrast with the lighter background coloration of the gecko, creating a distinctive appearance.
Tangerine
Tangerine morphs have vibrant orange or tangerine-colored accents. These rich orange hues are especially prominent on their tails and sometimes extending onto their bodies. Because tangerine morphs have gorgeous coloration, many gecko lovers are drawn to them.
AFRICAN FAT-TAILED GECKOS! Care, breeding and morphs!
Brown
The brown morph has a predominantly brown coloration with various shades of brown, ranging from lighter to darker hues. This color morph lacks distinct patterns or markings, such as stripes or bands.
Wild Type
The wild type or normal coloration of African fat-tailed geckos is the most common. These colors typically include shades of brown, gray, and tan, along with various patterns of spots, stripes, or bands. These patterns are quite variable across individuals.
Wild-type fat-tailed geckos have evolved to blend in with their natural surroundings in arid and semi-arid regions of West Africa.
Enclosure
African fat-tailed geckos need at least a 36″x18″x16″ enclosure, preferably larger.
Reptiles aren’t like dogs and cats that can simply roam around your house. They are very sensitive to their environment, and need their own enclosure set up according to their specific needs. This guide covers everything you will need to care for your pet African fat-tailed gecko properly.
Enclosure Size Requirements
African fat-tailed geckos should be housed in an enclosure that is no smaller than 36″L x 18″W x 16″H. A common available terrarium size is a 40 gallon long. This is the bare minimum, calculated according to the reptile’s average length and activity patterns.
However, if you can provide an enclosure with more floor space, do it! Housing your gecko in a larger enclosure will encourage it to be more active and demonstrate more natural behaviors. We recommend front-opening enclosures for easier access and security.
