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African Fat-tailed Gecko

A calm, beginner-friendly gecko that does best with a warm hide and a slightly more humid setup than leopard geckos. Slow, steady, and very manageable.

scientificName
Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
careLevel
Beginner
adultSize
18 to 24 cm
enclosure
75L (20 gal) minimum for one adult
temperature
24 to 32C with a warm hide
humidity
40 to 60% with a humid hide
diet
Insects dusted with calcium
lifespan
15 to 20+ years
handling
Gentle, low-stress sessions
lighting
Low-level UVB recommended
weeklyMaintenance
Spot-clean 2 to 3x, deeper clean as needed

Best for

  • First-time reptile owners who want a manageable setup
  • People who prefer short, calm handling sessions
  • Owners who can keep heat stable year-round
  • Homes that want a quiet, low-allergy pet

Not ideal for

  • People who want a daytime-active pet (many geckos are evening-active)
  • Homes that struggle to keep temperatures stable
  • Anyone who dislikes handling live insects
  • Impulse buyers without time to set up heating correctly

Temperament

  • Usually calm once settled with consistent routines
  • May be shy during the first weeks in a new home
  • Does best when you handle slowly and close to the ground

Daily routine

feeding: Offer appropriately sized insects or CGD as recommended for the species; remove leftovers.
heatLighting: Check warm and cool side temperatures; confirm heat source is working.
check: Look for normal activity, clear eyes, and a clean vent; ensure water is available.
enrichment: Provide hides, climbing options (arboreal species), and a humid hide where applicable.

Living fit

smallHome: Good fit if you can place a properly sized enclosure and heat safely.
kids: Okay with calm supervision; teach gentle handling and hand washing.
firstTimeOwner: Yes, especially leopard gecko and crested gecko.

Health notes

  • Poor sheds are usually a humidity or hide issue; adjust before trying to peel shed.
  • Calcium and vitamin balance matters; dust feeders and use UVB where appropriate.
  • Low temperatures often cause appetite and digestion problems.

Cost and time

time: Low to moderate once the enclosure is stable.
cost: Moderate: enclosure, thermostat, and lighting are the main costs.

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