African Fat-tailed Gecko (Ghost Jungle)

African Fat-tailed Gecko (Ghost Jungle)

Scientific Name: Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
Common Name: African Fat-tailed Gecko

Species Overview

Size: Adult African Fat-tailed Geckos typically reach 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) in length, with males being slightly larger and heavier. Their thick tails act as nutrient reserves, storing fat and water that help maintain energy and hydration.

Appearance: The Ghost Jungle African Fat-tailed Gecko is a visually distinctive combination morph that blends the cool desaturated tones of the Ghost gene with the high-contrast patterning typical of the Jungle lineage. The Ghost gene reduces melanin and softens overall coloration, producing pastel greys, silvers, and creams in place of the deep browns found in wild types. The Jungle trait breaks up the gecko’s banding into irregular, offset shapes—sometimes forming partial striping or freckled side markings. Together, these genes create an elegant, misted look with unpredictable patterning and a refined, ethereal colour palette.

Distribution: Native to West Africa, including Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, where they occupy dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and semi-arid scrublands.

Habitat: In the wild, African Fat-tailed Geckos spend daylight hours sheltered in burrows or beneath rocks to avoid extreme heat. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic terrariums featuring compacted soil-sand substrates, moderate humidity, and multiple hides that replicate their natural shelters.

Behaviour: Ghost Jungle geckos are calm, nocturnal, and deliberate in movement. They adapt well to captivity and are tolerant of regular handling, making them ideal for both display and breeding projects.

Captive Care

Enclosure: Provide a minimum enclosure of 24 inches × 18 inches × 12 inches (60 × 45 × 30 cm) for a single adult. Naturalistic enclosures using compact soil-sand-clay mixtures promote burrowing and humidity control. For juveniles or quarantine setups, reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel can be used for ease of cleaning and safety. Offer at least three hides—one warm, one cool, and one humid—to support shedding and temperature regulation.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a warm-side surface temperature of 88–92°F (31–33°C) and a cool side around 75–80°F (24–27°C). Nighttime temperatures can safely drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Keep humidity between 50–70%, providing a moist hide for proper shedding.

Lighting: While UVB lighting (2–5%) is not mandatory, it benefits overall activity and calcium metabolism. Maintain a consistent 12-hour day/night light cycle.

Diet: Feed a varied diet of gut-loaded crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and silkworms. Dust feeders with calcium and multivitamin supplements on a regular schedule. Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every 2–3 days.

Behaviour in Captivity: These geckos are calm, easy to manage, and display consistent feeding behaviour. Their steady temperament makes them an excellent choice for keepers looking for a reliable, visually appealing morph.

Special Considerations: Always use thermostats to regulate heat sources and prevent burns. Monitor tail thickness as an indicator of health and nutrient balance.

Sand: Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

Sand has been debated due to impaction risks. When used correctly as part of a compact soil-sand mixture and maintained with proper temperature, hydration, and nutrition, it poses minimal concern. Most issues arise from loose or calcium-based sands used under poor husbandry conditions. For hatchlings, juveniles, or new arrivals, reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel are safer choices until fully established.

Taxonomy Note

The African Fat-tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) is a member of the Eublepharidae family, which includes eyelid geckos such as the Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius). These geckos have functional eyelids and lack adhesive toe pads, making them fully terrestrial. The species is taxonomically stable, showing mild regional variation across West Africa.

Genetics Note

Ghost (Recessive): Reduces melanin and softens body colouration, producing pale, cool tones and a washed-out appearance that becomes more apparent as the gecko matures.

Jungle (Polygenic/Line-bred): Breaks up the gecko’s typical banded pattern into offset or irregular shapes, sometimes forming partial stripes or asymmetrical body markings. Expression varies greatly between individuals and can be selectively bred for stronger pattern disruption.

(“het.” is short for heterozygous, meaning one copy of a gene is carried but not visually expressed. In this morph, the Ghost gene is visually expressed, while the Jungle trait is line-bred and variable.)