African Fat Tail Gecko (Patternless Zulu)

African Fat Tail Gecko (Patternless Zulu)

Scientific Name: Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
Common Name: African Fat Tail Gecko

Species Overview

Size: Adult African Fat Tail Geckos typically reach 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) in length, with males being slightly larger and more robust. Their thick tails serve as fat reserves, helping them survive periods of reduced food availability.

Appearance: The Patternless Zulu African Fat Tail Gecko combines two recessive traits that dramatically alter the classic look of the species. The Patternless gene removes most visible markings, while the Zulu gene subtly influences the base tone and head patterning. The result is a smooth, clean-bodied gecko with uniform tan, light brown, or golden tones. Depending on lineage, faint shadowing or residual markings may remain near the tail or neck. This morph is highly sought after for its minimalist yet refined appearance.

Distribution: Native to West Africa, including Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, where the species inhabits semi-arid savannas and rocky grasslands.

Habitat: In their natural range, African Fat Tail Geckos dwell in dry regions with loose soil and scattered vegetation. They retreat to burrows or under stones during the day to maintain moisture and avoid extreme temperatures. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic setups featuring packed substrate, stable humidity, and secure hides.

Behaviour: These geckos are nocturnal, moving slowly and deliberately while exploring. They are docile and adapt well to handling, making them ideal for display or selective breeding projects.

Captive Care

Enclosure: Provide a minimum enclosure size of 24 inches × 18 inches × 12 inches (60 × 45 × 30 cm) for one adult. Naturalistic enclosures are preferred, using a compact soil-sand-clay mixture that supports digging. For young or quarantined geckos, simpler substrates such as reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel are suitable alternatives. Include at least three hides—warm, cool, and humid—to support shedding and thermoregulation.

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). Allow nighttime drops to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Keep humidity between 50–70%, ensuring one slightly damp hide is always available for shedding.

Lighting: UVB lighting (2–5%) is optional but beneficial for natural behaviour and overall health. Maintain a consistent 12-hour day/night cycle.

Diet: Feed a varied diet of crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and silkworms. Gut-load insects before feeding and dust with calcium and multivitamins regularly. Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults thrive on feeding every 2–3 days.

Behaviour in Captivity: Patternless Zulu African Fat Tail Geckos are calm and highly tolerant of human presence. They rarely exhibit defensive behaviour and quickly acclimate to regular care routines.

Special Considerations: Always regulate heating with a thermostat. Monitor tail thickness and body weight as indicators of overall health.

Sand: Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

Sand has long been a point of debate among gecko keepers. When used as part of a compact soil-sand mix and paired with correct husbandry, it presents minimal risk of impaction. The primary issues arise from loose or calcium-based sands used with poor maintenance. For hatchlings, juveniles, or geckos recovering from stress, simpler substrates like reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel are better suited until they mature.

Taxonomy Note

The African Fat Tail Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) belongs to the family Eublepharidae, which includes other eyelid geckos such as the Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius). Unlike most geckos, members of this family possess functional eyelids and lack adhesive toe pads, making them strictly ground-dwelling. This species is taxonomically stable, with mild natural variation across its West African range.

Genetics Note

Patternless (Recessive): Removes or greatly reduces visible patterning, producing a uniform, smooth-toned gecko. When combined with other morphs, it creates clean, minimalist variations with subtle undertones.

Zulu (Recessive): Alters and disrupts the normal banding pattern, introducing fine irregular markings and head pattern variation. In the Patternless Zulu combination, its influence is often subtle, contributing to tone and shading rather than distinct patterning.

(“het.” is short for heterozygous, meaning one copy of a gene is carried but not expressed. In the Patternless Zulu morph, both genes are expressed visually.)