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Description
African Fat Tail Gecko (Striped White Out)
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, muscular tails serve as essential fat reserves, supporting energy storage and hydration.
Appearance: The Striped White Out African Fat Tail Gecko expresses two visually dominant traits that create an exceptionally bold and unpredictable appearance. The Stripe gene produces a continuous or near-continuous dorsal line running from head to tail, while the White Out gene alters base pigmentation and disrupts the typical patterning, often producing high contrast and asymmetrical markings. The combination results in a uniquely variable morph — no two individuals are identical. Colours range from light beige and tan to deep brown, with cream or white highlights tracing the stripe and sides.
Distribution: Native to West Africa, including Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, where the species thrives in dry, rocky grasslands and open savannas.
Habitat: In their natural range, these geckos dwell in burrows or beneath rocks during the heat of the day. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic terrariums that replicate these environments, using compact soil-sand substrates, moderate humidity, and multiple hides for security.
Behaviour: Striped White Out African Fat Tail Geckos are calm, deliberate, and adaptable to handling. They exhibit the same steady demeanour as other morphs, making them reliable and engaging for both display and breeding projects.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a minimum adult enclosure of 24 inches × 18 inches × 12 inches (60 × 45 × 30 cm). Naturalistic setups with compact soil-sand-clay blends are ideal for burrowing and temperature control. For younger or quarantined animals, reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel may be used to simplify cleaning and reduce ingestion risk. Include three hides: one on the warm side, one on the cool side, and a humid hide for shedding.
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 may drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Keep humidity levels between 50–70%, ensuring a moist hide is always available to promote proper shedding.
Lighting: UVB lighting (2–5%) is optional but beneficial for stimulating natural behaviour and supporting calcium metabolism. Maintain a 12-hour day/night light cycle.
Diet: Offer a variety of gut-loaded insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and silkworms. Supplement feedings with calcium and multivitamin powders regularly. Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every 2–3 days.
Behaviour in Captivity: Calm, steady, and highly adaptable, Striped White Out geckos quickly adjust to captive life. Once accustomed to regular care, they tolerate handling well and display consistent feeding behaviour.
Special Considerations: Always use thermostats to regulate heat sources and prevent burns. Monitor tail thickness as an indicator of overall health and energy reserves.
Sand: Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
Sand has been debated as a substrate due to potential impaction risks. When incorporated as part of a compact soil-sand mixture and maintained with correct heat and hydration balance, it poses minimal danger. Problems generally occur when using loose or calcium-based sands alongside poor husbandry. For hatchlings, juveniles, or recovering animals, reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel are safer substrate choices until fully established.
Taxonomy Note
The African Fat Tail Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) belongs to the family Eublepharidae, which includes eyelid geckos like the Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius). This family retains functional eyelids and lacks adhesive toe pads, making them completely terrestrial. The species shows consistent physical traits across its range, with slight natural variation between populations.
Genetics Note
Stripe (Recessive): Produces a continuous dorsal stripe that runs along the spine and tail, replacing the traditional banded pattern. Stripe serves as a base for many combination morphs and adds clarity and balance to the overall appearance.
White Out (Incomplete Dominant): Alters the base coloration and disrupts the natural pattern, often producing high-contrast, irregular markings and a marbled appearance. Each individual’s expression is unique, with some appearing brighter and more reduced in pattern than others. When bred together, two White Outs can produce “Super White Outs,” which are lighter and even more pattern-reduced.
(“het.” is short for heterozygous, meaning one copy of a gene is carried but not expressed visually. In this morph, both the Stripe and White Out traits are expressed.)