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Description
African Fat-tailed Gecko (Zulu het. Ghost Patternless poss. Oreo)
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 serve as nutrient reserves, storing fat and water that sustain them during periods of reduced feeding or shedding.
Appearance: The Zulu het. Ghost Patternless poss. Oreo African Fat-tailed Gecko is a complex combination morph that blends a visually expressed Zulu gene with several powerful recessive traits. The Zulu gene creates fine, irregular markings and a distinctive speckled head pattern. The het. Ghost and Patternless genes are not visually expressed but add significant breeding potential—Ghost lightens pigmentation to soft greys and creams when expressed, while Patternless removes markings for a smooth, uniform tone. The possible Oreo influence introduces darker melanin-rich contrast if present. Altogether, this combination produces a clean, well-balanced appearance with earthy tones and subtle variations, while carrying the potential for striking future offspring.
Distribution: Native to West Africa, including Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, where they inhabit dry grasslands, rocky scrublands, and semi-arid savannas.
Habitat: In their natural environment, African Fat-tailed Geckos spend the day in burrows or beneath rocks to avoid extreme heat and maintain humidity. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic terrariums with compacted soil-sand substrates, moderate humidity, and multiple hides to replicate their burrowing habits.
Behaviour: These geckos are calm, nocturnal, and deliberate in movement. They tolerate handling well once acclimated and are an excellent choice for breeders working with multi-gene projects.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide an enclosure measuring at least 24 inches × 18 inches × 12 inches (60 × 45 × 30 cm) for an adult. Naturalistic setups with compact soil-sand-clay blends support burrowing and humidity control. For juveniles or quarantine setups, reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel may be used for simplicity and safety. Offer three hides—one warm, one cool, and one humid—to promote proper 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). Nighttime temperatures can safely drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Keep humidity between 50–70%, ensuring a slightly moist hide is always available for shedding.
Lighting: Low-output UVB lighting (2–5%) is optional but recommended to promote healthy calcium metabolism and natural activity. Maintain a 12-hour day/night light cycle.
Diet: Offer a varied diet of gut-loaded crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and silkworms. Dust insects 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 hardy and steady, quickly adapting to consistent care. They display predictable feeding behaviour and tolerate routine handling.
Special Considerations: Always regulate heat sources with a thermostat to prevent burns. Monitor tail thickness as a key indicator of health and energy storage.
Sand: Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
Sand remains debated due to potential impaction risks. When used as part of a compact soil-sand mixture and maintained correctly with proper heat, hydration, and feeding practices, the risk is minimal. Problems typically arise with loose or calcium-based sands paired with poor husbandry. For hatchlings, juveniles, or new arrivals, reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel are safer until well established.
Taxonomy Note
The African Fat-tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) belongs to the Eublepharidae family, which includes eyelid geckos such as the Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius). These geckos possess movable eyelids and lack adhesive toe pads, making them fully terrestrial. The species is taxonomically stable, displaying only mild regional variation across its range.
Genetics Note
Zulu (Recessive): Alters normal banding and introduces fine speckling, irregular body markings, and unique head patterns.
het. Ghost (Recessive Carrier): Carries one copy of the Ghost gene, which reduces melanin and produces pale grey, cream, or silver tones when expressed.
het. Patternless (Recessive Carrier): Carries one copy of the Patternless gene, which removes or heavily reduces markings when visual.
poss. het. Oreo (Possible Recessive Carrier): May carry one copy of the Oreo gene, which increases melanin and produces deep, dark pigmentation when expressed.
(“het.” is short for heterozygous, meaning one copy of a gene is carried but not visually expressed. “poss. het.” indicates the gene may be present but has not been confirmed through breeding.)