Photo Disclaimer
Description
African Fat Tail Gecko (Stripe)
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 muscular. Their thick tails act as fat reserves, storing vital nutrients for periods of reduced feeding.
Appearance: The Stripe African Fat Tail Gecko is a striking morph that replaces the species’ traditional banded pattern with a bold, continuous dorsal stripe extending from head to tail. This stripe ranges in colour from light cream to pale tan, often contrasted against deep brown or chocolate body tones. The clean, symmetrical pattern gives this morph a refined, polished look prized by breeders and collectors alike.
Distribution: Native to West Africa, including Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, where the species inhabits dry savannas, rocky plains, and semi-arid grasslands.
Habitat: In their natural range, these geckos spend daylight hours hidden in burrows or under rocks to avoid the heat. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic terrariums that replicate these conditions with compact substrate, stable humidity, and plenty of hides for security.
Behaviour: African Fat Tail Geckos are nocturnal and deliberate in their movements. They are calm, easy to manage, and adapt quickly to captive care routines. Stripe morphs share the same dependable temperament as their wild-type counterparts.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a minimum enclosure size of 24 inches × 18 inches × 12 inches (60 × 45 × 30 cm) for a single adult. Naturalistic setups with compact soil-sand-clay blends are recommended to allow digging and natural behaviour. For juveniles or temporary housing, reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel can be used to reduce ingestion risk. Offer at least three hides: a warm hide, a cool hide, and a humid hide to aid in 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 can safely drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Keep humidity between 50–70%, with a moist hide provided to support shedding.
Lighting: While not required, a low-output UVB light (2–5%) promotes natural activity and overall well-being. Maintain a 12-hour day/night cycle.
Diet: Feed a varied diet consisting of crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, and mealworms. Dust prey items with calcium and multivitamins regularly. Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every 2–3 days.
Behaviour in Captivity: Stripe African Fat Tail Geckos are calm, reliable feeders and highly tolerant of handling once established. They respond well to consistent care and routine maintenance.
Special Considerations: Always use a thermostat to regulate heat sources and prevent overheating. Monitor tail thickness to ensure proper fat storage and overall health.
Sand: Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
Sand is often debated as a substrate due to potential impaction risks. However, when used as part of a compact soil-sand mix and paired with proper husbandry, it poses minimal concern. Problems usually arise with loose or calcium-based sands and inadequate care. For young, newly acquired, or recovering geckos, simpler substrates such as reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel are recommended until the animal is well 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). Unlike adhesive-toed geckos, this group has movable eyelids and lacks toe pads, making them fully terrestrial. The species shows mild natural variation across its range but remains taxonomically stable.
Genetics Note
Stripe (Recessive): Produces a continuous dorsal stripe that runs the length of the body and tail, replacing the typical broken bands. Stripe morphs display clean, defined patterns and serve as the foundation for numerous combination projects such as Stripe Albino, Oreo Stripe, and Patternless Stripe.
(“het.” is short for heterozygous, meaning one copy of a gene is carried but not visually expressed. In the Stripe morph, both copies are expressed, resulting in the visual trait.)