African Fat-Tailed Gecko

• ExerciseLow

  Mostly a sit-and-watch animal — good hides and enrichment matter more than exercise.

• GroomingEasy upkeep

  No grooming needed — keep the enclosure clean and conditions right.

• Living spaceCompact terrarium

  A modest terrarium is all the home they need.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment15–20 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Metabolic bone disease · Shedding problems · Impaction

Ranging across the dry savannas and forest edges of West Africa, the fat-tailed gecko grows to 18-23 cm and lives 15-20 years. Like the leopard gecko it is a nocturnal, eyelidded ground-dweller that stores fat in its swollen tail, but it prefers slightly higher humidity, reflecting its more forested habitat. Keep a single adult in a 75-liter terrarium with a warm side of 30-32 C provided by under-tank or overhead heat, and always include a moist hide to aid shedding. Maintain overall humidity around 50%, higher than a leopard gecko. Low-level UVB supports bone health. Feed gut-loaded crickets, dubia roaches, and the occasional mealworm, dusted with calcium and D3. Use a solid or bioactive substrate rather than loose sand to avoid impaction. They are famously docile and tolerate gentle handling well.

• How active is a African Fat-Tailed Gecko?

  Low. Mostly a sit-and-watch animal — good hides and enrichment matter more than exercise.

• How demanding is African Fat-Tailed Gecko care?

  Easy upkeep. No grooming needed — keep the enclosure clean and conditions right.

• What enclosure does a African Fat-Tailed Gecko need?

  Compact terrarium. A modest terrarium is all the home they need.

• Is a African Fat-Tailed Gecko a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do African Fat-Tailed Gecko live?

  15–20 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the African Fat-Tailed Gecko?

  Keep an eye out for Metabolic bone disease, Shedding problems, Impaction. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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