Care Guide
Overview
- Common Name: Fat-Tailed gecko
- Scientific Name: Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
- Origin: West Africa (Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria)
- Size: 7-9 inches
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Temperament: Docile, slow-moving, beginner friendly
Enclosure Setup
Tank Size
- Minimum: 20 gallon long
- Recommended: 30-40 gallon for extra enrichment
Substrate
- Our Mixture: Bio-Active soil mix (Avoid Loose sand)
Decor
- Minimum 3 hides
- Cork Bark
- Branches
- Leaf litter
Temperature and Heating
Temperature Gradient
- Warm side: 88–92°F
- Cool side: 75–80°F
- Night temps: Can drop to 70–72°F
Heating Equipment
- Ceramic heat emitter (if needed at night)
Humidity
- Target: 50-70%
Lighting
- UVB: low level recommended
- Use 5-7% UVB tube placed over basking area
- Photoperiod: 12 hours daily
Diet
Staples
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Mealworms (in moderation)
- Occasional waxworms as a treat
Feeding Schedule
- Adults: 2-3 feedings per week
- Juveniles: daily
Supplements
- Calcium:
- With D3: 2-3x per week
- Multivitamin: 1x per week
Water:
- Provide a shallow water dish at all times
Behavior and Handling
- Generally calm and easy to handle
- Move slowly—avoid sudden grabs
- Rarely bite, but may drop tail if stressed
- When Handling, avoid grabbing from above and make sure to support their entire body
Shedding
- Will occur regularly in healthy individuals
- Signs include dull coloration and reduced appetite
To help:
- maintain a constant humidity
- provide rough surfaces
Health and Common Issues
Signs of a healthy individual
- Bright, smooth scales
- Clear eyes
- Strong feeding response
- Regular burrowing
Common Problems
- Dehydration: Wrinkled or leathery skin
- Shedding Issues: Low humidity
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Lack of calcium/UVB
- Impaction: From loose substrate or large prey
These are common health problems but if your animal is sick or having issues PLEASE CONSULT A REPTILE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Key Care Tips
- 20+ gallon tank
- 88–92°F ambient temps
- 50-70% humidity
- Multiple hides