Source: Wikimedia Commons
African Fat-Tailed Gecko
BeginnerHemitheconyx caudicinctus
Popular ground-dwelling gecko alongside leopard geckos. Prefers higher humidity and slightly shy but calms with handling.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
25〜32℃
Lifespan
15-20 years
Size
20-25cm
Humidity
40〜70%
Diet
Insects (crickets, mealworms)
About
The African fat-tailed gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) is a ground-dwelling gecko native to the arid grasslands and scrublands of West Africa, ranging from Senegal and Guinea to Nigeria and Cameroon. It is closely related to the leopard gecko and shares a similar heavy-bodied build with a thick tail used to store fat reserves. Adults typically reach 20–25 cm in length. The base coloration is brown or grey with dark transverse banding, and captive-bred morphs including albino and stripe variants are available. Compared to the leopard gecko, this species prefers slightly higher humidity (50–70%) and tends to be somewhat more shy, though it tames well with regular handling. Lifespan in captivity is commonly 15–20 years.
Basic Info
Origin
West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal and surrounding regions)
Lifespan
15-20 years
Size
20-25cm
Temperature
25〜32℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Diet
Insects (crickets, mealworms)
Care Guide
Temperature
26-32°C (hot spot)
Humidity
50-70% (higher than leopard geckos)
Morphs (Varieties)
ニシアフリカトカゲモドキのモルフ取引では、アルビノ・オレオ・パターンレスなどの劣性モルフが定番で、共優性のホワイトアウト(スーパー体は致死)も人気。
RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).
Amelanistic / AlbinoCaramel AlbinoPatternlessOreoGhostZuluStinger
Incomplete dominant1 copy visual; 2 copies (super form) more pronounced.
White Out
PolygenicContinuous trait from multiple genes; intensified by selective breeding.
Jungle / Aberrant
Sources: Gecko Time - African Fat-tail Gecko Morph Guide / MorphMarket Morphpedia - African Fat-Tailed Geckos
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Hemitheconyx caudicinctus (Duméril, 1851)
Synonyms: Stenodactylus caudi-cinctus Duméril, 1851
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Checklist (掲載なし) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
African Fat-Tailed Gecko Listings
Loading latest listingsFind listings for this species
