Fat-tailed Gerbil

The fat-tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi), also known as the duprasi or bubble rat, is a small rodent native to the sandy deserts of North Africa, including Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Adults measure 10–12 cm in body length and weigh 40–60 g. The defining feature is a short, club-shaped tail that stores fat reserves as an adaptation to desert food scarcity—analogous to the fat-tailed sheep or gecko. Compared to the Mongolian gerbil, fat-tailed gerbils are calmer and less prone to biting, making them relatively easy to handle. They are most active at dusk and dawn. Housing in a glass tank is recommended to prevent escapes and maintain the dry environment they prefer. A sand bath area and deep, diggable substrate should be provided. Diet consists of seed mix supplemented with small amounts of fresh vegetables; high-moisture foods should be limited. Optimal temperature is 20–26 °C. Common health concerns include neoplasia, dermatitis, and respiratory infections. Lifespan is 3–5 years.

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Gerbil pellets, seeds, dried vegetables, occasional insects