Hemitheconyx caudicinctus (Thick-tailed gecko)

Origin: Northwestern Africa, from Nigeria to Senegal
Length: about 25 cm
Age: 10 to 15 years
The fat-tailed gecko is very similar to the leopard gecko and is native to northwestern Africa. The fat-tailed gecko is a terrestrial (meaning it lives on the ground) and nocturnal species. They like both a dry and moist environment. As the name of the gecko suggests, they have a remarkably thick tail. When this tail falls off, this can indicate malnutrition. Fat-tailed geckos have broad crossbands across the back, varying in colors from chocolate brown to light brown. There are also varieties in which the light brown stripes are peach-colored, while the dark brown bands show an orange hue.

Grooming
Experience: Starting / Average reptile keeper
Food: Crickets, cockroaches (dubias) and mealworms
Feed adult: three times a week
Feed young: Daily
Water bowl: Yes
Change the water: 3 times a week

Nutrition
The natural food of the fat-tailed geckos is much more varied and rich in nutrients than food animals. That is why it is important to add extra vitamins and minerals to the fat-tailed gecko's diet. This can be done, for example, by dusting insects and other food animals with so-called vitamin and mineral preparation. At "Food" you can find the food animals that are suitable for the fat-tailed geckos

Water
It is good to make water available for your fat-tailed gecko. Make sure that when you provide the gecko with water, it cannot drown in it. It is best to put a very thin layer of water in the water bowl of no more than 2 cm. Change the water about three times a week. In addition to the formation of algae and bacteria, faeces can also end up in the water bowl.

Cleaning
To keep your fat-tailed gecko's enclosure as clean as possible, it is best to remove food residues and faeces from the enclosure daily or every other day. This is to maintain the hygiene and health of your gecko.

Handling
Fat-tailed geckos quickly shed their tail when they feel threatened, or when they are picked up or handled. As soon as fat-tailed geckos get the chance, they will bite. This can happen, for example, when you try to pick up the animal. So try to avoid handling as much as possible. If you are going to pick up your gecko you must do this firmly, but carefully. The skin is very thin and can easily be damaged.

Housing
Minimum enclosure size for one couple: 60 x 40 x 40 cm
Daytime temperature: 26C cool side and 30C in the hottest place
Night temperature: 20-21C
Hours of light: 14 hours
Humidity: Very dry
Ground cover: Sand, coco peat, kitchen roll or newspapers

Design
The terrarium should be arranged in a desert-like manner. This means that the terrarium should preferably be made of glass and the temperature is 26 to 30 ° C during the day and 20 to 21 ° C at night.
In addition to a spotlight, possibly also place a mild bottom heating to simulate solar heat rising from the sand (this can be created by placing a heat mat). Make sure that solid anchored rocks and tree trunks are present in the terrarium so that the fat-tailed gecko can bask on them if necessary. You can make hiding places from cork bark or by, for example, placing a stone flower pot on its side. To make the terrarium look even more natural, you can also place plants in the terrarium. Especially use plastic plants or plants that can withstand drought (no cacti).
In addition to furnishings, the fat-tailed gecko also needs UV light to stay healthy. They need UV radiation to make vitamin D. You can use a UV lamp to get UV radiation into the accommodation.

Behaviour
Lifestyle: Terrestrial and nocturnal

Character
The fat-tailed gecko lives withdrawn in his or her hiding place and is therefore generally quite shy. They feel safe when they can crawl into a narrow crevice. They will come out of these hiding places especially at night to look for food.

Points of attention
Fat-tailed geckos are best kept as pairs. Males can be very territorial and will defend their territory, but females will also attack intruders. So it is better not to keep other species with fat-tailed geckos.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation: You do not need CITES or transfer papers to own this gecko.
One-off costs: This includes the costs for the accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl and decoration. All together this can cost a few hundred euros. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, this is a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs have been incurred when your gecko accidentally falls ill or your equipment breaks down.