African Fat Tail Gecko FOR SALE>
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Common name: African Fat-Tailed Gecko (AFTG)
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Scientific name: Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
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Origin: West Africa (from Senegal through Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon)
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Size: 7–9 inches (adults)
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Weight: ~45–75 g
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Type: Terrestrial, nocturnal lizard
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Tail: Thick “fat” tail (stores nutrients and water, like a camel’s hump)
Appearance
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Body: Stocky with smooth skin (unlike rough-scaled lizards)
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Colors: Usually tan, brown, or beige bands; many morphs exist (albino, striped, patternless, etc.)
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Eyes: Large lid-bearing eyes (unlike leopard geckos, they can close their eyes)
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Tail: Used for fat storage — will regenerate if dropped, but not identical to the original
Temperament
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Disposition: Gentle, docile, and tolerant of handling (similar to leopard geckos)
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Behavior: Nocturnal — more active at night, hide during the day
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Interaction: Usually calm but may hiss or squeak if stressed
Habitat & Care (in captivity)
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Enclosure size: Minimum 20-gallon long tank for one adult (bigger for multiple)
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Substrate: Paper towels, reptile carpet, or soil/sand mixes (avoid loose sand for young geckos)
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Temperature:
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Warm side: 88–92°F (belly heat preferred via heat mat)
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Cool side: 75–80°F
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Night: not below ~70°F
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Humidity: Moderate (50–70%), higher than leopard geckos need — provide a humid hide with damp moss for shedding
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Lighting: Not strictly required (nocturnal), but low-level UVB can benefit health
Diet
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Type: Insectivore
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Staple feeders: Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, silkworms
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Treats: Waxworms, hornworms (high fat, occasional only)
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Supplements: Calcium + D3 powder, multivitamin dusting weekly
� Health
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Lifespan: 15–20 years
