🦎 Reptiles

African Fat-Tailed Gecko

Gentle, slow-moving and easy to love.

Fat-tailed geckos are calm, nocturnal geckos similar to leopard geckos but preferring a bit more humidity. They are great beginner reptiles.

Lifespan15–20 years
SizeSmall · 7–9 in
Care levelBeginner
Typical cost$15–30 / month
Great for
BeginnersSmall spacesDocileCalmNocturnal
African Fat-Tailed Gecko

Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

20-gallon long or larger; warm side 88–90°F; a humid hide.

Gut-loaded insects dusted with calcium.

Hides and décor to explore.

Check toes for stuck shed.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Metabolic bone disease
  • Stuck shed
  • Cryptosporidiosis
  • Impaction
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Reptile vet check after adoption.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.