African Fat Tail Gecko
The African Fat Tail gecko (Hemitheconyx Caudicinctus) is commonly known as AFT. They are similar to their distant cousin the Leopard gecko yet they differ significantly.
They are native to West Africa and like their cousin, their toes do not have adhesive lamellae, so they are unable to climb smooth vertical walls.
Other characteristics, including the terrestrial and crepuscular types, are that they have movable eyelids and vertical pupils.
Their size is typically around 23cm in length and they have a lifespan of 10-25 years. They are considered to be more exotic than their similar cousin the Leopard geckos. Why? Because AFT geckos have far less morphs that are available than Leopard geckos. They are also harder to breed than Leopard geckos.
Similar to their cousin the Leopard geckos they are able to detach their tail as a defense mechanism which allows them to flee from confused predators and they also have the ability to regrow their tail. Again as with their cousin their tail also serves to store fat as an important energy reserve.
With its tail AFT can go for days without food.
Their diets are quite similar to Leopard geckos. They will not eat dead prey and it’s recommended to give them gutloaded and calcium dusted insects.
As a pet they are becoming more popular. In captivity they are similar to their cousin the Leopard geckos in terms of maintainance and care requirements. The only slight difference is that they are more expensive and need more humidity than their cousin the Leopard geckos. (Source: Wikipedia)
