GECKO AMEL FAT TAILED (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus)
$300.00
Full Description
Here is a complete care guide for the Amelanistic (Amel) African Fat-Tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus), a popular and visually striking morph due to its lack of melanin (black pigment), resulting in bright shades of orange, yellow, and pink.
Amelanistic (Amel) African Fat-Tailed Gecko Care Guide
Morph Overview
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Amel Fat-Tailed Gecko |
| Scientific Name | Hemitheconyx caudicinctus |
| Morph Type | Recessive color morph (amelanism = no black pigment) |
| Experience Level | Beginner-friendly |
Size & Lifespan
| Feature | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Adult Length | 7–9 inches (18–23 cm) |
| Adult Weight | 45–75 grams |
| Lifespan | 15–20+ years with proper care |
Enclosure Setup
Enclosure Size
| Stage | Minimum Size |
|---|---|
| Hatchling/Juvenile | 10–15 gallons |
| Adult | 20-gallon long tank |
Fat-tailed geckos are ground dwellers and benefit from horizontal space.
Substrate Options
| ✅ Safe | ❌ Unsafe |
|---|---|
| Paper towels | Loose sand |
| Reptile carpet | Wood shavings or bark |
| Ceramic tile/slate | Coconut coir or mulch |
| Bioactive (advanced keepers) | Gravel or perlite-based soil |
️ Temperature & Humidity
| Zone | Temp (°F) | Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Warm side | 88–92°F | 31–33°C |
| Cool side | 75–80°F | 24–27°C |
| Nighttime | 70–75°F | 21–24°C |
| Humidity | 50–70% (with moist hide) |
Use an under-tank heater (UTH) with thermostat
Provide a humid hide on the warm side using sphagnum moss or moist paper towel
Monitor with digital thermometer + hygrometer
Lighting
-
UVB is optional, but a low-level 2–5% UVB can be beneficial
-
Provide a 12-hour day/night light cycle
-
Avoid intense lighting—Amels have light-sensitive eyes due to lack of pigment
️ Hides & Decor
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Warm hide | Thermoregulation |
| Cool hide | Safe space/resting area |
| Humid hide | Shedding & hydration |
| Enrichment | Logs, cork, plants, stones |
Keep decor low and secure—fat-tails aren’t strong climbers.
Diet & Feeding
Insect Options
| Feeder | Notes |
|---|---|
| Crickets | Active, good staple |
| Dubia roaches | High protein, ideal staple |
| Mealworms | Easy to dish-feed, moderate use |
| Black soldier fly larvae | High calcium, good option |
| Superworms/waxworms | Treat only (high in fat) |
Feeding Schedule
| Age | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Juveniles | Daily |
| Adults | Every 2–3 days |
Supplements
| Supplement | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Calcium (no D3) | Available in tank |
| Calcium + D3 | 1–2× weekly |
| Multivitamin | 1× weekly |
✅ Gut-load all feeder insects before feeding.
Cleaning Schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Spot clean waste | Daily |
| Change water | Daily |
| Refresh humid hide | 1–2× per week |
| Full clean | Every 3–4 weeks |
Morph-Specific Notes
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Recessive; both parents must carry the gene |
| Coloration | Bright pink, orange, yellow, and white tones |
| Eyes | Pink or reddish; more light-sensitive |
| No melanin | No dark pigment; softer pattern appearance |
| Care Differences | May need lower lighting due to eye sensitivity |
Handling Tips
-
Wait 1–2 weeks after introduction before handling
-
Keep handling sessions short (5–10 minutes)
-
Avoid handling during shedding or after feeding
-
Be gentle—Amels are calm but can be shy
✅ Quick Care Summary
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 20 gal long minimum for adults |
| Substrate | Tile, paper towel, or bioactive |
| Heating | 88–92°F on warm side (UTH + stat) |
| Humidity | 50–70% (with humid hide) |
| UVB | Optional, 2–5% if used |
| Diet | Insects, gut-loaded, supplemented |
| Behavior | Docile, shy, low activity |
| Morph Risk | No known health risks |