GECKO WHITE OUT FAT TAILED (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus)
$200.00
Full Description
Here is a complete care guide for the White Out African Fat-Tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus), a striking and highly sought-after morph due to its bold contrast and high white patterning. It shares core husbandry needs with other fat-tailed geckos but requires attention to visual sensitivity and genetic considerations.
White Out African Fat-Tailed Gecko Care Guide
Morph Overview
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Name | White Out Fat-Tailed Gecko |
| Scientific Name | Hemitheconyx caudicinctus |
| Morph Type | Dominant (White Out) |
| Appearance | High-contrast, bold pattern with bright whites and dark browns or blacks |
| Experience Level | Intermediate (due to rarity and breeding sensitivity) |
Size & Lifespan
| Feature | Range |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | 7–9 inches (18–23 cm) |
| Adult Weight | 45–75 grams |
| Lifespan | 15–20+ years |
Enclosure Setup
Enclosure Size
| Stage | Size Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Juvenile | 10–15 gallons |
| Adult | 20-gallon long minimum |
Prioritize floor space over height.
Substrate Options
| ✅ Recommended | ❌ Avoid |
|---|---|
| Paper towels | Loose sand |
| Reptile carpet | Bark/wood chips |
| Slate/ceramic tile | Soil with perlite |
| Bioactive setups (advanced) | Calcium sand |
️ Temperature & Humidity
| Area | Ideal Temperature (°F) | (°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% | (w/ moist hide) |
Use an under-tank heater (UTH) + thermostat
Place a humid hide (sphagnum moss or moist paper towel)
Monitor with digital thermometers and hygrometers
Lighting
-
UVB lighting is optional, but 2–5% is beneficial for vitamin D3 synthesis
-
Maintain a 12-hour light/dark cycle
-
Avoid bright white lighting – White Outs can be light-sensitive
️ Hides & Decor
| Hide Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Warm Hide | Digestion and thermoregulation |
| Cool Hide | Comfort and stress reduction |
| Humid Hide | Vital for hydration and shedding |
| Enrichment | Flat rocks, cork bark, fake foliage |
Make all décor secure to prevent injury.
Diet & Feeding
Feeder Insects
| Insect | Notes |
|---|---|
| Crickets | Stimulates hunting instincts |
| Dubia roaches | Nutritious, ideal staple |
| Mealworms | Easy to dish-feed |
| BSFL (calciworms) | Naturally high in calcium |
| Waxworms/superworms | Use sparingly (high fat) |
Feeding Frequency
| Gecko Stage | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Juvenile | Daily |
| Adult | Every 2–3 days |
Supplements
| Type | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Calcium (no D3) | Always available |
| Calcium + D3 | 1–2× per week |
| Multivitamin | 1× per week |
✅ Gut-load insects 24–48 hrs before feeding.
Cleaning & Maintenance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Spot clean waste | Daily |
| Replace water | Daily |
| Check humid hide | 2–3× weekly |
| Full tank clean | Monthly |
Morph-Specific Notes
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| White Out | Dominant gene that enhances contrast and pattern complexity |
| Visual Sensitivity | May be more prone to stress under bright lighting |
| Not for breeding with White Out hets | Breeding two White Outs can lead to fatal “Super White Out” genetics (lethal combination) |
| Temperament | Typically calm, but can be shy or skittish in new environments |
Handling Tips
-
Wait 1–2 weeks after arriving home before handling
-
Start with short sessions (5–10 minutes)
-
Be gentle; support their whole body
-
Avoid during shedding or shortly after feeding
-
Never grab by the tail—they can drop it as a defense
✅ Quick Reference Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Enclosure | 20-gallon long (adult) |
| Substrate | Tile, paper towels, bioactive |
| Heat Gradient | 88–92°F warm, 75–80°F cool |
| Humidity | 50–70%, plus humid hide |
| UVB | Optional, 2–5% |
| Diet | Insectivorous w/ supplements |
| Morph Traits | Dominant; do not breed White Out × White Out |