Geckos are becoming a pet choice for most people. There are various gecko species you can choose from, including leopard geckos and fat tail geckos. While both are popular pet choices, leopard geckos are a more common pet lizard than fat-tail geckos.
Leopard geckos and fat-tail geckos can confuse most people because the two are closely related. Even so, there are some distinct differences between the two. For instance, fat-tail geckos, also known as Hemitheconyx caudicinctus, are native to West Africa. In contrast, leopard geckos, also known as Eublepharis macularius, are native to the desert regions of Asia.
Differences Between Fat Tail Gecko vs Leopard Gecko
Below are distinct features of leopard geckos and fat tail geckos. Such can help you know how to provide your gecko with ideal conditions in captivity and also help you choose the best gecko species for your household between the two.
· Colors and Patterns
A critical difference between the two gecko species is their visual appearance.
Leopard geckos are known for their distinctive leopard-like spots. They have a yellowish-brown base color with black or dark brown spots or blotches all over their body. These spots can be round, irregular, or elongated and provide camouflage in their natural environment.
On the other hand, fat-tail geckos have a unique pattern of dots and stripes on their skin. It can vary from a light to a dark brown color and can have a variety of patterns, such as spots, lines, or blotches.
As with leopard geckos, these patterns provide camouflage in the wild and can make them difficult to spot. Such helps them avoid their predators while helping them in their hunting.
The patterns of both geckos are unique and beautiful, providing excellent visual contrast. Some fat-tail geckos have a more vibrant pattern than others, and some leopard geckos have more spots than others. The pattern of each gecko species is unique and can vary depending on the individual gecko and the morph.
· Size
Fat-tail geckos and leopard geckos have different sizes. To begin with, fat-tail geckos can grow up to 8 inches. They also have a thick, fat tail which is used as a storage unit for fat and water. Such comes in handy in case of starvation or severe illness.
On the other hand, leopard geckos grow up to 10 inches in length. They also have a slimmer body shape than fat-tail geckos and a fat tail but not as big as that of fat-tail geckos.
While the above is true, it is essential to note that size can vary depending on the individual gecko and its specific care and diet. Therefore, it’s vital to ask for guidance from a professional about the specific care requirements for each species and to provide an appropriate habitat to ensure they reach their optimal growth.
· Temperature Needs
Leopard geckos are native to the desert regions of Asia and have adapted to hot and dry climates. In captivity, they need a basking spot with a temperature range between 90 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit to mimic the wild environment.
The cooler end of the tank should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Leopard geckos also need a heat source, such as an under-tank heater, to maintain the appropriate temperature range.
On the other hand, fat-tail geckos are native to West Africa and have adapted to a tropical climate. You need to provide a basking spot with a temperature range between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler end of the tank should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They also need a heat source, such as an under-tank heater, to maintain the appropriate temperature range.
In addition, to the above, it’s crucial to provide a thermal gradient in the enclosure for both gecko species to regulate their body temperature.
You should also monitor the temperature regularly to ensure it stays within the appropriate range. A good thermometer can help you regulate this.
· Humidity
Fat tail geckos need a higher humidity level of 60 – 80% and should be misted regularly to maintain a moist environment. These lizards also require a more humid habitat and frequent misting to keep the enclosure moist. In addition, fat tail geckos need a water dish for drinking and soaking.
On the other hand, leopard geckos are terrestrial and prefer to live in a low enclosure with a substrate that retains heat, such as sand or reptile carpet. They need a lower humidity level of 30 – 50% and should be kept in a dry environment. Unlike fat tail geckos, leopard geckos do not require misting but need a water dish for drinking.
Ensure that you frequently monitor the humidity levels to ensure that the tank is humid and moist for the lizard to thrive. A hygrometer will help you monitor this, and you can choose between a digital and an analog one.
· Cost
The cost of keeping a fat tail gecko or a leopard gecko in captivity can vary depending on several factors such as location, age, morph, and availability of the specific species. In general, leopard geckos are less expensive than fat tail geckos.
On average, a leopard gecko can cost anywhere from $20 to $50 for a standard morph, while a rare one can cost between $100 to $200. On the other hand, fat tail geckos are considered to be more expensive than leopard geckos. They often cost anywhere from $50 to $150 for a basic morph and up to $400 or more for a rare morph.
Check local pet stores, breeders, or online platforms to get an idea of the cost in your area.
Other costs to consider when choosing a pet gecko species include the tank, heating and lighting equipment, food, supplements, and bedding. Additional but rare costs may include medical examination or medical treatment.
These costs can add up, so it’s vital to budget well when considering the best gecko species for your household. In addition, these geckos can live for many years, and the costs can be high in the long run.
Similarities Between Fat Tail Gecko vs Leopard Gecko
While leopard geckos and fat-tail geckos have the above key differences, below are some similarities, and they share some of them with other gecko species.
Both leopard geckos and fat tail geckos species are;
- Popular pet lizards are easy to care for.
- Nocturnal and are generally more active at night, often coming out during dusk and before dawn.
- Insectivorous and eat similar foods, such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, roaches, and waxworms, and also need a calcium supplement to ensure a balanced diet and prevent metabolic bone disease.
- Generally docile and easy to handle.
- Cold-blooded reptiles require a heat source to maintain their body temperature.
- Easy to breed and reproduce in captivity.
- Have a relatively long lifespan, with leopard geckos living up to 20 years and fat tail geckos living up to 15 years in captivity with proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Leopard Geckos Eat Fat Tail Geckos Food?
Yes, these two gecko species can eat the same food. Leopard geckos and fat tail geckos are both insectivores and have a similar diet in captivity. Both species primarily eat crickets, roaches, silkworms, hornworms, mealworms, and waxworms. Avoid giving them wild and dead insects in addition to glowing ones.
Gut-load the insects with nutrient-rich foods and provide calcium supplements to ensure a balanced diet.
Can Leopard Geckos and Fat Tail Geckos Live Together?
No, you should not house these two gecko species together. They have different care requirements, such as heating and keeping them together might make one get sick. In addition, most gecko species don’t get along with other species, and putting different species in the same tank can lead to aggression between them.
What Is The Major Difference Between Leopard Geckos and Fat Tail Geckos?
Fat-tail geckos prefer to live in a tall enclosure with branches and foliage for climbing. They also require a higher humidity level and regular misting to maintain a moist environment. On the other hand, leopard geckos are terrestrial and prefer to live in a low enclosure with a substrate that retains heat. They also require a lower humidity level, and their environment should be dry.
Conclusion
At a glance, leopard geckos and fat tail geckos look-alike in addition to being popular pet lizards. However, the two have their own unique characteristics and care requirements.
Fat tail geckos require a higher humidity level and regular misting to maintain a moist environment, while leopard geckos require a lower humidity level and should be kept in a dry environment. Leopard geckos are also more curious and friendlier, but both make good pets.
Even so, they have similarities, such as both species are insectivorous and require a calcium supplement to ensure they have a balanced diet.
Furthermore, they also need a heat source, such as an under tank heater, to maintain their body temperature and lighting, such as a basking light or a UVB light, to ensure they receive the appropriate amount of light for their health.
