Care Sheet Fat-Tailed Scorpion

Scientific Name
Androctonus australis
Range
From Algeria and Tunisia to the complete east Sahara region
Size
Total length up to 8 cm, the males usually remain smaller
Age
3-4 years
Habitat
Deserts and semi deserts, prefer sandy ground, digs burrows at the at the base of grasses and other
plants.
Housing
Aquarium with secure lid, plastic Critter cages, Exo Terra terrarium. Size (for long term care):
30x30x30 cm
Substrate
Desert Sand be used mixed with some gravel or Lucky Reptile Herp Pottery or similar.
Temperature/Humidity
The daytime temperature should be between 28-35C and the ambient day temps up to 40C. At
night turn the thermostat off and allow to go down to room temperature.
Humidity of 40% should not exceeded
Lighting
Halogen Sun Mini in combination with the Thermo Socket PLUS is a sufficient heat and light
source. If it is too warm, alternatively use a Lucky Reptile Mini Light Strip LED. LED lights can be
used efficiently and they are very cost effective.
Feeding
Insects, for example crickets, cockroaches, locusts, rose beetle larva, pill bugs, wood lice. For
young use springtails, newly hatched crickets or Drosophila recommendable.
1

Reproduction
After a gestation period of 100 days the female gives birth to 30-100 young. Usually there are no
more than 60. After the first moult the young should be separated from the mother.
Dcor
A dry raised area and some stones can be used as hideout. A small shallow Water Dish should be
part of the setup. Pay attention to the safety. Make sure that the tank is always closed e.g. with a
lock especially if there are children around.
Comments
Attention! This species is one of the most poisonous scorpions! However, it is less aggressive, than
many other species. In some countries you my require a licence to keep this species.

John Gamesby