Enclosure plantOpuntia spp. (spineless cultivars only)

Is Prickly Pear Cactus (thornless varieties) Safe for African Fat-Tailed Geckos?

Use sparingly / with care

Quick answer

No. Prickly Pear Cactus (thornless varieties) is rated sparingly for African fat-tailed gecko enclosures — Spineless/nearly-spineless cultivars can work in a fat-tail enclosure.

Spineless/nearly-spineless cultivars can work in a fat-tail enclosure. The pads are not toxic. However, even 'spineless' varieties have tiny glochids (hair-like barbs) that embed in skin and are very difficult to remove. Place carefully and only if you are confident in the cultivar. Never use standard spined Opuntia.