Black fat-tailed scorpion (Androctonus bicolor)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Black fat-tailed scorpion (Androctonus bicolor) (origin: North Africa, the Middle East). Adult size around 8–10 cm. Life expectancy 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Black fat-tailed scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×20×20 cm.
Black fat-tailed scorpion: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–24 °C.
Black fat-tailed scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Black fat-tailed scorpion: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–8 years.
Black fat-tailed scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 30–40 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×20×20 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, solid stone slabs as a hide
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- adults every 7–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 8–10 cm
- Life expectancy
- 5–8 years
- Origin
- North Africa, the Middle East
- Protection status
- A DANGEROUS ANIMAL – highly venomous, and the sting is potentially life-threatening; keeping it requires a permit or notification, varying by German state
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep strictly singly: solitary and cannibalistic. Two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one, even if they are the same size and both well fed. For pairing, the male is introduced under observation and separated again immediately.
Notes
One of the most dangerous scorpions there is: a strong neurotoxin, and stings can be fatal. Only in secured, escape-proof containers and with an emergency plan. No handling.
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Related species
- Yellow fat-tailed scorpion (Androctonus australis) – Expert
- Giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Asian giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus) – Beginner
- Asian black scorpion (Heterometrus petersii) – Beginner
- Asian forest scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer) – Intermediate
- Brazilian yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) – Expert
- Dictator scorpion (Pandinus dictator) – Intermediate
- Italian scorpion (Euscorpius italicus) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Black fat-tailed scorpion (Androctonus bicolor) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×20×20 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, solid stone slabs as a hide), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androctonus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androctonus_bicolor
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).