The Yellow Fattail Scorpion is a dangerous scorpion that is not recommended for beginners.

While the Yellow Fattail Scorpion is one of the most dangerous scorpions in the world, its sting is very toxic. This species is a lot more common in captivity than the Deathstalker and the Black Fattail, two other very dangerous scorpions, which is why more people tend to be injured by this species than the others. The Yellow Fattail Scorpion's venom can be fatal within hours and while an anti-venom exists, it isn't practical because the total success rate associated with the anti-venom is low. Additionally anti-venom testing can't be done with perfect accuracy unless someone actually has severe envenomation, which is not something that occurs with any frequency. Lastly most places do not have the anti-venom readily available. This scorpion is the main killer in Northern Africa, killing over 100 people a year. And for this reason only very experienced hobbyists should consider this species. Handling this species is not recommended, even for experienced hobbyists. Although it has been reported that the Yellow Fattail Scorpion injects more venom than the Deathstalker the truth is that A. australis does not inject more venom than that of the L. quinquestriatus and is not considered to be more dangerous, but rather it is far less dangerous. The reason this species causes more deaths worldwide is because the numbers of this scorpion in both the wild and the pet trade outnumber the L. quinquestriatus by far and therefore there are many more sting victims for this species than the Deathstalker. According to sting victim documents, the number of sting victims from this scorpion outnumbers those caused by L. quinquestriatus, A. crassicauda and P. transvaalicus combined. The ratio of deaths caused by stings in comparison to total stings is greater in both A. crassicauda and L. quinquestriatus being accounted alone. A. australis has the worst reputation because more people die. Due cause is because there are a lot more inexperienced people keeping this species and many more people living in the areas this species in resides in its native habitat. It should also be noted that it has mostly caused deaths in young children and elderly sting victims.

Native to the deserts and sandy terrain in Northern Africa, the Yellow Fattail Scorpion is a terrestrial species that lives under rocks and other shelter. They avoid coastal areas or anywhere that is high humidity. Most are not known for burrowing, but they do hide under rocks. Some individuals may burrow from time to time. Unfortunately, their hiding places are often located near humans. For example, the Yellow Fattail Scorpion often hides in crevices in walls made of stone or brick. They are also known as the Black Tip Fattail Scorpion and the Yellow Desert Scorpion. Its scientific name is Androctonus Australis.

The Yellow Fattail Scorpion gets its name from the powerful and thick cauda. It is a medium sized scorpion, averaging about 10 centimeters in length. They are yellow with darker pincers.

Most people suggest that keeping of these scorpions be left to professionals. Several people die from Yellow Fattail stings every year, and there is no anti-venom.

Baby scorpions can be fed crushed pinhead crickets. Adults will eat crickets or other large insects. They should be kept in a medium sized tank, 2.5 to 5 gallons. They should have a substrate of 2 to 3 inches sand, potting soil, vermiculite or peat moss.

The temperature and humidity requirements for A. australis are as follows - 50% humidity and 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

It has been reported that some individuals may flick venom from their tails. Though this species does not have the ability to spray venom with accuracy. The Parabuthus Transvaalicus is the only known scorpion species to have any precision to its spray of venom.

This species is relatively difficult to breed. It is not unusual for the female to sting the male. This is often fatal for the male.