By The fire skink is a vibrant, colorful lizard found primarily in the forests and grasslands of West Africa. With its stunning appearance and low-maintenance care requirements, this reptile has become a popular choice for both beginner and experienced pet owners. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various aspects of fire skink care, including their origin, appearance, behavior, and dietary needs. We’ll also discuss the ideal housing conditions and provide tips on keeping your fire skink healthy and happy.
Table of Contents
1. Fire Skink Overview
Scientific Name: Lepidothyris fernandi
Common Names: True fire skink, African fire skink, Togo fire skink
Natural Habitat: Woodlands, forests, and grasslands in West Africa
Adult Size: 14-15 inches
Average Lifespan: 15-20 years
Diet: Insects such as crickets, mealworms, butterworts, silkworms, and waxworms. Occasional pinkie mice and fruits can be given as treats.
Housing: 20-gallon minimum tank size, with a temperature gradient and high humidity levels.
Experience Level: Beginner-friendly
2. Origins and Habitat
The fire skink (Lepidothyris fernandi) is native to West Africa, with populations also found in Angola and Guinea. Their natural habitats consist of forests, grasslands, and wooded areas with plenty of hiding spaces. In the wild, fire skinks are known for their ability to outrun predators and blend into their environment. They are also capable of shedding their tails to avoid capture if grabbed by a predator.
Fire skinks are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs after mating. Breeding skinks can be a rewarding experience, but it is recommended only for experienced hobbyists who are familiar with the specific needs of these reptiles during the breeding process.
3. Appearance and Behavior
Fire skinks are among the most visually striking species of skinks due to their vivid colors and unique patterns. They have bright red and orange bodies with a golden-bronze dorsal surface. The rest of their body is marked with black, white, and silver flecking, stripes, and bars across the sides, underbelly, and legs.
These reptiles have long bodies, short sturdy legs with sharp claws, and a bulky tail. They can also undergo slight color changes according to their moods and environment.
Sexing fire skinks can be challenging. Males are generally larger than females and have a thicker base of their tails. They also develop a bulge, known as a jowl, below their ears. Females have tails that begin to taper away past their hips, but this characteristic can be difficult to notice.
4. Size and Lifespan
At birth, fire skinks are approximately two inches long. As adults, males can reach up to 15 inches in length, while females typically remain slightly smaller. The size of your fire skink may vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and overall health.
In captivity, fire skinks can live between 15 and 20 years, provided they receive proper care and suitable living conditions. A well-maintained habitat, a nutritious diet, and gentle handling can help ensure a long and healthy life for your fire skink.
5. Temperament and Handling
Fire skinks are generally calm and docile creatures, making them ideal pets for beginners and experienced reptile enthusiasts alike. In captivity, they often burrow deep into the substrate to feel secure. If provided with the right environment, fire skinks will become more active and display their vibrant colors.
Captive-bred fire skinks tend to be more sociable and less skittish than wild-caught specimens. However, all fire skinks will require some degree of taming and acclimation to their new surroundings.
Although fire skinks are active during the day, they may hide if they feel threatened. They are generally not aggressive and will only bite if provoked. Once your skink has become accustomed to its new home and feels comfortable, you can begin to handle it gently and infrequently. Fire skinks do not enjoy excessive handling and may become stressed if held for extended periods.
6. Housing and Enclosure Setup
6.1. Enclosure Size and Type
A 20-gallon tank is the minimum recommended size for a single fire skink, though a larger 40-gallon tank is preferable, especially for a pair. The tank should be taller than it is wide, as fire skinks enjoy climbing and basking on branches. Ensure that the enclosure has adequate ventilation and a secure lid to prevent escapes.
6.2. Lighting and Temperature
Fire skinks require a temperature gradient within their enclosure to regulate their body temperature. The hot basking area should be maintained at 90-100°F, while the cooler side of the tank should be kept at 80-84°F during the day and 65-70°F at night. Use an under-tank heater and dome lights to achieve the desired temperature gradient, and place thermometers in each area to monitor the temperature closely.
A 40-watt reptile bulb should be used to provide adequate UVA exposure, which promotes overall health, brightens colors, and reduces the risk of metabolic bone disease. UVB light may also be beneficial but can be supplemented with calcium dusting on the skink’s food if not provided by a light source.
6.3. Substrate and Decorations
The substrate in a fire skink enclosure should be 4-6 inches deep and capable of retaining moisture to facilitate burrowing. Suitable substrates include cypress mulch, sphagnum moss, or fertilizer-free soil. Avoid using coconut husk or sandy substrates, as these can cause digestive issues if ingested.
Provide plenty of hiding spots within the enclosure, such as artificial plants, branches, and caves, to make your fire skink feel secure and comfortable. A mixture of live and artificial plants can be used to create a naturalistic environment, but bear in mind that fire skinks may burrow and tunnel through the substrate, potentially damaging live plants.
6.4. Humidity
Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for the health of your fire skink. Aim for a humidity level of 60-70% by misting the enclosure once or twice daily. A hygrometer can be used to monitor humidity levels and ensure they remain within the desired range.
7. Diet and Feeding
Fire skinks are primarily insectivores, with a diet consisting of various insects such as crickets, mealworms, butterworts, silkworms, and waxworms. Adult fire skinks should be fed three to five insects two or three times a week, while juveniles should be fed daily.
Occasionally offering pinkie mice or small pieces of fruit can provide additional nutrients and variety to your skink’s diet. Be sure to dust the insects with calcium and multivitamin powders before feeding to prevent nutritional deficiencies and promote overall health.
8. Health and Common Issues
Though fire skinks are a hardy species, they can still be susceptible to certain health issues if not cared for properly. Some common health concerns include:
- Mites and ticks
- Bacterial infections
- Metabolic bone disease
- Cryptosporidiosis in wild-caught specimens
To keep your fire skink healthy, ensure its enclosure is clean, well-lit, and properly heated. Offer a balanced diet with appropriate supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
9. Breeding and Reproduction
Breeding fire skinks can be a rewarding experience for experienced hobbyists. To encourage breeding, maintain a temperature of at least 75°F and provide at least 12 hours of daylight. It is not recommended to house two male fire skinks together, as they may fight. Females can be housed together without issue.
Fire skinks typically lay between three and six eggs per clutch, which will hatch within 65 days. Hatchlings should be housed separately from adults and provided with appropriate care and nutrition to ensure healthy growth and development.
10. Purchasing and Selecting a Fire Skink
Fire skinks can be found at reptile expos, pet stores, and through online sellers. Prices typically range from $40 to $50, depending on the source and availability. When selecting a fire skink, opt for captive-bred specimens whenever possible, as they are generally healthier and more sociable than wild-caught specimens.
Before purchasing a fire skink, ensure that you are prepared to provide the necessary care, housing, and diet to keep your new pet healthy and happy. With proper care and attention, a fire skink can make a beautiful and engaging addition to your home for many years to come.