By The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink is a fascinating and unique reptile that has gained significant attention in the exotic pet world. This care guide and species profile will provide you with essential information on their diet, habitat, tank setup, and other important aspects to ensure your Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink thrives in captivity.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks (Tribolonotus gracilis) are a small, distinctive lizard species native to the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. These skinks are known for their striking appearance, with bright red rings around their eyes and dark brown, almost black, bodies covered in bumpy, crocodile-like scales. Their unique features and relatively low maintenance requirements make them an attractive option for reptile enthusiasts.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Weight
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are relatively small lizards, with adults reaching lengths of 7-9 inches from snout to tail. They have a robust body and stout limbs, which give them a unique, prehistoric appearance. The weight of these skinks can range from 25-50 grams, making them a manageable size for handling and housing.
Lifespan
With proper care, Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks can live between 10-14 years in captivity. This lifespan can be extended if the skinks are provided with an optimal environment and a well-balanced diet.
Coloration and Markings
The most striking feature of the Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink is its bright reddish-orange scales around the eyes. These scales contrast sharply with their predominantly dark brown to black body color. The belly is usually a lighter cream color, providing a beautiful contrast to their overall appearance.
Purchasing a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink
Where to Buy
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks can be challenging to find in traditional pet stores, as they are still a relatively uncommon species in the pet trade. Your best bet for purchasing one of these unique lizards is through reputable breeders. Search online for breeders with excellent reviews and live-delivery guarantees to ensure you receive a healthy, happy skink.
Price Range
On average, a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink will cost anywhere from $150 to $250, plus up to $50 in shipping. It’s essential to budget accordingly for this pet, as well as their initial setup and ongoing care costs.
Health Considerations
Before bringing your new Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink home, it’s crucial to ensure they are healthy. Look for signs of good health, such as bright, alert eyes, a healthy appetite, moist gums, supple skin, and an active demeanor. Unhealthy signs may include sores or marks on the skin, limping, sunken eyes, bowed legs, or unusual flexibility of the lower jaw. It’s also a good idea to have a fresh fecal sample checked by a veterinarian for intestinal parasites.
Diet and Feeding Guidelines
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are insectivores and should be fed a variety of small insects. It’s essential to dust their food with a mixture of reptile vitamins and calcium supplements to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients.
Insects to Feed
Examples of insects to feed your Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink include:
- Grubs
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Waxworms
- Mealworms
- Superworms
- Earthworms
By providing a varied diet of gut-loaded and vitamin-dusted insects, you can ensure your skink grows strong and healthy.
Feeding Frequency
The frequency at which you feed your Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink will depend on their age. Younger skinks should be fed every 24 hours, while adults can be fed every 48 hours. It’s best to maintain a consistent dusk and dawn feeding routine to mimic their natural habits in the wild.
Habitat and Tank Setup
Creating an appropriate habitat for your Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink is crucial for their overall health and happiness. The following sections will discuss various aspects of their enclosure setup, from size and type to lighting and temperature requirements.
Enclosure Size
A 20-gallon tank is typically sufficient for housing a single Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink. However, if you plan on keeping a breeding pair, a 55-gallon enclosure is recommended. When housing multiple skinks, be sure to provide additional hiding spots and basking areas to prevent territorial disputes.
Type of Enclosures
Glass enclosures, such as terrariums, aquariums, or repurposed fish tanks, are ideal for Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks. These enclosures hold humidity well and maintain appropriate temperature levels. Be sure to purchase a wire or mesh top for your enclosure to prevent escapes, as these skinks are surprisingly good climbers.
Lighting and Temperature Requirements
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks prefer daytime temperatures between 82-84 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures no lower than 70 degrees. Providing a temperature gradient within the enclosure is crucial for their comfort and well-being. Although these skinks do not bask much in the wild, it’s essential to provide UVB lighting if their enclosure does not receive much natural light. A 12-hour light cycle with UVB spectrum lighting will ensure your skink stays healthy and receives adequate sunlight exposure.
Humidity Levels
As tropical lizards, Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks require high humidity levels at all times, ideally between 70-90%. Maintaining proper humidity is essential for their growth, shedding, and preventing dehydration. Using a suitable substrate and misting the enclosure as needed will help maintain appropriate humidity levels.
Substrate
An ideal substrate for Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks is a layered system that promotes evaporation without encouraging mold growth. A 1-2 inch upper layer of long-fiber sphagnum moss, topped with brown oak leaves and a lower layer of hydroponic clay, will provide a constant, regulated humidity supply. Alternatively, humidity-friendly substrates such as forest-floor cypress mulch, peat moss, or coconut fiber can be used as long as humidity levels are closely monitored.
Decor and Accessories
While Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are capable climbers, they primarily spend their time on the ground in the wild. Providing natural or artificial plants and branches for climbing is not necessary, but it can add a beautiful touch to their enclosure. Ensure that several hiding spots, such as coconut huts or curved pieces of cork bark, are available throughout the enclosure. Additionally, these skinks enjoy swimming and will dehydrate quickly if kept too dry, so a water dish is a must.
Health Information
Although not much is known about specific health concerns for Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks, it’s essential to be aware of common reptile issues such as intestinal parasites and metabolic bone disease.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
Metabolic Bone Disease is a common concern for captive reptiles, including Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks. This condition is caused by a lack of calcium or vitamin D3 in their diet and can manifest as limping, bowed legs, a wobbly gait, or unusual lower jaw flexibility. MBD can be easily prevented by dusting insects with a mixture of calcium powder and vitamin D3 supplements.
Handling and Bonding Tips
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are not particularly fond of handling, and it should be kept to a minimum to reduce stress. They may emit distress calls, shed their tails, or even vomit when handled. It’s best to consider these skinks as display animals rather than hands-on pets.
Care Guide Summary
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are unique, exotic pets that require minimal upkeep and make a stunning addition to any reptile collection. While they may not be the best choice for those seeking a hands-on pet, their captivating appearance and relatively simple care requirements make them an excellent option for enthusiasts. By following this comprehensive care guide, you can provide the optimal habitat, diet, and environment for your Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink to thrive.