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Species profile · Scincidae

Corucia zebrata

Complete care sheet for the prehensile-tailed giant skink — husbandry parameters, diet and breeding.

Solomon Islands SkinkMonkey-tailed SkinkPrehensile-tailed SkinkScinque géant des SalomonWickelschwanzskink
Adult size
60–80 cm
Lifespan
20–30 yrs
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperament
Crepuscular
Activity
Crepuscular
Reproduction
Viviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

Prehensile-tailed giant skink — origin: Solomon Islands archipelago (Melanesia); humid lowland and mid-altitude tropical forests, arboreal lifestyle..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min20 °C
Cool side24–26 °C
Warm side28–30 °C

Crepuscular/nocturnal forest species: NO intense heliophilic basking spot. A slight thermal gradient is sufficient. Any temperature above ~32 °C is dangerous, even lethal (risk of hyperthermia). A night-time drop (20-22 °C) is beneficial.

Enclosure (adult)
120 × 60 × 120 cm

Vertical arboreal terrarium, planted (bioactive recommended)

Vertical volume is the priority: solid, diagonal branches are essential (prehensile tail), with elevated hides and dense foliage. Dimensions given for one adult or a pair; a group (circulus) requires considerably more space. Introducing new individuals is tricky due to territorial aggression.

Humidity
60–80 %

High and stable humidity, but good ventilation is imperative to avoid stagnant air and respiratory infections. Daily misting, heavier in the evening.

Substrate
Coco fibrePotting soil + sphagnumOrchid barkLeaf litter

Substrate that retains moisture with a drainage layer. A planted bioactive terrarium (pothos/Epipremnum, ficus, philodendron) serves at once as food, as a climbing support and to regulate humidity.

UVB
Recommended

Crepuscular species: a low UVB remains beneficial for a folivore (T5 tube at 5-6%, UV index ~1-2, at a good distance), with mandatory dense shade zones. Avoid high intensities.

Water source
Always available

A small container of clean water renewed daily, supplemented by regular misting: the animal often drinks the droplets deposited on the foliage.

Origin
Scincidae

Solomon Islands archipelago (Melanesia); humid lowland and mid-altitude tropical forests, arboreal lifestyle.

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Herbivore (strict folivore) — None (strict vegetarian, unlike most skinks)

Foliage-based: pothos (Epipremnum) is a well-tolerated staple, supplemented with hibiscus, ficus, mulberry, dandelion, turnip/collard greens and various leafy greens. Fruit in limited quantity (sugar). Regular calcium (+ D3) supplementation. Important: neonates ingest the adults' faeces (coprophagy) to acquire the gut flora needed to digest plant matter.

Breeding
Viviparous

Exceptionally long gestation (6-9 months). Generally 1 to 2 huge neonates, reaching about 1/3 of the mother's size at birth. Marked parental care and group (circulus) protection; sexual maturity around 3-4 years. Demanding to breed in captivity.

Health watch points
  • Internal parasites (nematodes, coccidia), very common in wild-caught animals — quarantine and faecal examination essential
  • Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from calcium / vitamin D3 deficiency
  • Stomatitis and mouth infections
  • Dystocia (retention of the young) linked to the very long gestation
  • Respiratory infections favoured by stagnant humidity and insufficient ventilation
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Prehensile-tailed giant skink.

    05

    Frequently asked questions

    Answers to the most common questions about keeping the prehensile-tailed giant skink.

    How big does an adult Prehensile-tailed giant skink get?▾
    An adult Prehensile-tailed giant skink typically measures 60–80 cm (total length, tail included. the heaviest skink species in the world (up to ~700-800 g). the subspecies c. z. alfredschmidti is slightly smaller. fully prehensile tail.).
    What temperature and humidity does a Prehensile-tailed giant skink need?▾
    A gradient of roughly 24–26 °C on the cool side to 28–30 °C on the warm side. Humidity 60–80 %.
    What does a Prehensile-tailed giant skink eat?▾
    Herbivore (strict folivore): None (strict vegetarian, unlike most skinks).
    Is the Prehensile-tailed giant skink a good reptile for beginners?▾
    Advanced level. Territorial and aggressive towards unfamiliar conspecifics, but able to form a strong bond with its keepers and to live in family groups ('circulus'). Very intelligent and curious. Powerful, painful bites are possible. CAUTION: species listed on CITES Appendix II (EU Annex B); regulated trade and declining wild populations. Many specimens in the trade are stressed, heavily parasitised wild-caught animals, to be handled with care and quarantined. Non-venomous. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–30 yrs.

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