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Species profile · Scincidae

Tiliqua gigas

Complete care sheet for the indonesian blue-tongued skink — husbandry parameters, diet and breeding.

Halmahera Blue-tongue (G. g. gigas)Merauke Blue-tongue (G. g. evanescens)Kei Island Blue-tongue (G. g. keyensis)Scinque à langue bleue indonésienIndonesischer Blauzungenskink
Adult size
40–70 cm
Lifespan
15–20 yrs
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperament
Diurnal
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Viviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

Indonesian blue-tongued skink — origin: Indonesia (Halmahera and the Moluccas), New Guinea (Merauke region, Papua) and the Kei Islands; lowland tropical rainforests. Note: many specimens in the trade are imported wild-caught animals, requiring strict quarantine and a veterinary parasite screening. A non-venomous species not listed under CITES/EU, but subject to Indonesian export quotas..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min20 °C
Cool side22–26 °C
Warm side28–32 °C
Basking spot35–40 °C

A diurnal, heliophilic species requiring a genuine hot basking spot (surface 35-40 °C) at one end, with a marked thermal gradient towards the cool zone. A nighttime drop down to ~20 °C is acceptable. Check temperatures with a thermometer/infrared gun.

Enclosure (adult)
120 × 60 × 45 cm

Terrestrial terrarium (humid tropical vivarium)

Minimum for one adult; favour floor space over height. The large Merauke forms benefit from a bigger enclosure (150 x 60 cm). Provide hides at both ends and a humid area.

Humidity
60–80 %

Requires higher humidity than T. scincoides. Maintain 60-80 % via a moist substrate, daily misting and a humid area, while ensuring good ventilation to prevent mould and scale rot.

Substrate
Coco fibreOrchid barkCypress mulchFertiliser- and pesticide-free topsoil

A loose substrate at least 8-10 cm deep that retains moisture and allows burrowing. Avoid dusty substrates or those with dry fine particles (risk of ingestion and impaction). Remove droppings regularly and watch for mould.

UVB
Recommended

Recommended: linear T5 UVB tube 5-6 % (UV index 3-4 at the basking spot), replaced every 12 months. Promotes calcium metabolism and diurnal activity.

Water source
Always available

A large bowl of fresh water renewed daily, wide enough to let the skink soak; it helps with humidity and eases shedding.

Origin
Scincidae

Indonesia (Halmahera and the Moluccas), New Guinea (Merauke region, Papua) and the Kei Islands; lowland tropical rainforests. Note: many specimens in the trade are imported wild-caught animals, requiring strict quarantine and a veterinary parasite screening. A non-venomous species not listed under CITES/EU, but subject to Indonesian export quotas.

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Omnivore — Insects (cockroaches, earthworms), snails and gastropods, cooked lean meats or egg, supplemented with leafy greens and a small share of fruit.

Adult: a predominantly plant-based ration (~50-60 % vegetables) plus varied animal protein; juveniles are more carnivorous and fed more often. Dust with calcium (+ D3 depending on UVB) and limit sugary fruit. Avoid overfeeding (prone to obesity). Feed an adult 2-3 times a week.

Breeding
Viviparous

Gestation of about 3-4 months. The young are born independent and must be raised separately to avoid competition and bites. Requires a slight seasonal cooling cycle to stimulate breeding.

Health watch points
  • Internal parasites (common in wild-caught specimens; faecal exam and deworming on arrival)
  • Respiratory infections (temperatures too low or poorly managed humidity)
  • Metabolic bone disease / MBD (calcium deficiency or insufficient UVB)
  • Obesity (overfeeding, excess protein or fruit)
  • External mites and difficult sheds (dysecdysis) linked to unsuitable humidity
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Indonesian blue-tongued skink.

    05

    Frequently asked questions

    Answers to the most common questions about keeping the indonesian blue-tongued skink.

    How big does an adult Indonesian blue-tongued skink get?▾
    An adult Indonesian blue-tongued skink typically measures 40–70 cm (adult total length varies greatly by subspecies: keyensis 40-45 cm, halmahera 45-50 cm, merauke (giant form) 60-70 cm.).
    What temperature and humidity does a Indonesian blue-tongued skink need?▾
    A gradient of roughly 22–26 °C on the cool side to 28–32 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 35–40 °C. Humidity 60–80 %.
    What does a Indonesian blue-tongued skink eat?▾
    Omnivore: Insects (cockroaches, earthworms), snails and gastropods, cooked lean meats or egg, supplemented with leafy greens and a small share of fruit..
    Is the Indonesian blue-tongued skink a good reptile for beginners?▾
    Intermediate level. Often more skittish and defensive than the Australian species: it hisses, puffs up its body and may bite when it feels threatened. It nonetheless tames well with regular, short and gentle handling. Strong feeding response, so take care when feeding (risk of being bitten). Plan ahead: a lifespan of 15–20 yrs.

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