Red-eyed Crocodile Skink — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Red-eyed Crocodile Skink get?

An adult Red-eyed Crocodile Skink typically measures 15–20 cm.

Husbandry requirements

Red-eyed Crocodile Skink — origin: New Guinea (Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea) and surrounding islands; humid tropical rainforest habitat, leaf litter and riparian zones..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min20 °C

Cool side22–24 °C

Warm side26–28 °C

A species of cool, humid forest: NO intense hot spot. Never exceed ~30 °C, which is dangerous. A gentle, mild thermal gradient is enough; ambient heating is preferable, regulated by a thermostat.

Enclosure (adult)

60 × 45 × 45 cm

Horizontal bioactive terrarium of the paludarium type (large terrestrial leaf-litter area + permanent water zone).

Minimum dimensions for a single animal or a pair; provide larger for a pair, along with plenty of hiding spots. A burrowing, secretive species: multiplying the shelters (bark, moss, dead leaves, plants) is essential to its wellbeing. Only one male per enclosure.

Humidity

80–95 %

High, constant humidity is essential. Daily misting and a good moisture-retaining substrate; nonetheless ensure adequate ventilation to avoid stagnant air and mould.

Substrate

Coconut fibreSphagnum (moss)Dead-leaf litterFertilizer- and pesticide-free potting soilDrainage layer (clay balls)

Deep, moist substrate promoting a bioactive environment; a thick layer of dead leaves reproduces the natural habitat and serves as a hunting and refuge zone. Isopods and springtails (clean-up crew) are recommended.

UVB

Recommended

Low-intensity UVB recommended (T5 tube ~5% / 5.0 or equivalent), even though the species is crepuscular/nocturnal: it supports calcium metabolism and general wellbeing. Provide shaded areas and hides so it can retreat from it.

Water source

Always available

A permanent water area, clean and dechlorinated, deep enough for the animal to submerge itself: being semi-aquatic, it dives and swims to escape danger. Clean/renew the water frequently, as it often defecates in it.

Origin

Scincidae

New Guinea (Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea) and surrounding islands; humid tropical rainforest habitat, leaf litter and riparian zones.

Feeding & health

Diet

Insectivore — Crickets, roaches (dubia), worms (earthworms, mealworms in moderation), isopods, small invertebrates.

Live prey of suitable size. Regular calcium dusting (high requirements), with a vitamin/D3 supplement more occasionally. Feed preferably in the evening.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 1–1 eggs/young. Laying of a single egg per cycle, roughly every 5 to 6 weeks: a low reproductive rate. Remarkably, the female (and sometimes the male) shows parental care and coils around the egg to protect it. Incubation ~65-75 days in a moist substrate.

Health watch points

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from calcium / D3 deficiency
Dehydration and difficult sheds linked to too-low humidity
Internal and external parasites (common in wild-caught specimens)
Anorexia and weight loss of stress-related origin
Respiratory infections (air too cold, damp and stagnant)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Red-eyed Crocodile Skink.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the red-eyed crocodile skink.

How big does an adult Red-eyed Crocodile Skink get?▾

An adult Red-eyed Crocodile Skink typically measures 15–20 cm (total adult length (tail included). small species with a stocky body.).

What temperature and humidity does a Red-eyed Crocodile Skink need?▾

A gradient of roughly 22–24 °C on the cool side to 26–28 °C on the warm side. Humidity 80–95 %.

What does a Red-eyed Crocodile Skink eat?▾

Insectivore: Crickets, roaches (dubia), worms (earthworms, mealworms in moderation), isopods, small invertebrates..

Is the Red-eyed Crocodile Skink a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. Extremely shy and secretive. Spends most of its time hidden in the leaf litter or in shelters. Handling is highly stressful and should remain exceptional: treat it as a display animal, not a hands-on pet. Under stress it may freeze (play dead), vocalize or dive into the water. Males are territorial: only one male per terrarium. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 10–15 yrs.

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