Escinco de Fogo

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach 35cm

Origin: West Africa

Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Natural Habitat: The Escinco de Fogo is a mainly terrestrial species inhabiting the forests of West Africa.

The Escinco de Fogo is a skink species with very vivid colours. Diurnal, it loves to dig and explore the substrate, ambushing its prey. It is a somewhat rare species, yet very easy to keep and docile, making an excellent animal for beginners and more experienced keepers alike.

Although this is an easy species to keep, a few aspects require attention and certain conditions must be ensured, as described in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: A minimum terrarium of 90x45x45cm is recommended for 1 to 2 adults. (Males should not be kept together)

Material: Glass

 - Heating and Lighting

A terrarium with a thermal gradient should be provided, with a minimum temperature of 22ºC on the cool side and around 32ºC on the warm side. At night the temperature should not drop below 18ºC. To achieve both daytime and night-time temperatures, a heat mat combined with a Basking Spot lamp (properly controlled by a thermostat) can be used.  

Being a diurnal species, the Escinco de Fogo requires UVB radiation, which should be provided by 5/6% compact or tubular lamps.

- Humidity

The Escinco de Fogo is a forest animal and therefore needs some humidity in its habitat. The terrarium should be misted daily, making sure the substrate is neither dry nor too wet. Relative humidity should be between 60 and 80%.

It is important that the skinks always have access to a water bowl with fresh water.

- Decor

The Escinco de Fogo originates from semi-tropical forest areas. A substrate such as Arcadia Earth Mix covered with decorative leaf litter and/or coconut chips should be used. The terrarium can be decorated with caves, stones, branches and cork bark, as well as natural or artificial plants. 

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Insectivorous

 Diet: Juveniles should be fed every day. As they grow, feeding frequency can be reduced to every other day.

- Foods

Insects: Roaches, Crickets, Calcium Worms, Waxworms, Mealworms... Hatchlings can be fed Fruit Flies and Micro/Small Crickets.

- Supplementation

For vitamin and mineral supplementation, alternate a meal dusted with Calcium Powder with one dusted with a good-quality Multivitamin Complex (with Vit. D3). 

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.