Escinco Crocodilo de Olhos Vermelhos

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach 20cm

Origin: New Guinea

Lifespan: Up to 10 years in captivity

Natural Habitat: The Escinco Crocodilo de Olhos Vermelhos is a mainly terrestrial species inhabiting the tropical forests of New Guinea.

The Escinco Crocodilo de Olhos Vermelhos is a skink species notable for its rugged appearance, with hard scales reminiscent of a crocodile, and the orange/red colouring around its eyes. Nocturnal, it loves to dig and explore the substrate, ambushing its prey. It is a somewhat rare species but very easy to keep, making it 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 60x45x45cm 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 20ºC on the cool side, around 24ºC on the warm side and a hotspot not exceeding 30ºC. At night the temperature should not drop below 20ºC. 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 nocturnal species, the Escinco Crocodilo de Olhos Vermelhos does not require UVB radiation. However, it benefits from exposure to low levels of it.

- Humidity

Escinco Crocodilo de Olhos Vermelhos are forest animals and therefore need some humidity in their 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 Crocodilo de Olhos Vermelhos originates from 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...

- 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.