Sandfish Skink | Scincus scincus
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Sandfish Skink (Scincus scincus) Care Sheet
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Sandfish Skink |
| Scientific Name | Scincus scincus |
| Origin | North Africa & Middle East (Sahara Desert) |
| Adult Size | 6–9 in (15–23 cm) |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years |
| Activity | Burrowing, crepuscular |
Behavior
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Expert burrowers that “swim” through sand.
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Shy and secretive; prefer hiding during the day.
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Tolerant of gentle handling but stress-sensitive.
Enclosure Requirements
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Tank Size: ≥20-gallon long (single adult)
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Substrate: 4–6 in deep fine sand
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Decor: Cork bark, smooth stones, sparse desert plants
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Humidity: 30–40% (low)
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Temperature:
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Basking: 95–100°F (35–38°C)
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Ambient: 80–85°F (27–29°C)
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Night: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
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Lighting: Full-spectrum UVB recommended
Compatibility
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Best kept singly or in compatible adult pairs.
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Avoid aggressive or larger species.
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Minimal cross-species interaction due to burrowing habits.
Diet
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Insectivorous: crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches
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Occasional waxworms as treats
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Supplements: Calcium 2–3x/week, multivitamin 1x/week
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Feeding: juveniles daily, adults every other day
Care Tips
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Handle sparingly to reduce stress
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Spot-clean daily; fully replace substrate every few months
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Monitor temperature closely
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Provide shallow water dish (optional; monitor hydration)
Breeding
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Oviparous (egg-laying)
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Female lays 2–6 eggs in secure burrows
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Incubation: ~60–70 days at 85°F (29°C)
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Juveniles need slightly higher humidity and frequent feeding
Visual Quick Guide
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🏠 Enclosure: ≥20 gal, deep sand
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🌡️ Temp: Basking 95–100°F, Ambient 80–85°F
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💧 Humidity: 30–40%
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🍴 Diet: Insects + supplements
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🕒 Activity: Crepuscular, burrowing
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⚠️ Stress: Sensitive to handling
