{"product_id":"african-fire-skink-mochlus-fernandi","title":"African Fire Skink | Mochlus fernandi","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"newlands-animal-care-guide\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAfrican Fire Skink (\u003cem\u003eMochlus fernandi\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e has a glossy bronze back and vivid red flanks patterned with black and white. This ground-dwelling lizard is an enthusiastic burrower, making a well-planted enclosure with deep substrate particularly rewarding to watch. It is also commonly listed under the older names \u003cem\u003eLepidothyris fernandi\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eRiopa fernandi\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWest and Central Africa; forest and woodland habitats.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eAdult size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 30–38 cm, including the tail.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eLifespan\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePotentially 15–20 years with suitable long-term care.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eActivity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMainly active by day, but often hidden beneath leaf litter or substrate.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEnclosure\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide at least \u003cstrong\u003e90 × 45 × 45 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e for one adult, with a larger floor area preferred. Include \u003cstrong\u003e10–15 cm of burrowing substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e, such as a suitable soil and coconut-fibre blend, plus leaf litter, cork and sheltered retreats. Position heavy furnishings securely so digging cannot undermine them. Keep the enclosure escape-proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eBasking surface\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 33–35°C.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eCooler area\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 24–29°C, with a clear temperature gradient.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eNight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 21–24°C.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eHumidity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 60–70%, with moist burrowing areas and good ventilation.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eControl heating with a suitable thermostat and check conditions using digital gauges. Keep deeper substrate lightly moist without making it sodden; allow the surface to dry between mistings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLighting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a regular day\/night cycle, suitable UVB lighting and shaded retreats. Lamp strength and mounting distance must suit the enclosure and mesh, so ask our reptile team to help match the setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer varied, appropriately sized live insects, including crickets, locusts, roaches and worms. Feed the insects well before offering them and use suitable calcium and multivitamin supplements according to their instructions. Young skinks need feeding more frequently than adults; adjust portions to body condition. Keep a shallow dish of fresh water available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHandling \u0026amp; Temperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften shy at first, a Fire Skink needs time to settle. Some tolerate brief, gentle handling, but they are quick and slippery. Support the body close to a safe surface and never grab the tail, which can be shed. Wash hands after contact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility \u0026amp; Breeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHousing singly is the simplest approach. Never house males together, and do not mix species. Fire Skinks lay eggs; breeding should only be attempted with correctly sexed, established animals and a separate incubation and hatchling plan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRoutine Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck temperature, humidity, appetite and water daily. Remove waste and uneaten food promptly. Have the habitat running before collection, and ask our team for this animal's current size and feeding routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClick \u0026amp; Collect Only\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder online for collection from \u003cstrong\u003eNewlands Reptile Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22\u003c\/strong\u003e. We do not ship live animals. Wait for confirmation before travelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eIndividual markings may vary.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Newlands Garden Centre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52615655588167,"sku":"1136809","price":86.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/8821\/4500\/files\/newlands-african-fire-skink-1136809-black.png?v=1793461350","url":"https:\/\/www.newlands.ie\/en-gb\/products\/african-fire-skink-mochlus-fernandi","provider":"Newlands Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}