Red Eyed Crocodile Skink Pair | Tribolonotus gracilis
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
New Guinea; humid forest floor. |
| Adult size |
Around 16–20 cm. |
| Lifespan |
Up to around 10 years. |
| Temperament |
Individuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling. |
| Activity |
Often dusk-active and secretive. |
| Social needs |
Single animal or a confirmed compatible pair with abundant resources. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm for one adult; plan around 90 × 45 × 45 cm or larger for a confirmed compatible pair. |
| Temperature |
Warm hide 27–28°C; cool zone 24–26°C; night 22–24°C. |
| Lighting & UVB |
Provide a regular day/night cycle with darkness at night. Select species-appropriate UVB, with shaded retreats and safe lamp distances. |
| Humidity / moisture |
Around 70–80% by day, higher at night, with ventilation. |
| Substrate |
5–10 cm of moisture-retentive soil-based substrate with leaf litter. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Dense ground cover, multiple hides and an accessible shallow bathing area. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
Very shy display skink. Avoid routine handling and never keep rival males together; separate a stressed or bullied partner.
Feeding & Nutrition
Offer varied, appropriately sized gut-loaded live insects. Growing juveniles need small meals more frequently; adults generally need measured meals 2–3 times weekly, adjusted to body condition. Gut-load feeder insects and use calcium and a reptile multivitamin according to the product instructions and the animal’s UVB provision. Avoid overlapping vitamin D3 products; ask our reptile team to check the schedule for this animal. Keep fresh water available.
Routine Care
Check temperatures, humidity, appetite and behaviour daily. Replace drinking water and remove waste promptly. Clean bowls and contaminated furnishings regularly; monitor weight and shedding. Arrange advice from an exotics vet for persistent changes in appetite, breathing or movement.
Important Before Buying
Run and check the enclosure before collection. Adult housing requirements apply even when the animal is sold as a baby. Confirm the animal’s current food, age and supplement schedule with our reptile team.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.
