Are you looking for a unique and exotic pet lizard that will make you stand out from the crowd? If so, you might want to consider the red-eyed crocodile skink.
This amazing reptile has some of the most distinctive features among lizards, such as the bright red eyes, the crocodile-like scales, and the casque head.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about red-eyed crocodile skink care and information, including their facts, enclosure, lighting, temperature, humidity, water, diet, feeding, health, diseases, handling, and bonding.
By the end of this article, you will be able to provide the best care for your red-eyed croc skink and enjoy their fascinating personality and behavior.
Key Takeaways:
- The red-eyed crocodile skink is a distinctive lizard known for its unique features like red eyes, crocodile-like scales, and a casque head. Native to New Guinea's tropical forests, they prefer moist, humid habitats near streams and rivers.
- These skinks reach 8 to 10 inches in length, males being slightly larger with broader heads and thicker tail bases. Females are more slender with thinner tail bases. Males have hemipenes, distinguishing them from females.
- Shy and nocturnal, they're solitary or in pairs, not vocal but can produce loud sounds when threatened or stressed. Limited interaction with humans, but bonding might develop with gentle handling over time.
- Enclosures should allow comfortable movement, with a minimum of 20-gallon space for a single skink and more for pairs. Glass terrariums are recommended for visibility, ventilation, and insulation. Bioactive vivariums mimic natural habitats but need expertise to set up and maintain.
- Mainly insectivorous, they feed on insects and invertebrates. Offer varied live insects, ensuring they're gut-loaded for nutritional value. Tailor feeding to age, size, and activity level.
- Skinks aren't fond of handling but might tolerate it with gentle, gradual sessions. Reward positive interactions, respect their comfort levels, limit handling time, and provide adequate space for rest and privacy.
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Red Eyed Crocodile Skink Facts and Information
The red-eyed crocodile skink (Tribolonotus gracilis) is a species of lizard that belongs to the family Scincidae.
They are native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and some nearby islands, living in moist and humid environments, near streams and rivers, where they can hide under rocks, logs, and leaf litter.
The red-eyed crocodile skink lifespan is about 5 to 10 years in captivity, but it can vary depending on the quality of care and the individual health of the lizard.
Red Eyed Crocodile Skink Size
The red-eyed crocodile skink size is about 8 to 10 inches long, including the tail, which makes up about half of their body length.
They have a dark brown to black body color, with orange to red spots on their sides and limbs, and their most striking feature is their bright red eyes, which contrast with their dark skin.
They also have a prominent casque on their head, which resembles a helmet or a crest. Their scales are rough and keeled, giving them a crocodile-like appearance.
Red Eyed Crocodile Skink: Males vs Females
The red-eyed crocodile skink is a sexually dimorphic species, which means that males and females have different physical characteristics.
Males are slightly larger and heavier than females, and they have a broader head and a thicker tail base. Females have a more slender body and a thinner tail base.
The easiest way to sex a red-eyed crocodile skink is to look for the presence or absence of hemipenes, which are the male reproductive organs.
Males have two bulges at the base of their tail, where the hemipenes are located, while females have a smooth tail base.
Red Eyed Crocodile Skink Behavior
The red-eyed crocodile skink is a shy and secretive lizard, that prefers to hide and avoid confrontation, and they are mostly active at dawn and dusk, when they hunt for their prey, such as insects, worms, and small vertebrates.
They are not very social, they tend to live alone or in pairs and aren't very vocal, but they can make a loud squeaking or crying sound when they are threatened, stressed, or mating.
This sound is similar to that of a human baby, and it is one of the reasons why they are also known as the "screaming lizard" or the "crying lizard".
The red-eyed crocodile skink is not very interactive with humans, and they do not like to be handled too much. However, they can tolerate some handling if done gently and infrequently, and they can form a bond with their owner over time.
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink Enclosure
One of the most important aspects of red-eyed crocodile skink care is providing a suitable enclosure for your lizard.
The enclosure should be large enough to allow your red-eyed crocodile skink to move around comfortably, and to create a natural and stimulating habitat for them.
Also, the enclosure should be secure and escape-proof, as these lizards are very good at finding gaps and holes to squeeze through.
The following are some factors to consider when choosing an enclosure for your red-eyed crocodile skink:
- Size: The minimum size of the enclosure for a single red-eyed crocodile skink is 20 gallons, but a larger enclosure is always better. If you want to keep a pair of red-eyed crocodile skinks, you will need at least a 40-gallon enclosure. However, you should only keep one male per enclosure, as males can be territorial and aggressive towards each other.
- Type: The best type of enclosure for a red-eyed crocodile skink is a glass terrarium, as it provides good visibility, ventilation, and insulation. You can also use a plastic or wooden enclosure, but you will need to make sure that it has enough air holes and that it can withstand the humidity and heat.
- Habitat: The ideal habitat setup for a red-eyed crocodile skink is a bioactive vivarium, which is a self-sustaining ecosystem that mimics the natural environment of your lizard. A bioactive vivarium consists of a substrate layer, a drainage layer, a clean-up crew, live plants, and decorations. A bioactive vivarium has many benefits, such as providing natural enrichment, improving air quality, maintaining humidity, and reducing waste and odor. However, a bioactive vivarium also requires more time, money, and expertise to set up and maintain.
Here are some items and accessories that you should include in your red-eyed crocodile skink enclosure:
- Substrate
- Hiding places
- Plants
- Water dish
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink Lighting and Temperature
The lighting and temperature should mimic the natural cycle and conditions of your lizard's native habitat, and they should be adjusted according to the season and the time of the day.
It's because the lighting and temperature affect the metabolism, digestion, activity, and health of your red-eyed crocodile skink, and they should be monitored and regulated carefully.
The following are some factors to consider when providing lighting and temperature for your red-eyed crocodile skink:
- Lighting: You should provide a low-wattage incandescent bulb or an LED bulb as the main light source, and set it on a timer to mimic the sunrise and sunset. You should also provide 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness per day, and adjust it according to the season.
- Temperature: You should provide a temperature gradient in the enclosure, which means that one side of the enclosure should be warmer than the other, and your lizard can choose where to thermoregulate.
- Humidity: You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in the enclosure. To maintain the humidity, you should mist the enclosure daily with dechlorinated water, and provide a large water dish for your lizard to soak in. You can also add live plants, moss, or coconut fiber substrate to help retain moisture.
- Lighting: You can use a low-wattage incandescent bulb or a LED light to create a day/night cycle.
- Decoration and Enrichment: You should provide plenty of hiding spots in the enclosure, such as cork bark, hollow logs, caves, or half coconut shells. You can also add some branches, rocks, or artificial plants to create a natural-looking habitat. Furthermore, you can offer some enrichment items, such as crickets, worms, or other insects, to stimulate its hunting instinct.
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink Diet and Feeding
The red-eyed crocodile skink is an insectivorous lizard, which means that it feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates.
In the wild, they hunt for their prey at night, using their keen sense of smell and hearing, so in captivity, you should provide a varied and balanced diet for your red-eyed crocodile skink, to ensure their optimal health and nutrition.
The following are some factors to consider when feeding your red-eyed crocodile skink:
- Types of food: The best types of food for a red-eyed crocodile skink are live insects, such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, waxworms, earthworms, and superworms. You can also offer some occasional treats, such as pinky mice, snails, or slugs.
- Sources of food: The best sources of food for a red-eyed crocodile skink are reputable pet stores, online vendors, or breeders, that sell healthy and nutritious insects. You should always buy insects that are gut-loaded, which means that they are fed a high-quality diet before being offered to your lizard.
- Size and quantity of food: The size and quantity of food that you should feed your red-eyed crocodile skink depends on their age, size, and activity level. As a general rule, you should feed your red-eyed crocodile skink insects that are no larger than the width of their head, and no more than they can eat in 15 minutes.
- Feeding schedule and routine: The best time to feed your red-eyed crocodile skink is in the evening when they are most active and hungry. You should feed your red-eyed crocodile skink in a separate feeding container, such as a plastic tub or a plastic shoebox, that has some substrate and hiding places.Â
- Diet variation and enrichment: The red-eyed crocodile skink is a curious and intelligent lizard, and it may get bored and stressed if fed the same food every time. You should vary the diet of your red-eyed crocodile skink by offering different types and sizes of insects, and by changing the frequency and amount of feeding. Also, you can enrich the feeding experience of your red-eyed crocodile skink by using different methods and techniques, such as tong feeding, hand feeding, or hiding the food in the enclosure.
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink Health and Diseases
The red-eyed crocodile skink is a hardy and resilient lizard, but it can still suffer from some health issues and diseases if not cared for properly.
The best way to prevent and treat any health problems is to provide a suitable enclosure, a balanced diet, and a regular check-up for your red-eyed crocodile skink.
Following are some factors to consider when monitoring and maintaining the health of your red-eyed crocodile skink.
Signs and symptoms of health
The red-eyed crocodile skink is a shy and secretive lizard, and it may not show any obvious signs of illness or injury until it is too late.
Therefore, you should pay close attention to the appearance, behavior, and weight of your red-eyed crocodile skink, and look for any changes or abnormalities.
Some of the signs and symptoms of a healthy red-eyed crocodile skink are:
- Bright and clear eyes
- Smooth and shiny skin and scales
- Alert and responsive attitude
- Normal appetite and digestion
- Regular shedding and growth
- Stable and normal weight
 In contrast, some of the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy red-eyed crocodile skink are:
- Dull and cloudy eyes
- Dry and flaky skin and scales
- Lethargic and depressed attitude
- Loss of appetite and diarrhea
- Difficulty shedding and stunted growth
- Weight loss or gain
Common health issues and diseases
The red-eyed crocodile skink can suffer from various health issues and diseases, some of which are more common and serious than others. Some of the most common health issues and diseases that affect the red-eyed crocodile skink are:
- Metabolic bone disease: This is a condition that results from a lack of calcium, vitamin D3, or UVB light, which causes the bones to become weak and deformed. The symptoms include soft and rubbery jaws, swollen and bent limbs, and fractures and paralysis.
- Respiratory infection: This is a condition that results from a bacterial or viral infection in the lungs, which causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and mucus discharge. The symptoms include open-mouth breathing, gasping, sneezing, and lethargy.
- Fungal infection: This is a condition that results from a fungal infection in the skin, which causes redness, inflammation, and blisters. The symptoms include crusty and scaly patches, loss of scales, and bleeding.
- Parasitic infection: This is a condition that results from a parasitic infection in the intestines, which causes weight loss, diarrhea, and dehydration. The symptoms include thin and sunken body, loose and foul-smelling stools, and worms or eggs in the feces.
- Tail rot: This is a condition that results from a bacterial or fungal infection in the tail, which causes necrosis and decay. The symptoms include black and dry tail tip, loss of tail function, and pain and swelling.
Handling and transportation
The red-eyed crocodile skink is a sensitive and delicate lizard, and it does not like to be handled too much.
However, you may need to handle your red-eyed crocodile skink occasionally for health checks, cleaning, or transportation.
When handling your red-eyed crocodile skink, you should follow these tips and precautions:
- Wash your hands before and after handling your red-eyed crocodile skink, to prevent any contamination or infection.
- Be gentle and calm, and avoid any sudden or loud noises or movements, to prevent any stress or injury.
- Support the body and the tail of your red-eyed crocodile skink, and do not squeeze or grab them too hard, to prevent any damage or pain.
-  Limit the handling time to a few minutes, and return your red-eyed crocodile skink to their enclosure as soon as possible, to prevent any discomfort or dehydration.
- Use a secure and comfortable container, such as a plastic tub or a cardboard box, with some substrate and hiding places, to transport your red-eyed crocodile skink, and do not expose them to extreme temperatures or vibrations, to prevent any harm or shock.
Veterinary care
The red-eyed crocodile skink is a relatively low-maintenance lizard, but it still needs regular veterinary care to ensure its health and well-being.
So you should take your red-eyed crocodile skink to a qualified reptile veterinarian at least once a year, for a routine check-up, a fecal exam, and a blood test.
Also, take your red-eyed crocodile skink to a vet as soon as possible if you notice any signs or symptoms of illness or injury, or if you have any questions or doubts about their health or care.
Always keep a record of your red-eyed crocodile skink's medical history, such as their weight, diet, supplements, medications, and vaccinations, and bring it with you to the vet visits.
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink Handling and Bonding
The red-eyed crocodile skink is not a very social or interactive lizard, and it does not enjoy being handled or bonded with humans.
However, some red-eyed crocodile skinks may tolerate or even appreciate some handling and bonding, depending on their personality and temperament.
If you want to handle and bond with your red-eyed crocodile skink, you should follow these tips and precautions:
- Start early and slowly: The best time to start handling and bonding with your red-eyed crocodile skink is when they are young and more adaptable. You should also start with short and infrequent sessions, and gradually increase the duration and frequency, as your lizard gets more comfortable and familiar with you.
- Be gentle and respectful: You should always handle your red-eyed crocodile skink with care and respect, and avoid any rough or forceful actions, such as grabbing, squeezing, or dropping them. You should also respect their mood and preferences, and stop handling them if they show signs of stress or discomfort, such as hissing, biting, or squeaking.
- Reward and reinforce: You should always reward your red-eyed crocodile skink with a treat or praise, after handling them, to reinforce their positive association and trust with you. You can also use some tricks and techniques, such as hand feeding, tong feeding, or target training, to make the handling and bonding more fun and rewarding for both of you.
- Do not overdo it: You should always remember that the red-eyed crocodile skink is not a cuddly or playful lizard, and it does not need or want a lot of handling and bonding. You should limit the handling and bonding time to a few minutes per day, and give your lizard enough space and time to rest and relax in their enclosure.
Conclusion
The red-eyed crocodile skink is a unique and exotic pet lizard, that has some of the most distinctive features among lizards, such as the bright red eyes, the crocodile-like scales, and the casque head.
They are shy and secretive lizards, that prefer to hide and avoid confrontation, and they are not very social or interactive, and they do not like to be handled or bonded too much.
However, they can tolerate some handling and bonding if done gently and infrequently, and they can form a bond with their owner over time.
They are hardy and resilient lizards, but they still need proper care and attention, to ensure their health and happiness.
If you can provide these things, you will be rewarded with a fascinating and rewarding pet lizard, that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Additional Resources
FAQs About Red Eyed Crocodile Skink Care
Is it easy to take care of a red-eyed crocodile skink?
No, it is not easy to take care of a red-eyed crocodile skink. They have specific and complex needs, such as high humidity, low lighting, and live insects.
Are red eyed crocodile skinks high maintenance?
Yes, red eyed crocodile skinks are high maintenance. They require a large and bioactive enclosure, a varied and supplemented diet, and regular veterinary care.
Are red eyed crocodile skinks friendly?
No, red eyed crocodile skinks are not friendly. They are shy and secretive lizards, that do not like to be handled or bonded too much. They may tolerate some handling, but they are not cuddly or playful.
Do crocodile skinks need UVB?
No, crocodile skinks do not need UVB. They are nocturnal species that avoid direct sunlight. However, they still need a natural light cycle and a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement.
Are crocodile skinks aggressive?
No, crocodile skinks are not aggressive. They are timid and docile lizards, that prefer to hide and avoid confrontation. However, they may hiss, bite, or squeak, if they are threatened, stressed, or mating.
Can crocodile skinks swim?
Yes, crocodile skinks can swim. They are semi-aquatic lizards, that live near streams and rivers, where they can soak and hunt. They have webbed feet and a long tail, that help them swim.