Algerian skink (Eumeces algeriensis)

Short answers

Algerian skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150×100×60 cm for a pair.

Algerian skink: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Algerian skink: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 6–10 %).

Algerian skink: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years, individual animals over 22 years.

Algerian skink: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

40–45 °C

Humidity

40–55 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 6–10 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×100×60 cm for a pair

Substrate

Deep, diggable sand-clay mix, flat and collapse-proof rock structures set directly on the enclosure floor, roots and cork bark; one corner kept permanently damp

Feeding

Food

Crickets, house crickets, roaches, earthworms, superworms, plus snails; few mealworms, occasional fruit and rarely a newborn mouse

Feeding interval

adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

30–45 cm total length; the tail is only slightly longer than the body

Life expectancy

15–20 years, individual animals over 22 years

Origin

Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A winter rest of 8–12 weeks at 12–15 °C

Cohabitation

Keep singly or as a pair (1.1). Two males do not go together — they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is seriously injured or permanently sits in a corner. Two females work if necessary; one male with several females is sometimes kept for breeding, downside: more squabbling and a greater space requirement, as this species is less social than its relatives. Several basking spots and hides are important so the subordinate animal can move away, and feed separately as soon as the animals differ in size.

Notes

A robust, burrowing skink with orange-red spots. It needs deep, firm ground for building its tunnels.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Algerian skink (Eumeces algeriensis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Berber skink (Eumeces schneideri) – Beginner to intermediate
• African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) – Intermediate
• Berdmore's water skink (Tropidophorus berdmorei) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Mountain skink (Plestiodon callicephalus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Pacific blue-tailed skink (Emoia caeruleocauda) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Blue-tongued water skink (Tropidophorus cocincinensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Bouton's snake-eyed skink (Cryptoblepharus boutonii) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Bowring's supple skink (Lygosoma bowringii) – Beginner with some knowledge

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Algerian skink (Eumeces algeriensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×100×60 cm for a pair), substrate (Deep, diggable sand-clay mix, flat and collapse-proof rock structures set directly on the enclosure floor, roots and cork bark; one corner kept permanently damp), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.