Common blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides)

Short answers

Common blue-tongued skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 150×80×60 cm for a single animal, 200×80×80 cm for a pair; substrate 10–15 cm deep and diggable.

Common blue-tongued skink: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 35–40 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Common blue-tongued skink: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (10–12 % UVB).

Common blue-tongued skink: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years, individual animals over 30.

Common blue-tongued skink: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

35–40 °C

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

Essential (10–12 % UVB)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 150×80×60 cm for a single animal, 200×80×80 cm for a pair; substrate 10–15 cm deep and diggable

Substrate

A sand and soil mix or bark mulch

Feeding

Food

Omnivorous – vegetables, fruit, snails, insects, occasionally mice

Feeding interval

Adults 1–2×/week, juveniles 3×/week, babies daily.

Key facts

Adult size

45–55 cm

Life expectancy

15–20 years, individual animals over 30

Origin

Eastern and northern Australia

Protection status

—

Brumation

Optional: a light winter rest of ~6–10 weeks (cooler, shorter lighting, not below 13 °C), recommended mainly for the eastern form (T. s. scincoides) and for breeding; the northern form (T. s. intermedia) doesn't need one.

Cohabitation

Single housing; territorial, pairs only temporarily. The reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or permanently confined to a corner.

Notes

A robust omnivore and a good beginner's animal. A ground dweller (not a climber); UVB and a hot warm spot are essential.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Common blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Centralian blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua multifasciata) – Intermediate
• Halmahera blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas gigas) – Intermediate
• Indonesian blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas) – Beginner to intermediate
• Irian Jaya blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua sp. „Irian Jaya") – Intermediate
• Kei Island blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas keyensis) – Intermediate
• Shingleback skink (Tiliqua rugosa) – Intermediate
• Merauke blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas evanescens) – Intermediate
• Northern blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Common blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×80×60 cm for a single animal, 200×80×80 cm for a pair; substrate 10–15 cm deep and diggable), substrate (A sand and soil mix or bark mulch), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.