Gray's water skink (Tropidophorus grayi)
Skinks · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Gray's water skink (Tropidophorus grayi) (origin: The Philippines – stream forests). Adult size around 15–20 cm total length. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Gray's water skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×40 cm aqua-terrarium.
Gray's water skink: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 19–22 °C.
Gray's water skink: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Gray's water skink: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Gray's water skink: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 19–22 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 80–95 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×40×40 cm aqua-terrarium
- Substrate
- Damp coco humus, leaf litter, stones, a large shallow water section
Feeding
- Food
- Earthworms, house crickets, crickets, small fish
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- The Philippines – stream forests
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Pair or small group. Two males do not work together — they fight over territory and the best hiding places until one is seriously injured or permanently confined to a corner. One male with several females, on the other hand, works reliably. What matters is several hiding places so lower-ranking animals can retreat, and separate feeding as soon as the animals differ in size.
Notes
It lives along shady forest streams and flees into the water. It needs a genuine aquaterrarium with a clean, cool water section – not a classic dry terrarium. Live-bearing.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Berdmore's water skink (Tropidophorus berdmorei) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Blue-tongued water skink (Tropidophorus cocincinensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Thai water skink (Tropidophorus thai) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Vietnamese water skink (Tropidophorus baviensis) – Intermediate
- African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) – Intermediate
- Algerian skink (Eumeces algeriensis) – Intermediate
- Berber skink (Eumeces schneideri) – Beginner to intermediate
- Mountain skink (Plestiodon callicephalus) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Gray's water skink (Tropidophorus grayi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm aqua-terrarium), substrate (Damp coco humus, leaf litter, stones, a large shallow water section), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropidophorus_grayi, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Tropidophorus&species=grayi
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).