Indonesian blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas)

Short answers

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

180 × 60 × 60 cm (adult).

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

Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 38–40 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

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

UVB: Essential (10–12 % UVB).

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

Life expectancy: 15–20 years, over 30 with good care.

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

Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–32 °C

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

38–40 °C

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

Essential (10–12 % UVB)

Enclosure

Minimum size

180 × 60 × 60 cm (adult)

Substrate

Coco humus or bark mulch – damp, but not wet

Feeding

Food

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

Feeding interval

Adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

45–60 cm

Life expectancy

15–20 years, over 30 with good care

Origin

Indonesia / New Guinea (tropical rainforest)

Protection status

—

Brumation

None (tropical)

Cohabitation

Single housing; territorial. The reason is territory: two animals will not voluntarily share a basking spot or a hiding place. They fight until one is seriously injured or permanently confined to a corner — and that second animal then eats worse, without showing any visible wound.

Notes

A tropical species with a markedly higher humidity requirement than T. scincoides and often more nervous in temperament. UVB and a 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 Indonesian blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Centralian blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua multifasciata) – Intermediate
• Common blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides) – Beginner
• Halmahera blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas gigas) – 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 Indonesian blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (180 × 60 × 60 cm (adult)), substrate (Coco humus or bark mulch – damp, but not wet), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.