Northern blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia)

Short answers

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

150×80×60 cm.

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

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 38–40 °C, at night 20–24 °C.

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

UVB: Essential (UVB 6–10 %).

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

Life expectancy: 20–30 years.

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

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

38–40 °C

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 6–10 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×80×60 cm

Substrate

Bark mulch or coco humus and sand, hides, a shallow water dish

Feeding

Food

A mixed diet: vegetables, fruit, insects, occasionally wet food

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

45–60 cm (the largest form)

Life expectancy

20–30 years

Origin

Northern Australia

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; export from Australia is prohibited – captive-bred animals only

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Solitary housing (strict): blue-tongued skinks are territorial, and males in particular fight seriously, injuring each other's head and limbs. Introduce pairs under supervision for breeding only, then separate again.

Notes

The largest and strongest blue-tongue form. It becomes very tame and is long-lived. Blue-tongues do not get on with each other – never keep two together.

Do you keep this species?

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

Northern blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) currently offered

• Blauzungenskink Tiliqua scincoides intermedia – Bad Kreuznach · 199 €

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Related species

• Centralian blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua multifasciata) – Intermediate
• Common blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides) – Beginner
• 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Northern blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×60 cm), substrate (Bark mulch or coco humus and sand, hides, a shallow water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.