Rainbow skink (Trachylepis margaritifera)
Skinks · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Rainbow skink (Trachylepis margaritifera) (origin: Southern Africa). Adult size around 20–28 cm total length. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Rainbow skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm.
Rainbow skink: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–33 °C, basking spot 42 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Rainbow skink: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Rainbow skink: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Rainbow skink: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 42 °C
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, stone slabs, pieces of bark, climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches, a little fruit
- Feeding interval
- 3–4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–28 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Southern Africa
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keeping it singly is recommended; put together as a harem (1.2) only for breeding. Never keep several males together - they fight over territory and basking spots until one is injured or permanently pushed into a corner. Females generally get on, but need their own heat and hiding spots each; feed separately if there is a size difference.
Notes
Diurnal and hungry for sun, with a brilliant blue tail in the young and pearly flank dots. Robust and easy to watch – an underrated beginner's skink.
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Related species
- African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) – Intermediate
- Variable skink (Trachylepis varia) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Speckle-lipped skink (Trachylepis maculilabris) – Beginner with some knowledge
- African striped skink (Trachylepis striata) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Cape skink (Trachylepis capensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Teita skink (Trachylepis perrotetii) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Zebra skink (Trachylepis dichroma) – Beginner
- Algerian skink (Eumeces algeriensis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Rainbow skink (Trachylepis margaritifera) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, stone slabs, pieces of bark, climbing branches), 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://dubiaroaches.com/blogs/lizard-care/rainbow-skink-care-sheet, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trachylepis_margaritifera, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trachylepis&species=margaritifer
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).