Thai water skink (Tropidophorus thai)
Skinks · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Thai water skink (Tropidophorus thai) (origin: Thailand). Adult size around 13–18 cm. Life expectancy 6–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Thai water skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm for a group.
Thai water skink: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 21–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot — warm corner up to 28 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Thai water skink: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0).
Thai water skink: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–12 years.
Thai water skink: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 21–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot — warm corner up to 28 °C
- Humidity
- 80–95 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm for a group
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate, permanently damp, with a large water section
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, house crickets, roaches and earthworms, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 13–18 cm
- Life expectancy
- 6–12 years
- Origin
- Thailand
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter
- Cohabitation
- Harem (1.2); males never together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hiding spots until one is injured or permanently confined to a corner. Females usually get along but need their own hiding spots; feed separately once sizes differ.
Notes
Like all water skinks, to be kept cool and very humid.
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
- Gray's water skink (Tropidophorus grayi) – Intermediate
- 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 Thai water skink (Tropidophorus thai) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a group), substrate (Forest-floor substrate, permanently damp, with a large 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=thai
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).