Vietnamese water skink (Tropidophorus baviensis)
Skinks · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Vietnamese water skink (Tropidophorus baviensis) (origin: Northern Vietnam – mountain streams). Adult size around 13–18 cm total length. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Vietnamese water skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×40 cm aqua-terrarium.
Vietnamese water skink: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 17–20 °C.
Vietnamese water skink: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Vietnamese water skink: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Vietnamese water skink: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 17–20 °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, moss, stones, a flowing water section
Feeding
- Food
- Earthworms, house crickets, crickets
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 13–18 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Northern Vietnam – mountain streams
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks
- 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
A mountain-stream species – to be kept markedly cooler than its Philippine relative. A small pump circuit with a current matches the habitat and keeps the water clean.
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
- Thai water skink (Tropidophorus thai) – Beginner with some knowledge
- 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 Vietnamese water skink (Tropidophorus baviensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm aqua-terrarium), substrate (Damp coco humus, moss, stones, a flowing 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: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropidophorus_grayi, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Tropidophorus&species=baviensis
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).