Red Eye Croc Skinks

Currently we have two breeding pairs of Red Eye Crocodile Skinks (Tribolonotus gracilis) Both have been producing eggs throughout the year and we currently have two babies ruffly 2 months old and one egg on the way.




Environment: 

This species in found on the island of Papea New Guinea. The forest where these skinks live is moist, with the relative humidity in this environment being in excess of 70% throughout the year.  They favour damp areas of ground, close to sources of fresh water. They are terrestrial, hiding in areas where leaf litter has accumulated over branches and shrubs, providing them not just with hiding places but also areas where they can hunt for their insect prey.  Interestingly, crocodile skinks seem to be adapting quite well to habitat changes, with herpetologists reporting the discovery of T. gracilis in increasing numbers around coconut plantations, with the skinks having adopted husk piles as retreats in this environment.

Care: 

Housing of these reptiles is very easy. No basking light is needed. We have found that room temperature works best. We have one pair in a 40g breeder and another pair in basic 10g glass tank. It is best to keep one pair per tank. We tried adding another female in with the pair housed in the 40g breeder. The original female was very protective over the tank and would chance and bit the newer female. These reptiles are not up during the day. They tend to move more a dusk and sleep during the night. Make sure you add plenty of hiding holes. These reptiles will end up digging their own if needed. 


Parent Pictures:

First Male

First Female

Second Female outside getting some natural sun

First baby:

Hours after hatching

This is from our first pair of red eye skinks. After hatching baby was very protective and would attempt to bit if handled. Took about 4 days after hatching to start eating live mini mealworms. 









Second Baby:

 This is our second baby skink hatched on 8/25/2012. He is weighing 3.1 grams currently and his loving his meal worms.









Third Baby:

Our latest baby just hatched 9/28/2012 and after his first night ate his first mealworm. His parents have produced 2 eggs this year and we just found a third but not sure that one will make it.