Reptile · Skink
Blotched blue-tongued skink care guide
Tiliqua nigrolutea
The blotched blue-tongued skink is a intermediate-level skink from SE Australia, Tasmania. Adults reach 40–50 cm and live 15–25 years in captivity. Cool-climate skink; benefits from a winter cool-down.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 32–35°C, cool 18–22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a blotched blue-tongued skink cost in Canada?
Blotched blue-tongued skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 40–50 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–25 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- SE Australia, Tasmania
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 32–35°C, cool 18–22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – greens, vegetables, roaches, snails
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Blotched blue-tongued skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, cool 18–22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a blotched blue-tongued skink eat?
Omnivore – greens, vegetables, roaches, snails. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles every day or two.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and handleable.
Health watch: Obesity and respiratory infection.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a blotched blue-tongued skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Blotched blue-tongued skink FAQ
Is the blotched blue-tongued skink good for beginners?
The blotched blue-tongued skink is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm and handleable.
What size enclosure does a blotched blue-tongued skink need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a blotched blue-tongued skink cost in Canada?
Typically $1500–4000 CAD to buy, about $950–1690 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a blotched blue-tongued skink need?
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, cool 18–22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a blotched blue-tongued skink eat?
Omnivore – greens, vegetables, roaches, snails. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles every day or two.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.