Reptile · Skink
Emerald tree skink care guide
Lamprolepis smaragdina
The emerald tree skink is a intermediate-level skink from Southeast Asia, Pacific islands. Adults reach 20–25 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Arboreal and active. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a emerald tree skink cost in Canada?
Emerald tree skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southeast Asia, Pacific islands
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, occasional fruit
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Emerald tree skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Required.
What does a emerald tree skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, occasional fruit. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Nervous and fast; display animal.
Health watch: Parasites in imports, dehydration and stress.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a emerald tree skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Emerald tree skink FAQ
Is the emerald tree skink good for beginners?
The emerald tree skink is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Nervous and fast; display animal.
What size enclosure does a emerald tree skink need?
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a emerald tree skink cost in Canada?
Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $580–1050 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a emerald tree skink need?
Temperature: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a emerald tree skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, occasional fruit. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
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.