Reptile · Skink
Rainbow skink care guide
Trachylepis margaritifera
The rainbow skink is a intermediate-level skink from East and Southern Africa. Adults reach 20–25 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Females and juveniles have iridescent blue tails. Rocky build.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 38°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a rainbow skink cost in Canada?
Rainbow skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- East and Southern Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 38°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Rainbow skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 38°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a rainbow skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast and flighty; display animal.
Health watch: Parasites in imports and metabolic bone disease.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a rainbow skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Rainbow skink FAQ
Is the rainbow skink good for beginners?
The rainbow skink is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Fast and flighty; display animal.
What size enclosure does a rainbow skink need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a rainbow skink cost in Canada?
Typically $50–150 CAD to buy, about $610–1120 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a rainbow skink need?
Temperature: Basking 38°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a rainbow skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2 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.