Reptile · Skink
Red-eyed crocodile skink care guide
Tribolonotus gracilis
The red-eyed crocodile skink is a intermediate-level skink from New Guinea. Adults reach 15–20 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Shy, ground-dwelling and humid. One male with females.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp 23–27°C, avoid heat
- Humidity 75–90%
How much does a red-eyed crocodile skink cost in Canada?
Red-eyed crocodile skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 23–27°C, avoid heat
- Humidity
- 75–90%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, earthworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical forest floor
Red-eyed crocodile skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical forest floor bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Deep leaf litter (3–5 cm) matters more here than anything else: it’s where microfauna breed and frogs forage.
Temperature: 23–27°C, avoid heat. Humidity: 75–90%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a red-eyed crocodile skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, earthworms. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy and may play dead or squeak; minimal handling.
Health watch: Dehydration, heat stress and stress-related anorexia.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist 1–3 times to keep humidity in range; glass should clear partly between mistings.
- Check temperature – most tropical species are stressed above 27–28°C.
Weekly
- Feed and remove uneaten food.
- Check the drainage layer through the glass and remove water before it reaches the soil.
- Prune plants that block the front glass.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter as it breaks down.
- Check springtail and isopod numbers; reseed from a culture if they look sparse.
- Clean misting nozzles and wipe light covers.
Yearly
- Refresh the top few centimetres of soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on the manufacturer’s schedule.
Recommended for a red-eyed crocodile skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 45 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sheet Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Climbing surface and planting wall
Cork Bark Half Rounds
Shaded, humid retreat at floor level
Red Mekong Spiderwood
Perches and depth
Red-eyed crocodile skink FAQ
Is the red-eyed crocodile skink good for beginners?
The red-eyed crocodile skink is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy and may play dead or squeak; minimal handling.
What size enclosure does a red-eyed crocodile skink need?
At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a red-eyed crocodile skink cost in Canada?
Typically $150–300 CAD to buy, about $550–1000 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a red-eyed crocodile skink need?
Temperature: 23–27°C, avoid heat. Humidity: 75–90%.
What does a red-eyed crocodile skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, earthworms. 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.