Reptile · Skink
Sandfish skink care guide
Scincus scincus
The sandfish skink is a intermediate-level skink from North Africa, Middle East. Adults reach 15–20 cm and live 8–10 years in captivity. Swims through sand, so use a deep sandy mix.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 75 cm
- Temp Basking 38–40°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 10–25%
How much does a sandfish skink cost in Canada?
Sandfish skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- North Africa, Middle East
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 75 cm (35 × 18 × 30 in, ≈ 80 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Basking 38–40°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity
- 10–25%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, mealworms
- Bioactive style
- Arid desert
Sandfish skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 75 cm (35 × 18 × 30 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a arid desert bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre8 cm
A deep, sandy mix packed firmly lets burrows hold their shape; keep only the deepest layer faintly moist. This species digs, so give it 20 cm (8 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 8 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: Basking 38–40°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 10–25%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a sandfish skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, mealworms. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Spends most time buried; not a handling pet.
Health watch: Respiratory problems in damp sand, impaction and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking temperatures; refresh water (or mist lightly for species that drink droplets).
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Lightly moisten one deep corner so burrows hold and isopods survive.
- Check rock stacks are stable.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer; replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a sandfish skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 75 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Main soil, 20 cm mixed with sand
Canyon Sand
About 40% sand so burrows hold
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 8 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Cork Bark Half Rounds
Warm and cool retreats
Sandblasted Grapewood
Climbing and visual structure
Red Zebra Stone
Basking platform and rock crevices
Sandfish skink FAQ
Is the sandfish skink good for beginners?
The sandfish skink is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Spends most time buried; not a handling pet.
What size enclosure does a sandfish skink need?
At least 90 × 45 × 75 cm (about 35 × 18 × 30 inches, roughly 80 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a sandfish skink cost in Canada?
Typically $50–120 CAD to buy, about $670–1200 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a sandfish skink need?
Temperature: Basking 38–40°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 10–25%.
What does a sandfish skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, mealworms. 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.