Are you looking for a unique, eye-catching reptile for your home or terrarium? Look no further than the Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink! These skinks are small, docile, and relatively easy to care for. With their striking red eyes and gold/brown coloration, they make a great addition to any collection.
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and the Philippines. They require warm temperatures of 78-82°F (25-27°C) during the day and should not be kept in temperatures below 70°F (21°C). For humidity levels, these skinks prefer it between 50-70%. As for housing for your Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink, a 10 gallon or larger terrarium is recommended. It should be well ventilated and contain plenty of hiding places and climbing surfaces.
When it comes to diet, Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks enjoy eating live insects such as crickets, mealworms, roaches, superworms, calci worms, hornworms and waxworms. Additionally you may supplement their diet with fruits or vegetables like apples or squash every other day.
These skinks do not handle handling well so it is best to limit contact with them to avoid scaring them. When disturbed they may freeze up or lose their tails as a defense mechanism so it is important to take extra caution when caring for them. Although they are not aggressive by nature they can become aggressive towards one another if they are kept in too small of an enclosure so housing two Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks together should be done in an enclosure that is large enough for both of them and their young.
With proper care these skinks can grow to be 7-9 inches long and live up to 15 years! If you’re looking for a low maintenance reptile that adds a unique touch to your home then the Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink is definitely worth considering!
Are Red-eyed Crocodile Skinks Good Pets?
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are not known for being particularly friendly. These skinks should be kept primarily as a display reptile, rather than as a companion or handling-reptile. Although they are not aggressive, they do get frightened easily when handled and may freeze or lose their tail when scared. It is best to limit handling to once in a while, if at all.
Are Red-eyed Crocodile Skinks Aggressive?
Yes, red-eyed crocodile skinks can display aggressive behavior. They are particularly aggressive towards other skinks of the same sex, with males displaying aggression towards other males. While they may live in relatively close proximity to each other in a single enclosure, they should still be provided with enough space so that they can escape from potential aggression from their tankmates.
Maximum Size of a Red-eyed Crocodile Skink
A red-eyed crocodile skink typically grows to be 7–9″ long. Their bodies are slender and they have a long tail that can grow up to twice the length of their body. They can weigh up to 2 ounces when fully grown. These lizards also have an elongated head and neck, a short snout, and large eyes with vertical pupils that give them their name.
The Value of a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink
A Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink is worth the investment for many reptile enthusiasts. Prices for these skinks range from $130 to $280 depending on the breeder, making them an affordable option. Despite their relatively recent addition to the domestic reptile trade (since the 1990s), they are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique appearance and demeanor. The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink is a medium-sized lizard that has a distinctive red or orange eye coloration, as well as a spiny crest along its back. While they may be challenging to care for, they are hardy and make excellent pets with proper attention and care. With proper husbandry, they can be expected to live between 10 and 15 years in captivity.
What Size Tank is Required for a Red-eyed Crocodile Skink?
A 10-gallon or 20-gallon glass aquarium is suitable for keeping a red-eyed crocodile skink. If you are planning to house two skinks in the same tank, make sure that both of them are female or one is male. It is also essential to have a screen top on the tank in order to provide adequate ventilation.
Caring for Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks
Red eyed crocodile skinks can be a bit tricky to care for due to their specific needs. They require high humidity and temperatures between 70-85°F. Any temperature lower than 70°F may cause them to become sluggish. Additionally, they need plenty of hiding places and branches to climb on in their enclosure. They should also be fed a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, super worms, silkworms, and roaches. As long as their environment is suitable and they are fed a varied diet, red eyed crocodile skinks can be a rewarding pet!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are interesting and unique reptiles that make a great addition to any reptile enthusiast’s collection. They can grow up to 7-9″ long and typically do not exhibit aggressive behavior. However, they should be handled with caution as they may freeze or lose their tails when handled frequently. A well-balanced diet for these skinks should include a variety of live insects such as crickets, mealworms, roaches, superworms, calci-worms, hornworms and earthworms. With the proper care, Red-eyed crocodile skinks can make a great addition to any reptile enthusiast’s collection.
