I will give you some in-depth facts and care information to help you satisfy your curiosity or decide if this is a realistic pet for you.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat Is The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink?<\/span> <\/strong>The Red-eyed crocodile skink is known by its scientific name as Tribolonotus Gracilis.<\/span> The tribolonotus represents the genus of the skink.<\/span><\/span> There are a total of eight sub-species within this genus.<\/span> However, the red-eyed croc skinks are perhaps most common ones that can be found in captivity.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nWe have always been fascinated by the red-eyed crocodile skinks since they resemble so much to crocodiles.<\/span> Let\u2019s not forget why they were named the red-eyed!<\/span><\/span> This is because of the exotic red ring that encircles their eyes.<\/span><\/p>\nThey are the most beautiful lizards found in captivity.<\/span> So, we can imagine your curiosity.<\/span><\/span> They are a great pet to have and can live a long life in captivity.<\/span> However, they still require proper care.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nTo learn how to care for them, you can follow our red-eyed crocodile skink care guide.<\/span> The guide answers most of the commonly asked questions about caring for these creatures<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat Other Names Do They Have?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nThe red-eyed crocodile skink is called so due to their high resemblance to crocodiles with their rough scales and spines down the body.<\/span> They also possess eyes that are ringed with a red color, which is why they are called red or even orange-eyed crocodile skinks.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThey tend to live in dense tropical forests where there are lots of low climbing places.<\/span> These places often tend to be bushes.<\/span><\/span> So, you will find these skinks mostly in bushes.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nThis is why they are also called Bush Crocodile Skink.<\/span> <\/p>\nApart from that, their heads are large and are more triangular, which is why they are also known as casque-headed skinks and helmeted skinks.<\/span> The orange and red rings that are present around their eyes are often part of the charisma behind these creatures.<\/span><\/span> They resemble small crocodiles and are often just called as bush crocodiles.<\/span><\/p>\nWhere Is Their Natural Habitat?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nRed crocodile skinks can be found living under forest debris and near water.<\/span> <\/p>\nThey love living in tropical forests where humidity is quite high.<\/span><\/span> These are mostly nocturnal animals and only come out at dawn or dusk to bask in the sun.<\/span><\/p>\nThey live near water because they prefer to bathe themselves in shallow water.<\/span> The forest floors are often full of low branches and plenty of hiding places for them to hide from their predators.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThey love climbing, hence they are usually found 4-5 inches above the ground.<\/span> However, they do not travel very far up the trees.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHowever, with the recent deforestation that has taken place in many areas of the world, these skinks were quite quick to adapt themselves.<\/span> As their natural habitats were replaced by coconut trees, they have adapted themselves to live in these coconut plantations.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThey are usually found in New Guinea Island in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.<\/span> Apart from the humid, tropical forests, they are found living in human-populated areas as well.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHow Big Is A Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\u200b<\/span><\/strong>At birth, red-eyed crocodile skinks can be as small as only 2.<\/span><\/span>5 inches.<\/span> But once they grow up, they can become as massive as 10 inches long.<\/span><\/span> This still renders them pretty tiny and morbidly cute.<\/span><\/p>\nThey weigh approximately 36 – 45 grams, with a dark brown color at birth and a darker red at maturity.<\/span><\/p>\nOne of the most defining characteristics of the skink is that they have a reddish or orange coloration encircling their eyes, which is they are called red-eyed skinks.<\/span><\/p>\nThe underbelly has a beige\/creamy color, similar to a light peach, and their heads are most triangular or slightly squared.<\/span> These crocodile skinks have a few spiky ridges along their spine and tail, giving them that characteristic reptilian look.<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n<\/p>\nThe red-eyed crocodile skink gets its name from the red disk-shaped coloration around its eyes, and the four rowed dorsal scales, which altogether give a crocodile-like appearance.<\/span> A full-grown adult skink can be as long as 7 to 9 inches long from its tail to the tip of its nose.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHow Long Do They Usually Last For (Lifespan)?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nUnfortunately, this question can be heavily debated.<\/span> While we have observed hatchlings born in zoos and watched them grow and die, we still don\u2019t know what the natural lifespan of a crocodile skink is.<\/span><\/span> In fact, researchers don\u2019t even know at what time of day the skinks like to hunt and explore.<\/span><\/p>\nUsually, the ones in captivity come out at night, but that could easily be due to the lower number of visitors at night.<\/span> <\/p>\nEven if an animal dies in captivity, this could likely be due to negligence from the zookeeper or due to disease.<\/span><\/p>\nAnd some animals are designed to last long in captivity.<\/span> Our best guess was made by Cincinnati Zoo, which currently houses two female red-eyed crocodile skins.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThey estimated that the species lives at most 6 or 7 years.<\/span> However, the longest living crocodile skink to date lived up to 12 years.<\/span><\/span> These are all in captivity.<\/span><\/p>\nAs for in the wild, data varies.<\/span> Some say it could be past 7, while others estimate that the Cincinnati Zoo didn\u2019t guess wrong.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat Is The Ideal Housing For A Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nSince red eyed crocodile skinks mostly hail from cool places with a lot of humidity such as in New Guinea.<\/span> To know what type of enclosure they need, we believe you need to know what their natural habitat is.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThey love climbing low branches.<\/span> However, when it comes to the tank size, these creatures like a little more space than height.<\/span><\/span> Since they don\u2019t usually climb too high, a lower tank with a lot of areas would suit them much better.<\/span> For this purpose, cages about 30 x 12 inches or about 18 x 18 inches would be best.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHowever, like in all reptiles, males are found to fight over territory disputes.<\/span> Hence we don\u2019t recommend keeping two males together.<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\nEven females can be quite territorial and would become aggressive if anyone trespasses their territory.<\/span><\/p>\nSo, we only recommend you to keep a single male or a single female.<\/span> However, you can keep a single male with a female.<\/span><\/span> So, breeding won\u2019t be a problem.<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, if you do keep a pair, ensure to use a 20-gallon tank that provides a lot of floor space.<\/span><\/p>\nThere should be enough cover to help them retreat to their hiding places.<\/span> You can also add rocks, logs, and small trees.<\/span><\/span> These trees can be either natural or fake.<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, with natural trees, you face the problem of having to maintain them along with your lizard.<\/span> When it comes to fake plants, they are much easier to handle.<\/span><\/span> But, you still need to make sure that they are non-toxic.<\/span> If your lizards end up eating these, it could lead to a process known as impaction.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWill They Benefit From A Hide Box?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nLike most lizards, these crocodile skinks need suitable hiding places in their cages.<\/span> This is because they are very shy creatures and prefer to hide to avoid the heat.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nOtherwise, your skink might end up feeling stressed.<\/span> These areas can be any sort of enclosures where the skink can lie low.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMost skinks can be seen hiding in the trees, logs, and even behind and beneath rocks in their natural habitat.<\/span> As we already mentioned, the number one step to keeping them happy is to imitate their natural habitat as closely as possible.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nOf course, you can provide them with natural hiding places by placing larger rocks, small rocks, and hollowed out logs.<\/span> These provide them with natural cover from enemies and the heat.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHowever, there are various hides present in the market as well.<\/span> These include Snake caves and hide boxes.<\/span><\/span> They allow your skink to hide especially if you keep two together.<\/span><\/p>\nEven though they may mate, they still need time to themselves, which is why your skink will benefit greatly with a hide box.<\/span> <\/p>\nWhat Is The Ideal Substrate For Them?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nThe substrate is an important part of designing an enclosure for your skink.<\/span> This is because these skinks need an increased humidity level as compared to other lizards.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThese skinks are generally found in humid forest enclosures.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nsubstrate plays quite an important role in trying to maintain the humidity level inside the enclosure.<\/span> You can try misting all you want.<\/span> But if the enclosure is bare, you will just be wasting water.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSo, whatever substrate you choose, you need to choose one that retains moisture well and allows the tank to be sufficiently humid for the lizard.<\/span> The skinks need about 70-90% humidity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThis is quite higher than most normal lizards.<\/span> This means that your normal substrates won\u2019t cut it.<\/span><\/span> Peat moss or Coco fiber can make for better substrates as they will allow the humidity to reach higher levels and will even allow the skink to burrow through them.<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, Coco bricks, along with orchid bark, can be used as a substrate as well.<\/span><\/p>\nOf course, artificial substrates such as newspapers or tissue paper can also be used.<\/span> However, do not use soil or sand as the lizard can often end up eating it, which might lead to impaction.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThis can make them seriously sick as the soil would not be digested and would block the passage through their stomach.<\/span><\/p>\nWhatever substrate you choose, ensure it is about 4 to 6 inches thick.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Lighting And Heating Do They Need?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nIn terms of heating, these skinks love to bask under the sun.<\/span> SO, you need to set up a basking lamp at one end of the tank.<\/span><\/span> However, ensure that you provide these creatures with a basking temperature of about 86 degrees F.<\/span> Anything higher might stress them out and dehydrate them.<\/span><\/span> It can even cause death.<\/span> \u200b<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nRemember to keep the basking lamp at one end of the tank as it will provide your skink with areas of multiple temperatures.<\/span> One end of the tank will be cool while the other will be much warmer.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThis will allow your skink to move to the higher temperature end if it needs to bask and to the cooler end if it needs to cool down!<\/span> This is because, like all reptile, they are cold-blooded and require thermoregulation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFor the day, ensure the temperatures are about 70-75 degrees on the cooler end while during the night 65 degrees temperature will do.<\/span><\/p>\nYou can already tell that these skink like cooler temperatures when compared to other lizards.<\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nYou can place a UVB lamp at ambient temperature as well.<\/span>