Not captive bred. 

RED-EYED CROCODILE SKINK CARE SHEET

Tribolonotus gracilis

The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink is a small terrestrial lizard native to the lowland rainforests of New Guinea. They are primarily nocturnal, secretive, and sensitive to improper husbandry. Their crocodile-like scales, dark coloration, and bright red-orange eye rings make them one of the most distinctive rainforest skinks.

Adult Size: 7–10 in (18–25 cm)
Lifespan: Up to ~10 years
Activity: Crepuscular–nocturnal
Diet: Insectivorous
Temperament: Shy and secretive
Handling: Minimal

ENCLOSURE

Recommended Minimum: 36 × 18 × 18" (90 × 45 × 45 cm) for one adult

Larger enclosures are encouraged. Prioritize floor space and create a dense rainforest-floor environment.

Furnish With

• Deep tropical substrate
• Thick leaf litter
• Live moss and plants
• Cork bark and cork hollows
• Caves and ground-level hides
• Branches and bark pieces
• Multiple shaded areas

Important: Dense cover is essential. A cluttered enclosure helps the skink feel secure and encourages natural exploration.

Cohabitation

Individual housing is recommended for most keepers. If maintaining a breeding pair, provide at least a 36 × 18 × 18" enclosure with abundant hides and closely monitor behaviour.

TEMPERATURE

Crocodile skinks are sensitive to excessive heat. Keep the enclosure relatively cool.

Use digital probe thermometers to monitor the basking and cool areas. A thermostat is recommended for controlling the heat source.

HUMIDITY

Target: 70–90%

Misting once or twice daily can work well. A cool-mist fogger may be used occasionally at night if additional humidity is needed. Use a USB fan for circulation.

High humidity + good ventilation is essential. Avoid stagnant, constantly saturated conditions.

LIGHTING & UVB

Provide low-level UVB, approximately 6%, using an appropriate linear UVB fixture.

• Provide shaded areas and UVB escape zones.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended UVB distance.
• Avoid intense or harsh lighting.
• Use a separate plant LED if maintaining live plants.
• Lighting schedule: Approximately 12 hours on / 12 hours off.

UVB bulbs should be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule.

SUBSTRATE

A deep, moisture-retaining tropical substrate is ideal. The substrate should be moist, not waterlogged.

A deep substrate also provides a natural forest-floor environment and helps maintain stable humidity.

DECOR & ENRICHMENT

Provide plenty of natural cover and hiding opportunities.

Recommended:

• Cork bark
• Cork hollows
• Small caves
• Leaf litter
• Moss
• Live tropical plants
• Branches
• Bark pieces

Moss and dense foliage are particularly useful for creating the cool, shaded microhabitats this species prefers.

DIET

Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are insectivores and should receive a varied diet.

Suitable Feeders

• Crickets
• Discoid roaches
• Black soldier fly larvae
• Earthworms
• Mealworms
• Hornworms
• Silkworms
• Snails

Juveniles: Daily
Adults: Every other day

Offer an appropriate amount that can be consumed within a short feeding period, rather than leaving excessive numbers of insects loose in the enclosure.

WATER

Provide a sunken water dish that allows for soaking.

BEHAVIOUR

Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are naturally:

• Shy
• Secretive
• Quiet
• Crepuscular/nocturnal

They commonly remain hidden during the day and become more active during the evening and night.

When threatened, they may:

• Freeze
• Flee
• Hide
• Vocalize
• Play dead

These are normal defensive responses.

HANDLING

Minimal handling is recommended.

This species generally does not tolerate frequent handling and is best kept as an observation animal.

Handle only when necessary, such as for:

• Veterinary care
• Health checks
• Enclosure maintenance

Avoid chasing or repeatedly pulling the skink from its hiding places.

Care information available https://reptilesmagazine.com/red-eyed-crocodile-skink-care-and-information/