🦎 General Info


The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink (Tribolonotus gracilis) is a small, unique, and prehistoric-looking lizard native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea. They are named for their distinctive orange-red ring around the eyes and armored, crocodile-like scales that give them a fierce yet striking appearance.


Adults typically reach 7–10 inches in total length, with males and females looking quite similar (males tend to have slightly broader heads and more prominent pores near the hind legs).


Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are semi-aquatic, secretive, and crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). They spend much of their time hiding under leaf litter or moss, emerging to hunt insects or explore in dim light. While shy and not ideal for frequent handling, they are fascinating display animals that thrive in naturalistic, humid environments.


Enclosure

  • Size:

  • Single adult: Minimum 24” x 18” x 18” enclosure

  • Pair or trio (1 male + 1–2 females): Minimum 36” x 18” x 18” (larger is always better)

  • Material: A glass or PVC terrarium with front-opening doors and excellent humidity retention is ideal. PVC enclosures are great for tropical species because they hold moisture and heat evenly.


  • Substrate: Use a moisture-retaining substrate such as a mix of:

  • Coconut fiber, Orchid bark, Sphagnum moss, Leaf litter

  • Aim for a substrate depth of 4–6 inches, as these skinks enjoy burrowing and staying partially hidden.


  • Décor: Provide multiple hides, cork bark, branches, rocks, and thick plant cover. Include leaf litter and live or artificial plants to create a natural environment.


  • A large water dish or shallow pool is essential — they are semi-aquatic and often soak or hide in water. Change the water daily to prevent bacterial buildup.


  • Tip: These skinks are escape artists! Ensure the enclosure is secure and escape-proof with tight-fitting lids or locking doors.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Basking Spot: 82–85°F


  • Ambient Temperature: 72–78°F


  • Night Temperature: Can drop to 68–72°F


  • Heating: Use a low-wattage heat bulb or heat mat on the side of the enclosure (not the bottom) to create a gentle gradient. Avoid excessive heat — temperatures above 86°F can cause stress or overheating.


  • Lighting & UVB: While Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are crepuscular and don’t require intense lighting, they benefit from low-level UVB (5–7%) for calcium metabolism and natural behavior. Use a T5 HO UVB tube that covers about half the enclosure length, and replace it every 6–12 months.


  • Day/Night Cycle: Provide 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. A gradual dawn/dusk light cycle mimics their natural environment.


Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 70–90% Maintaining high humidity is essential for their health and shedding. Mist the enclosure 1–2 times daily, ensuring it stays humid but not swampy.


  • Hydration: Provide both a large shallow water dish for soaking and regular misting for drinking droplets. These skinks often drink from leaves and enclosure walls after misting.


  • Shedding: With proper humidity, shedding usually occurs in one complete piece. If stuck shed appears (often on toes or tail), increase humidity or provide a humid hide filled with damp sphagnum moss.


Diet

  • Type: Strictly insectivorous.


  • Staple Foods:

  • Crickets


  • Dubia roaches

  • Mealworms (as occasional treats)

  • Black soldier fly larvae

  • Silkworms

  • Small earthworms

  • Feeding Frequency:

  • Juveniles: Feed daily

  • Adults: Feed every other day

  • Supplements:

  • Calcium powder (without D3): Every feeding

  • Calcium with D3: 1–2 times per week

  • Multivitamin: Once per week

  • Feed at dawn or dusk when they’re naturally most active. Remove uneaten insects after a few hours to maintain enclosure cleanliness.


  • 💡 Tip: Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks prefer live, moving prey — tong feeding can help ensure they eat well.

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Shy, reclusive, and easily startled — these skinks are best observed rather than handled frequently. They may vocalize (emit soft squeaks) when threatened or stressed and may play dead briefly when frightened.


  • Handling: Keep handling to a minimum.

  • If necessary (for cleaning or health checks), gently scoop them from below rather than grabbing from above.

  • Avoid handling for long periods, as stress can cause them to lose appetite or hide excessively.

  • Enrichment: They enjoy leaf litter, hiding places, climbing branches, and water features. Rearranging décor occasionally encourages exploration.


  • ⚠️ Note: These lizards are territorial, especially males — never house two males together.

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 10–15 years in captivity with proper care.


  • Common Health Issues:

  • Dehydration: From low humidity; can lead to retained shed or lethargy.

  • Respiratory Infections: Caused by low temps or overly damp substrate without ventilation.

  • Mites or Parasites: Watch for excessive soaking or scratching.

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): From lack of calcium or UVB.

  • Stress-Related Anorexia: Can occur from overhandling or too much light exposure.

Preventative Care: Maintain stable temperatures, humidity, and a varied insect diet. Keep enclosure clean and handle minimally.



Final Note: The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink is one of the most visually stunning and fascinating reptiles in the hobby. Their dragon-like appearance, quiet nature, and intriguing behaviors make them incredible display animals. Though they aren’t “hands-on” pets, providing a lush, humid habitat with plenty of hides, clean water, and live insects will allow these secretive lizards to thrive and display their natural, captivating behaviors for years to come