Blue Tongue Skink
Tiliqua scincoides
Blue Tongue Skinks are hefty, smooth-scaled lizards best known for the vivid blue tongue they flash as a defensive bluff. Native to Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia, several species and subspecies are available in the pet trade, with the Northern Blue Tongue and Indonesian Blue Tongue being the most common. These are robust, ground-dwelling animals that can reach 18 to 24 inches in length and have a docile, almost dog-like personality. Many owners describe them as the most personable lizard they have ever kept. Blue Tongue Skinks are omnivores with a varied diet of proteins, vegetables, and fruits, and they thrive in moderately sized terrestrial enclosures. Their care is straightforward once the habitat is properly established, though maintaining correct humidity varies by species.
Habitat
Grasslands, woodlands, and semi-arid scrub
Diet
Omnivore (lean protein, vegetables, fruits, snails)
Lifespan
15–20 years
Difficulty
intermediate
Recommended Products
Everything you need to create the perfect habitat for your Blue Tongue Skink.
Accessories
Exo Terra Reptile Cave (X-Large)
Large cave-style hide sized for bulky lizards. Gives your skink a dark, secure hiding spot for resting and de-stressing.
Fluker's Repta-Vines (6 ft)
Flexible artificial vine for adding visual enrichment and cover. Blue Tongue Skinks appreciate clutter in their enclosure that mimics the undergrowth of their natural habitat.
Govee Bluetooth Hygrometer Thermometer (2-Pack)
Wireless digital sensors that log temperature and humidity data to your phone. Critical for monitoring the different humidity needs of Northern versus Indonesian species.
Exo Terra Water Dish (Large)
Heavy, stable water bowl that resists tipping. Large enough for your skink to soak in, which they often enjoy.
Enclosures
Zen Habitats 4x2x2' PVC Reptile Enclosure
Spacious PVC enclosure ideal for an adult Blue Tongue Skink. Retains heat and humidity better than glass, and the sliding front doors make cleaning easy.
REPTI ZOO 67-Gallon Glass Reptile Terrarium 48x18x18"
Long front-opening glass enclosure providing the floor space Blue Tongue Skinks need. These terrestrial lizards benefit more from length than height.
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 36x18x18"
Suitable enclosure for juvenile Blue Tongue Skinks up to about 12 inches. Plan to upgrade to a 4x2x2 as your skink reaches adult size.
Animal Plastics T8 PVC Enclosure 48x24x12"
Low-profile PVC enclosure with excellent heat and humidity retention. The shallow height is perfectly suited to this ground-dwelling species.
Food
Mazuri Omnivore Diet (12 oz)
Veterinarian-formulated pelleted diet suitable for omnivorous reptiles. Soak in water and mix with fresh vegetables for a convenient, nutritionally balanced meal.
Repashy Bluey Buffet (12 oz)
Complete powdered diet specifically formulated for Blue Tongue Skinks. Mix with water for a convenient, nutritionally complete meal.
Fluker's Canned Snails (1.7 oz)
Canned land snails that Blue Tongue Skinks love as a protein-rich treat. A convenient alternative to sourcing live snails.
Dubia Roaches — Large (50 Count)
Protein-rich feeder insects that Blue Tongue Skinks eagerly devour. Dust with calcium powder before each feeding for balanced nutrition.
Heating
Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter 100W
Lightless ceramic heater for maintaining ambient warmth during nighttime hours. Prevents the cool-side temperature from dropping below 70 degrees in your skink's enclosure.
Herpstat 1 Basic Proportional Thermostat
High-quality proportional thermostat that dims heating elements smoothly instead of cycling on and off. Provides the most stable temperatures for your Blue Tongue Skink.
Philips 90W PAR38 Halogen Flood Bulb
Creates a warm, concentrated basking spot. Blue Tongue Skinks need a basking surface temperature of around 100 to 105 degrees, which this bulb achieves effectively.
Arcadia Deep Heat Projector 80W
Emits deep-penetrating infrared heat ideal for large-bodied lizards like Blue Tongue Skinks. Creates a natural basking zone when used with a dimming thermostat.
Lighting
Zoo Med Reptile Lamp Stand
Adjustable lamp stand for suspending heat and UVB fixtures above the enclosure. Essential for PVC enclosures that do not have a screen top to rest fixtures on.
Arcadia ProT5 12% Desert UVB Kit (24")
Strong UVB output essential for Blue Tongue Skink health. Position 12 to 15 inches above the basking area for optimal exposure.
Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 T5 HO UVB Lamp (24")
High-output UVB tube providing strong ultraviolet exposure. Blue Tongue Skinks need robust UVB similar to Bearded Dragons for proper calcium metabolism.
Arcadia Jungle Dawn LED Bar 22W
Full-spectrum LED that enhances enclosure visibility and supports the photoperiod cycle. Makes your Blue Tongue Skink's colors look vibrant under natural-toned light.
Substrate
Galapagos Tropicoco Soil (8 Qt)
Fine-grade coconut soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. A clean, mold-resistant base layer for Blue Tongue Skink enclosures.
Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fiber (3-Pack)
Coconut coir substrate that provides excellent humidity retention. Blends well with soil and cypress mulch for a varied, naturalistic substrate layer.
Zoo Med Forest Floor Cypress Mulch (24 Qt)
Natural cypress bedding that resists mold and maintains moderate humidity. Mix with ReptiSoil for Indonesian species that need higher moisture levels.
Zoo Med ReptiSoil (24 Qt)
Natural soil blend suitable for species that benefit from moderate humidity. Holds moisture without becoming waterlogged when combined with cypress mulch.