Red Eyed Crocodile Skink (Tribolonotus gracilis)

Common Name: Slender Crocodile Skink
Scientific Name: Tribolonotus gracilis
Source: WC

Adult Size: Typically 15-20 cm total length

Native Range: New Guinea

Enclosure: Humid terrestrial terrarium; minimum around 45 × 30 × 30 cm with leaf litter, bark, and hiding spots

Heating: Ambient 24-26 °C; night drop around 20-22 °C

Humidity: 80-90 % with regular misting and good ventilation

UVB: Low-level UVB

Diet: Insectivorous; small insects such as crickets, roaches, and worms

Water: Shallow water dish available; enclosure kept moist for drinking and humidity

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Tribolonotus gracilis, is a small, secretive lizard native to the humid forests of New Guinea. It is part of the Tribolonotus genus, often referred to as crocodile skinks due to their rough, keeled scales and distinctive ridged appearance along the back and tail.

This species has a dark brown to black body with lighter patterns along the flanks, and its spiny scales provide camouflage among leaf litter and fallen logs. Unlike many skinks, it exhibits a semi-terrestrial, shy behaviour and spends much of its time hidden under debris or within dense ground cover.

In captivity, Slender Crocodile Skinks benefit from a humid, forest-floor style setup with ample hiding spots, leaf litter, and shallow water for drinking and soaking. Maintaining high humidity and gentle handling encourages normal behaviour and overall health.