Red Eyed Crocodile Skink (Tribolonotus gracilis)

Common Name: Red Eyed Crocodile Skink
Scientific Name: Tribolonotus gracilis
Source: WC
Adult Size: Approximately 18–20cm (7–8 inches) total length
Native Range: New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Papua)

Enclosure: A minimum 60×45×45cm Viperia PVC vivarium for a single animal, though a 90×45×45cm is recommended for a pair — fitted with a deep layer of moisture-retaining substrate (coconut fibre or bioactive tropical soil works well), plenty of cork bark hides and leaf litter, and a shallow water dish; these skinks are semi-fossorial (spending much of their time burrowing or sheltering at ground level) and need a dense, naturalistic setup to feel secure
Heating: Ambient temperature of 24°C during the day, with a gentle warm spot of around 26°C; allow a natural night drop to 20–22°C — avoid excessive heat, as this species comes from cool, humid forest environments and does not tolerate high temperatures well
Humidity: Keep humidity high, ideally between 70–90%; achieve this by misting the enclosure once or twice daily, using a deep moisture-retaining substrate, and ensuring good — but not excessive — ventilation to prevent stagnant conditions
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can access light at around 20–30cm distance if it chooses; while red eyed crocodile skinks are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) and spend much of their time sheltered, low-level UVB is widely recommended to support vitamin D3 synthesis and overall health
Diet: Insectivorous (insect-eaters) — offer a variety of live invertebrates such as crickets, black soldier fly larvae, waxworms (as an occasional treat), and small dubia roaches; dust prey with a calcium supplement at most feedings and a multivitamin supplement once a week; feed adults every 2–3 days and juveniles every 1–2 days

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Red eyed crocodile skinks are one of the most visually striking small lizards available in the hobby — their heavily armoured, prehistoric-looking scales and vivid orange-red eye rings make them look like something straight out of the Jurassic, yet they comfortably fit in the palm of your hand. Native to the humid rainforests of New Guinea, they are typically found sheltering beneath leaf litter and vegetation close to streams and water, making them a fascinating window into one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems.

These are a species best appreciated as display animals rather than frequent handlers — they tend to be shy and can vocalise (producing a soft squeak) when stressed, which is an endearingly unusual trait among lizards. They suit a keeper who enjoys creating a lush, naturalistic vivarium and observing their animals going about their natural behaviours; with patience and a well-set-up enclosure, they can become more confident over time and make deeply rewarding, conversation-starting pets.