Tanimbar Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides)

Common Name: Blue Tongue Skink
Scientific Name: Tiliqua scincoides
Source: CF
Adult Size: 45–55cm (18–22 inches)
Native Range: Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia

Enclosure: A minimum 120×60×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium — set up with a deep, loose substrate (such as coco coir or a topsoil mix) to allow natural burrowing, at least two secure hides (one on the warm side, one on the cool side), and a sturdy flat basking surface positioned directly under the heat source.
Heating: Basking spot of 30-32°C; ambient cool side of 24–27°C; night-time temperatures can drop to around 20–22°C, provided a slight warm gradient is maintained.
Humidity: 60–80% relative humidity — achieved through a loose moisture-retentive substrate, occasional light misting, and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent stagnation.
UVB: A 12% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask at a distance of approximately 25–40cm from the lamp — blue tongue skinks are active, diurnal (day-active) baskers and benefit strongly from meaningful UV exposure.
Diet: Omnivorous — offer a varied mix of protein sources (such as dubia roaches, snails, lean cooked meat, and occasional pinky mice) alongside leafy greens, vegetables, and small amounts of fruit. Juveniles can be fed every 1–2 days; adults every 2–3 days. Dust food with a calcium supplement regularly and a full multivitamin supplement once or twice a week.

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Tanimbar blue tongue skink hails from the Tanimbar Islands of eastern Indonesia and is one of the more sought-after members of the Tiliqua scincoides group in the hobby. They are particularly prized for their striking silver-grey and cream patterning, which sets them apart visually from their Australian cousins and makes every individual feel genuinely distinctive.

Blue tongue skinks as a whole are widely regarded as one of the best beginner-to-intermediate lizards available, thanks to their bold, curious personalities and a willingness to tame down with regular, calm handling. They suit keepers who want an interactive, day-active lizard that is large enough to be impressive but manageable enough to be genuinely enjoyable — a rewarding species for both first-time reptile owners and experienced collectors alike.