White-eyed Crocodile Skink (Tribolonotus novaeguineae)

Common Name: White-Eyed Crocodile Skink
Scientific Name: Tribolonotus novaeguineae
Source: WC
Adult Size: 18–25cm (7–10 inches) total length
Native Range: New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua), typically found in humid lowland rainforest environments near water

Enclosure: A minimum 60×45×45cm Viperia PVC vivarium for a single adult; a pair benefits from a 90×45×45cm Viperia PVC vivarium. The setup should include a deep, moisture-retaining substrate such as coco fibre or bioactive soil mix, multiple snug hides, cork bark, leaf litter, and a shallow water dish — crocodile skinks appreciate a naturalistic, clutter-rich environment with plenty of cover
Heating: A gentle warm spot of around 26°C, with an ambient (background) temperature of 22–24°C throughout the enclosure. Night-time temperatures can safely drop to 18–20°C, reflecting the cool, humid tropical nights of their native forest habitat
Humidity: 70–90% relative humidity — achieved by misting the enclosure once or twice daily, using a moisture-retaining substrate, and ensuring the vivarium lid or ventilation is partially restricted to hold humidity in. A digital hygrometer is strongly recommended to monitor levels
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask 20–30cm from the lamp if it chooses. Although crocodile skinks are largely crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) and spend much of the day hidden, low-level UVB access supports calcium metabolism and overall wellbeing
Diet: Primarily live invertebrates — small crickets, tropical woodlice, waxworms, and small earthworms are all accepted. Offer food every 2–3 days, dusting prey items with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement two to three times per week to support bone health

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

White-eyed crocodile skinks are small, prehistoric-looking lizards from the rainforests of New Guinea, instantly recognisable by their heavily armoured, spiky scales, striking orange-ringed eyes, and the almost dragon-like crest running along their back and tail. They inhabit the humid forest floor close to streams and boggy ground, making them a truly unique and eye-catching species in any reptile collection.

These skinks are generally calm but secretive — they prefer to hide and observe rather than be handled frequently, and are best appreciated as a display animal in a beautifully set-up naturalistic vivarium. They suit a keeper who enjoys creating a living environment and watching natural behaviours, rather than someone looking for a highly interactive pet.