The red-eyed crocodile is a small catfish native to Southeast Asia, living in leafy forest floors and mossy tree crevices, similar to the fire crocodile or the pink-tongued crocodile. They are most active at dawn and dusk when they feed on a variety of insects. The name refers to their thorny appearance, like a miniature crocodile! Our red-eyed skinks also have a red-orange ring around their eyes. These skinks can be handled with moderation, although they run fast and can be a challenge.
Crocodile skinks can be an elusive pet, due to their natural lifestyle and ability to camouflage on the ground. However, they are capable of swimming and climbing, and can be keen hunters of live food, so you won’t miss the opportunity to observe your pet.
House
For adults we recommend a 90 x 45 x 45cm tank to make sure they have a good chance of getting around and exercising, you can find some great examples of these this terrarium in the Exo Terra product line. Part of the tank should also incorporate a large water source such as a pool, waterfall or built-in stream, which supports humidity and encourages natural aquatic behaviours. Other tank additions can be cork bark, logs, rocks and foliage and all of these supplements will help with exercise and mental stimulation as well as make your skin feel comfortable.
Heating and lighting
To provide the necessary base point, a light bulb or ceramic should be used together with the relevant thermostat. The hottest area in the tank, the temperature under the bulb should maintain about 30-32C during the day. At night, the temperature can naturally drop at night by 15C without heating although this should be tested and never assumed. Skin must be available on both the warm side and the cool side as your skin is most likely to be out of sight. In addition to heating, these skins will also need UVB light, delivered in a tube like the Arcadia T5 6%, which will suffice when the bulb is 40-45cm away. Much lower and shade dwellers of Arcadia might be better suited. This bulb is used for a 12-hour cycle and is replaced every 12 months – but other bulbs may be different.
Humidity
This species requires a high humidity of 70-90%, achievable with good substrate choices such as soil and moss, large water sources, general misting and even the addition of a nebulizer, creating an visually appealing. You can also plant live foliage in the barn to promote a more natural experience for your animals.
Diet
As insectivores, Skinning Crocodiles will eat a variety of live prey such as crickets, cockroaches, grasshoppers, earthworms, small snails and calcium worms – which require calcium supplements and related multivitamins. Live food is not required for daily feeding and a few days of fasting each week will ensure the skink stays within healthy weight limits.
Species Profile
Scientific name – Tribolonotus gracilis
Estimated adult size – 8-10 inches
Habitat – Forest floors in Southeast Asia among leaf litter, moss and tree crevices. Usually found near water, among vegetation. Live on land.
Required enclosure size – 90 x 45 x 45cm
UV Illumination – 1-2 UVI (6% T5 or ShadeDweller – depends on height)
Expected life – 7-10 years
Temperature gradient – 20-32C
Humidity -70-90%
Feeding – Live food like crickets, locusts, cockroaches, earthworms, snails and calcium worms
Handling – Generally quite sketchy, handled in moderation, depending on the individual.
