LOCUS.Scales
Species care guide
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink
Quick sourced reference values. LOCUS Scales' full breeding/genetics toolset is built specifically for ball pythons — this page is a courtesy reference for other species.
Scientific name
Tribolonotus gracilis
Native range
Papua New Guinea, Admiralty Islands
Lifespan
Wide variability across sources — generally 7-15 years, sometimes up to 20 years reported. No definitive figure established.
Lifestyle
🌍 Terrestrial (light burrower in leaf litter, occasional good swimmer)
Distinguished from its close cousin T. novaeguineae (white-eyed skink, separate entry) by a complete bright orange-red ring around the eye (just a small pale patch in novaeguineae) and tubercles on the flanks (keeled scales in the other). One of the few skink species capable of vocalizing (small cries/squeaks) when distressed, in addition to playing dead when handled. ⚠️ Documented health risk in freshly wild-caught animals (Aeromonas hydrophila bacterial infection) — prioritize a captive-bred animal, and real quarantine on arrival if origin is uncertain.
Diet: Insectivore — crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, snails, earthworms, dusted with calcium 2-3x/week.
Feeding frequency: Adult: 3-4x/week. Juvenile: more frequent, small prey every 1-2 days.
Substrate: Moisture-retaining mix — topsoil/coco fiber (e.g. 60/40), or a full bioactive setup strongly recommended by several sources (springtails, isopods, leaf litter).
UVB: Crepuscular species — debate similar to other species on this list. Historically considered optional, but several sources now recommend low UVB (Ferguson zone 1, UVI 0.5-1.4).
🏠 Enclosure size
Baby : ~12×12×12in
Adult : 90×45×45cm (36×18×18in) minimum, ideally with a water feature large enough to swim in
Common questions
Why does my skink make little cries?
A unique, notable trait — one of the few skink species in the world capable of vocalizing, usually a small cry or squeak when it feels distressed or threatened. Not a sign of physical pain on its own, more of a stress/alarm signal. If it happens often, worth reviewing handling frequency or looking for a stressor in the environment.
Is this a lizard you handle often?
No, unlike some other pet lizards — several sources emphasize this is more an observation species than a frequently-handled one. Stresses easily, may play dead (staying completely still) when picked up. Minimal handling recommended, especially in the first weeks.
How do I tell if it's male or female?
Males have white pores (small pads) visible under their feet — one of the most reliable ways to tell them apart. Females have a reproductive quirk rare among lizards: they lay one egg at a time, curl around it, and actively defend it — real parental care behavior.
Can I keep two together?
Solo or a carefully managed pair only — never in groups (risk of stress/aggression between males). Juveniles can stay with their parents for a while.