All species
reptileintermediate
Blue-Tongued Skink
Tiliqua scincoides
A big, personable ground lizard with a famous blue tongue — dog-like temperament and an omnivore diet.
18–24 in15–20 years
Habitat
Enclosure
40+ gal breeder · 4×2 ft floor space minimum
Temperature
Basking 95–105°F · cool side 72–80°F
Humidity / Water
30–50%
Heating & lighting
Halogen basking bulb plus a linear 10–12% UVB tube on a thermostat. Skinks are ground dwellers — prioritize floor space over height.
Diet
Feed these
- High-quality canned dog food (occasional protein base)
- Boiled egg and lean cooked turkey
- Dubia roaches and snails
- Dandelion, mustard and collard greens
- Squash and green beans
- Berries as treats
Never feed
- Avocado, onion and garlic
- High-fat dog food as a staple
- Wild snails (parasites)
- Spinach in large amounts (blocks calcium)
Omnivores: roughly 50% protein, 40% vegetables, 10% fruit. Feed adults 2–3 times a week — obesity is their #1 health problem.
Cohabitation
Can live with
No one — house this species alone.
Never house with
Other blue-tongued skinks — territorial Any different species
Territorial and solitary — house alone. Even established pairs often fight over basking and food spots.
