🦎 Reptiles

Blue-Tongued Skink

Sturdy, docile lizard with a dramatic tongue.

Blue-tongued skinks are calm, handleable lizards that eat a varied omnivorous diet. They are a great step up from beginner geckos.

Lifespan15–20 years
SizeMedium · 18–24 in
Care levelEasy
Typical cost$30–60 / month
Great for
BeginnersFamiliesDocileCuriousCalm
Blue-Tongued Skink

Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

4′×2′×2′ enclosure; basking spot 95–105°F; UVB; deep substrate to burrow.

Mix of vegetables, greens, insects and some protein; occasional fruit.

Supervised exploring outside the enclosure.

Help with stuck shed if needed.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Metabolic bone disease
  • Obesity
  • Respiratory infections
  • Retained shed
  • Mites
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual reptile vet exam with fecal test.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.