Categories
Reptile Basic Care Guides

Fire Skink (Mochlus fernandi)

Care level: Intermediate

Behavior: burrowing, diurnal, solitary

Temperament: often interactive through feeding once settled in, but generally do not enjoy handling

Minimum Enclosure Size: 36x18x18” (90x45x45cm)

Basking Spot Temp (surface): 95°F (35°C)

Warm Side Temp (ambient): 90-95°F (32-35°C)

Cold Side Temp: 75-85°F (24-29°C)

UVB: UVI 1-3/Ferguson zone 2 (e.g. Arcadia Shadedweller 7% at 12-15” (30-40cm) away with no mesh or Arcadia T5HO 6% at 11-21” (29-54cm) away with typical mesh)

Humidity: 60-70%

Diet: primarily insectivorous with small amounts of plant matter

Size: 12-15” (30-38cm)

Wild Distribution: tropical forests throughout west/central Africa

Availability: frequently available wild caught, but becoming easier to find captive bred

(care guide written with contributions by mandi#6740)


Other Resources:

Dubia.com Guide – Fire Skink