Species: Indonesian, Halmehara, Tamimbar, Irian Jaya, Kei Island and Merauke (Tiliqua gigas ssp. including Tiliqua gigas gigas, T. g. keyensis, T. g. evanescens, and Tiliqua scincoides chimaera)
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Depends on species; usually fairly docile and handleable
Behavior: diurnal, terrestrial, solitary
Minimum enclosure size: 6×3×3’ (2×1×1m) for most subspecies; 5x3x3’ (1.2×0.6×0.6m) for species under 24” (30cm) such as T. scincoides chimaera; 7x4x3 (2.1×1.2x1m) for T. gigas evanescens
Basking spot temp (surface): 100-110°F (37-43°C)
Cold side temp: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
Nighttime/minimum temp: 65°F (18°C)
UVB: UVI 2-3/Ferguson zone 2-3 (e.g. Arcadia T5HO 6% at 12-15”(30-40cm) away with no mesh or 12% at 9-14”(23-26cm) with typical mesh)
Humidity: 60-80%, 80-100% for Halmehara T. gigas gigas
Diet: Omnivorous; meat, insects, and plant matter
Adult size: Varies by species; around 18-30” (45-75cm)
Wil Distribution: rainforests and other tropical areas throughout various islands in southeast Asia
(care guide written with contributions by mandi #6740)
Other Resources:
Reptifiles Guide – Blue Tongue Skink (general all species)
Reptifiles Guide – Indonesian Blue Tongue Skink
Reptifiles Guide – Irian Jaya Blue Tongue Skink
Reptifiles Guide – Tamimbar Blue Tongue Skink