BASIC CARE SHEET FOR THE FIRE SKINK

BASIC CARE SHEET FOR THE FIRE SKINK

Common Name: Fire Skink
Scientific Name: Riopa fernandi
Distribution: West Africa
Size: 10" - 14"


NATURAL HABITAT :

The fire skink is found in moist forest areas in West
Africa. Likes dark hiding places and a moist substrate
to burrow in. In captivity, Adults require a vivarium 3'x12"x18".

BEHAVIOR :

Quite a friendly lizard, Will become tame with regular handling.
Males can become territorial, Keep separate from other males.
This species is diurnal (active primarily during the day).

CAPTIVE ENVIRONMENT :

Use UV lighting 12-14 hours per day (Arcadia D3).
Provide a basking area with access to a cooler area.
This lizard likes plenty of hiding places ( imatation plants)
and lots of climbing branches.

TEMPERATURE :

Daytime temperature should be:
Basking Area 85 to 90 degrees F.
Cool Area 76 degrees F.
Night temperature should range between 72-78 degrees F.
Use a reptile heat mat for 24-hour ground heat inside the vivarium.

HUMIDITY / WATER REQUIREMENTS :

This species requires moderate to high levels of humidity.
Provide a fairly large, deep bowl for drinking and bathing.
Place moist sphagnum moss inside of a plastic container with a hole
in the top or the side to create a moist burrow.

NUTITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

This species is a carnivore, these lizards likes insects and arthropods.
Always offer a variety, black or brown crickets, mealworms, waxworms Locust.
Always use a good dusting supplement.