Fire Skink Caresheet (Riopa fernandi)

Author: Steve Kary

Native Range

Guinea, east to Zaire, Angola and Uganda.

Size

Approx. 10-14 inches, with males being slightly larger.

Appearance

Gold back with black, red and white fire pattern on the side; Black and white throat region with white speckled black tail and smooth scales.

Diet

Mealworms, superworms, crickets, locust and butter worms. They can take fruit, egg, pinky mice, and other lizards (i.e. Anoles) low fat cat food, veggies or other grubs, but often reject nonliving prey, especially fruits and veggies. They are not active predators; they are sit-and-wait predators. Remember that a calcium supplement with lower phosphorus and D3 additive is always beneficial.

Enclosure

No less than a 20-gallon tank (24 x 13 x 21) for one fire sink. Pieces of wood and/or plants to hide under should be provided to provide hiding placed and security.

Substrate

Keepers should have soil with mulch or sphagnum as a substrate and should be moderately moist, never dry and never soggy. Moisten the substrate once daily so approximate 70-80% ground humidity is maintained.

Water

A water dish is suggested for drinking and bathing and to aid in humidity.

Temps

The enclosure temperature should be between 80 - 85 degrees during the day, and they should have a basking area that is about 90 - 95 degrees. Night time temperatures can be lowered to 75 degrees.

Heating

A UTH (under tank heater) is used frequently to aid in adequate temps and humidity.

Temperament

Friendly lizards but best kept separate. Females could be kept safely together but never two males. Male and female should only be kept together during breeding season.

Lifespan

There is no good evidence for their total lifespan in captivity, but an estimation of 10-20 years is logical.

Behavior

They burrow making them feel more secure. Can be easily handled but may resist coming out by swimming away in the substrate. Can be very moody and will bite if provoked. Look out for puffing of the throat and back arching as signs of aggression and be careful, because they can inflict a painful bite. They must be handled regularly in order to calm them down. Skinks are diurnal and are most active during the day.

Lighting

A basking light with a 10-12 hour light cycle and a UVA/UVB bulb is suggested.

Breeding

A well-fed Fire Skink will be necessary for a successful breeding and healthy babies. Nesting boxes are suggested but females may lay eggs within the enclosure and maybe difficult to spot. Females can lay up to 5-9 eggs. They can take as long as 40-50 days to hatch and should be incubated in vermiculite at approx 85 degrees.