Irian Jaya Blue Tongue Skink

Blue tongue skink FOR SALE>

• Common name: Blue-Tongue Skink (often shortened to BTS)

• Scientific genus: Tiliqua

• Origin: Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia (various subspecies)

• Type: Large ground-dwelling skink (lizard)

• Size: 18–24 inches long (some up to 30 in. depending on species)

• Weight: ~1–3 lbs

Appearance

• Body: Stout, elongated body with short legs and a broad head

• Skin/Scales: Smooth, shiny, banded patterns (brown, tan, black, or orange)

• Tail: Thick, fat-storing, can drop if threatened (but not as easily as geckos)

• Signature trait: Bright blue tongue used to startle predators when threatened

Temperament

• Disposition: Generally calm, curious, and tolerant — one of the most docile pet lizards

• Handling: Usually easy to tame, but need gentle handling (they can bite if scared)

• Behavior: Slow-moving, ground-dwelling, often bask in sunlight/heat sources

Habitat & Care (in captivity)

• Enclosure: Large horizontal terrarium (at least 40–75 gallons for adults)

• Temperature:

  • Basking spot: 95–100°F

  • Cool side: 70–80°F

  • Night: no lower than ~65°F

• Lighting: UVB light recommended for calcium metabolism & health

• Substrate: Aspen, cypress mulch, or reptile-safe soil; they like to burrow

Diet

• Type: Omnivore

• Diet mix:

  • ~50% vegetables/greens (collard greens, squash, carrots)

  • ~40% protein (insects, cooked lean meat, high-quality dog food, boiled eggs, snails)

  • ~10% fruits (berries, melon, mango — limited due to sugar)

• Calcium supplementation important to prevent metabolic bone disease

 Health

• Lifespan: 15–20 years in captivity