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Submitted by Jeffrey Stilwell
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| Latin name |
Mabuya sp. |
Maximum length |
10 inches |
| Native to |
Tanzania |
Approximate life span |
5 - 10 years |
GENERAL INFORMATION
African Skinks are known under a variety of names: African Skink,
African Orange Sided Skink, African Rock Skink, African Striped Skink,
African Blue-sided Skink, etc. They are all Mabuya sp. lizards. Care is
the same for all, however not all can be housed together compatibly.
Keep only those of similar size together. Smaller lizards may not be
able to compete successfully for food, or may end up as a meal to a
larger lizard if the larger lizard goes after a cricket in the smaller
lizards mouth.
ENCLOSURE
10 gallon aquarium is sufficient. 20 gallons or larger is better.
SUBSTRATE
Zoo Med REPTI BARK™ or Zoo Med REPTI CAGE
CARPET™ are both ideal. Add a few layers of newspaper to the bottom of
the aquarium for liquid absorption and easy cleanup.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Daytime temperatures 80 - 85ºf. Nighttime temperatures 75 - 80ºf. Keep humidity very low. They occur in arid regions.
HEATING
Use a Zoo Med REPTITHERM® UNDER TANK HEATER
(U.T.H.). Do not turn it off, leave it on 24 hours a day. UTH's take a
few hours to reach their optimal temperature. For easy heat control,
use a Zoo Med REPTI-TEMP™ RHEOSTAT in conjunction with the U.T.H's
and/or ZOO MED REPTICARE® ROCK HEATERS. Lizards will use a variety of
heat sources. Reptiles need to be able to regulate their body
temperature, so a temperature gradient must be provided for. A basking
area consisting of a Zoo Med REPTI™ BASKING SPOT BULB and a Zoo Med
REPTICARE® ROCK HEATER should be provided, as well as an area where
your animals can go to cool off. Always use at least one thermometer,
two is optimal. One on the cooler side, one on the warmer side.
LIGHTING
A little UVB lighting is helpful for African
Skinks. The Zoo Med REPTISUN™ with its lower UVB and UVA output is an
excellent choice for daytime lighting. All reptiles and amphibians need
a photo period (light cycle). A plug in timer (for your lights only, do
not use a timer for your heating devices) works well to develop a
regular photo period of 12 hours light, 12 hours dark. Reptiles and
amphibians cannot see the red light spectrum so a low wattage red bulb
is ideal for night time viewing of your African Skinks.
FOOD & WATER
Crickets, waxworms & mealworms.
Large, shallow water bowl with easy access. Always feed your crickets
assorted fruits and vegetables or a commercially prepared cricket diet
12 - 24 hours before feeding the crickets to your pets. Once a week
dust the crickets with Zoo Med REPTIVITE® vitamins just before feeding
them to your African Skinks. Don't over-feed or feed a food item too
large! Provide a 1 - 2 inch shallow plastic water dish sunk into the
substrate that the skinks can easily get in and out of. The water depth
should be ½ the height of the skinks Change water at least every other
day with fresh de-chlorinated water or spring water. Change more often
if the water appears dirty.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately
after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term
with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill
your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at
night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live
food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile
and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase. For further information on reptiles and
amphibians we recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM.
California Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this
reference sheet on African Skinks. We hope that our guidelines will
assist you with the care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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Reptiles 
