Northern Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Northern Blue Tongue Skink
Scientific Name	Tiliqua scincoides intermedia
Origin	Northern Australia
Adult Size	45–60 cm
Lifespan	15–20 years in captivity
Activity	Diurnal, ground-dwelling omnivore

Behavior

• Generally docile and easy to handle.

• Ground-dwelling; spends time hiding under logs or leaf litter.

• Diurnal; active during the day.

• May display blue tongue when threatened as a defense mechanism.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 120 liters for a single adult; larger preferred

• Substrate: 5–10 cm of aspen shavings, coconut fiber, or soil mix; allows digging

• Decor: Hides, rocks, logs, and branches for enrichment

• Humidity: 40–60%

• Temperature:

  • Basking spot: 32–35°C

  • Ambient: 24–28°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: 10–12 hours of full-spectrum light; UVB recommended

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow

Compatibility

• Can be housed singly or in pairs if space allows; generally non-aggressive.

• Avoid housing with aggressive or much smaller species.

Diet

• Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of foods:

  • Insects: crickets, mealworms, roaches

  • Vegetables: leafy greens, squash, carrots

  • Fruits: berries, mango, apple (small amounts)

• Juveniles: feed daily; adults: 4–5× per week

• Provide fresh water daily

Care Tips

• Offer hiding spots to reduce stress.

• Maintain proper basking temperature for digestion.

• Spot-clean daily; replace substrate periodically.

• Monitor for signs of shedding issues or obesity.

• Provide calcium and vitamin supplementation weekly.

Breeding

• Ovoviviparous; females give live birth to 5–15 young.

• Juveniles are independent at birth and require appropriately sized food.

• Breeding generally requires stable temperatures and a healthy diet.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥120 L, hides, substrate for digging

• 🌡️ Temp: Basking 32–35°C / Ambient 24–28°C / Night 20–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 40–60%

• 🍴 Diet: Omnivorous (insects, vegetables, fruit)

• 🕒 Activity: Diurnal, ground-dwelling

• ⚠️ Stress: Provide hides; handle gently and regularly to maintain docility

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.