Mochlus fernandi commonly called the African fire skinks are distinctly interesting reptiles. These are arboreal, insectivorous lizards that naturally inhabit the forests and woodlands of western Africa in the layer of dead leaves on the ground. When properly kept in captivity, the fire skink may be a somewhat entertaining intermediate-level pet if proper care and maintenance are provided.
One aspect worth considering when choosing to adopt the pet fire skinks is ensuring that the size of the terrarium provided is okay for the fire skinks to carry out their respective activities.
This article will provide a brief overview of the recommended tank size and setup for a captive-bred fire skink and important factors to consider to ensure the fire skink’s enclosure is large enough. So heating, lighting, substrate, hide-outs, as well as accessories, can enable you to house a single fire skink or many in the same enclosure.
Determining the Ideal Fire Skink Terrarium Size
The African fire skink (Mochlus fernandi) is a small-sized lizard that is predominantly found in regions such as forests and wooded areas of West Africa. For these intermediate-level pet reptiles, terrarium size is important when they are housed in captivity to encourage natural activity levels.
A fully grown fire skink is approximately 12-15 inches in length and requires floor space for exercise, a heat source through a heat lamp, temperature difference between basking and cooler side, substrate of chemically non-treated topsoil and leaf litter, and feeder insects.
This fire skink care sheet will focus on factors when selecting the right size tank for one or more pet fire skinks and heating, lighting, humidity, and furniture, among other aspects that are instrumental in the husbandry of these forest floor dwellers endemic to tropical Western Africa.
Recommended Tank Size Range
- A minimum tank size of 36” L x 18” W x 18” H, or a 40-gallon terrarium, is recommended for a single fire skink.
- Larger tanks, such as 50-gallon or more, are ideal for providing a more natural environment and accommodating multiple fire skinks.
Environmental Considerations for Fire Skinks
It’s crucial to create an environment for fire skinks that closely matches their natural habitat. Tropical woods are home to fire skinks in the wild, where they like warm and relative humidity weather. You can provide your pet fire skink with a thriving and healthy habitat by learning about their unique requirements.
Lighting and UVB Requirements
Fire skinks are endemic to the forests of the West African region and the housing of these lizards should, therefore, simulate this environment in terms of lighting and sources of UVB bulbs.
Bulbs from a reputable reptile company like Arcadia or Vivarium Electronics will give the proper beneficial wavelengths and vitamin D3. A reflective fixture assists in directing the UV light. Fire skinks should also be provided with a heat lamp for umpiring the temperature for basking on one side of the enclosure.
What it does take is having the right UVB lighting, heat, and day/night cycle to ensure the fire skink is healthy and displaying the correct behaviors. More LED or T5 lights can enhance the overall impression of the tropical forest by reproducing the effects of dappled light.
That is why it is important to look at the natural habitat of a fire skink so that the needs of the skinks can be met to the best in captivity.
Temperature and Humidity Needs
- Fire skinks require a basking area temperature around 95°F, with a cool side temperature between 75-85°F.
- Nighttime temperatures can safely drop down as low as 65°F.
- Fire skinks need average humidity levels between 60-70%, which can be maintained by misting the enclosure and using a humid hideout.
Setting Up the Perfect Fire Skink Enclosure
A 40-gallon long tank with dimensions of 36 inches in length, 18 inches wide, and 16 inches tall is sufficient for a fire skink or two if they are a pair and were born in captivity. The enclosure should contain a hot side which should range from 90-95°F to 75-80°F cooler side.
Such a temperature gradient helps in thermoregulation among the skink. There is a basking platform below which there is a reflective ceramic heat emitter that plays a role in maintaining the warm basking zone temperature.
The substrate can be dry leaf litter or tropical soil mix that offers an environment similar to the forest floor, with no chemicals added. Live plants, hollow logs, cork bark, and foliage decorations are some of the things that provide environmental enrichment. An amphibian’s humid dwelling with sphagnum moss will keep the humidity level optimal at 50-60%.
The African fire skink is considered an insectivore, but it does take variety in its diet, and it feeds on dubia roaches occasionally supplemented with dusted calcium and vitamins.
They can also take quail eggs, pinky mice, or snails for once in a while, which should be considered treats. Cautious control and regulation of heat, light, the type of substrate, and decorations also assist in mimicking its natural environment.
Image from ReptiZoo Website.
Fire Skink Care and Maintenance
Whether you’re looking after a single African fire skink or several captive-bred fire skinks, it’s your duty as a responsible pet owner to offer an ideal habitat for your pets. Of course, a well-designed terrarium is essential for preserving their health and natural behaviors.
Feeding and Supplementing Your Fire Skink
- Fire skinks are insectivores and need a varied diet of insects to get proper nutrition.
- Feed juveniles once a day or every other day, and feed adults every 2-3 days.
- Provide enough insects for the skink to eat in 5 minutes, and dust them with a suitable supplement powder.
Providing Fresh Water and Maintaining Hydration
- Fire skinks need a small bowl of water available at all times.
- Keep the water clean and scrub the dish with veterinary-grade disinfectant every week to prevent bacterial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum tank size recommended for an African Fire Skink?
The base option for a single captive-bred African fire skink is 36 long x 18 wide x 16 high (40h terrarium). With enough space will enable the skink to display its typical activities such as heat lamp basking.
Can I keep multiple African Fire Skinks in the same tank?
Although it can be done, it is highly discouraged that more than one African fire skink be kept because they have territorial instincts that may lead to fights. Due to aggressive behaviors, it is required to have a larger vivarium for skinks with many basking spots and shelters. Monitor their interactions closely.
Why is a temperature gradient important in a fire skink’s tank?
Temperature differential helps the fire skink to regulate their body temperature by moving around the enclosure and seeking a warmer basking temperature zone (around 95°F) under the heat lamps and a cooler section (75- 85°F) on the other side. This helps in digestion, metabolism, and other body functions that are of significant importance to the reptiles.
How often should I change the substrate in my fire skink’s tank?
Clean up waste and droppings on the bottom of the cage daily. Completely replace the substrate within 4 to 6 months so as not to be exposed to contaminated substrate bedding. It is also advisable to avoid using regular soil as it may contain chemicals; instead, use chemical-free litter or tropical soil, sphagnum moss, and live plants to help in controlling humidity.
