Does anyone know anything about a sandfish skink?

Question

I saw one in a pet store today and i want one. Does anyone know anything about them? The guy in the store told me that they eat other lizards but when I looks them up it says that they eat insects. I tried a yahoo search but there might be more about them that I couldn't find out.

Answer 1

Traits

Sandfish skinks are unique among the skinks of the world. When not completely buried, obvious variations are apparent from the "typical" skink body. These variations (mainly visible along the neck region) allow the sandfish skinks to quickly "disappear" into the sand when threatened. Most skinks will readily tame down with patience and frequent gentle handling. Skinks have powerful mouths and are capable of inflicting a painful bite. Children should only handle these lizards in the company of an adult.

Length is up to 8".

Have the new terrarium completely set up before bringing your new friend home. Additionally, make sure your new family member is allowed enough time to adjust to its new home before any attempt to handle it.

Feeding

Sandfish skinks are insectivorous (diet consists mainly of insects). So a diet of a variety of vitamin/calcium dusted insects such as crickets, mealworms, superworms and waxworms is recommended. Adult skinks should be fed 3-4 times per week, some juveniles can be fed twice daily during their growing period.

A shallow water bowl should be provided and changed daily.
Housing

Successful permanent maintenance requires at least a 15-20 gallon terrarium. A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. The enclosure must include a basking area, a suitable hiding area, and a "cool" area to allow for thermoregulation.

Cork bark is an excellent item to use with all terrestrial (land-dwelling) skinks. The bark can be "layered" to allow the skink many hiding and foraging areas. Artificial plants also help to create a natural look. Unless breeding is desired, skinks are best kept singularly.

Ideal daytime temperature for sandfish skinks should range between 80 and 85 degrees. Night-time temperature should remain between 70-80 degrees. A basking area should be created on one end of the enclosure to maintain a local temperature of 95-110 degrees. This can be achieved with a basking lamp or an undertank heater or heated stone. The humidity for these skinks should be maintained at 25 percent or lower.

All skinks require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health. Ultraviolet lighting is recommended for 12-14 hours per day. The use of a timer will assist in maintaining an accurate schedule of light periods.

Repti-Sand is an ideal substrate for sandfish skink terrariums. 2" to 3" is optimum to encourage their natural burrowing instinct.

Answer 2

Sandfish Skink

Answer 3

Petsmart says:

* Sandfish skinks are unique among the skinks of the world.
* They have atypical variations (mainly visible along the neck region) which allow them to quickly "disappear" into the sand when threatened.
* Length is up to 8".
* Skinks have powerful mouths and are capable of inflicting a painful bite.
* Children should only handle these lizards in the company of an adult.
* All skinks require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health.

Feeding

* Sandfish skinks are insectivorous (diet consists mainly of insects).
* Adult skinks should be fed 3-4 times per week.
* A shallow water bowl should be provided and changed daily.

Answer 4

I've never kept them, but they were very popular some years back. It was fun to watch them sand-diving then coming up somewhere else in the tank. I though about trying them, but never got around to it, then they seemed to disappear from stores. Maybe they're popularity is coming back - this is the first I've heard of one in a store for quite some time.

Below is a caresheet with some specifics for the environment they need: http://www.anapsid.org/scincus.html

Answer 5

So many times pet store workers have no clue what they are talking about. Good job doing extra research.

They mostly eat insects so feeding them a diet of crickets and worms is fine.

Good luck