SAND FISH (Scincus scincus)
Origin: Southern Desert regions of North Africa.
Family:
Most imported specimens arrive from Egypt where the species seems to be very common.
This medium sized skink can achieve
a total length of 7-8” 18-20cm. This species has long, wedge-shaped snout with a countersunk lower jaw. Its long tapered
body is covered with smooth shiny scales, its legs are short and sturdy with long and flattened fringed feet. The tail is
short tapering to a fine point. The colouration of this species would be considered attractive being yellow-caramel with brown-black
cross bands.
The sand fish it totally adapted to life in the desert, in it natural environment its a fast moving agile
reptile, being able to “swim” through the sand with ease.In captivity this is a fairly hardy species as long as
the basic requirements are met.
Firstly it needs a deep 6” + substrate of sand or if not possible fine beech chip.
Secondly it likes it hot, hot being a very hot basking area.
This reptile has adapted itself to warming up quickly
it basks at temperatures of 125-145°F, that’s hot! The rest of the enclosure should be maintained at 80-85°F with a
ten-degree night drop, no night basking required. As it only basks for short bursts and spends a lot of time underground it
may be conceded that the use of full spectrum lighting would not be required, however we use UV lighting with this species.
The rest of the enclosure can be decorated as you like, fake cacti always look good! Water should be provided in a very shallow
dish, this species has been known to drown in 1” of water. The very bottom on the sand should be maintained only very
slightly damp, this can be done by the use of a small tube pushed to the bottom and little water poured through.
Due to
the shape of it mouth, catching fast moving insects like crickets prove difficult for this skink. The best food from my experience
are small meal worms placed directly in the substrate, wax worms can also work well. Having said this small crickets and locusts
will be really accepted even if their catching skills don’t look very elegant. This species may also take a small amount
of fruit and blossoms.
Not much is known about the breeding cycle of this species, once thought to be ovoviviparous
it’s now known to lay 3-5 oblong shaped eggs at a time.
Overall this wonderful little skink makes a good study species
being active around midday and early afternoon. It is more showy than you might think and once warmed up can be very active.
Once thought to be a difficult captive species, with the right
environmental conditions reportedly it is a long-lived species
with wild collected adults thriving in captivity for ten or more years.
Courtensey of Fauna Import UK
BASIC CAPTIVE CARE FOR THE WHITE SPOT GECKO
Common Name: White Spot Gecko
Scientific Name: Tarentola a. annularis
Distribution:
Northern Africa
Size: 5" - 6"
NATURAL HABITAT : This arboreal gecko is mostly found in dry rocky habitats
in North Africa. Adult white spot
Gecko will require a
24"X17"x12" vivarium when kept in captivity.
BEHAVIOUR : This lizard is mostly nocturnal.
Very active and rather difficult to hold.
To
much handling will stress this small lizard.
CAPTIVE
ENVIRONMENT : Could benifit from some UV (Activa/Arcadia D3).
Provide a basking area with access to a cooler area.
This lizard likes plenty of hiding places (
imitation plants).
Also supply lots of climbing branches. Use bark/gravel substrate.
TEMPERATURE : Daytime temperature should be:
Basking Area 85 to 90 degrees F.
Cool Area 78
degrees F.
Night temperature should range between 73-80 degrees F.
Use a reptile heat mat for
24-hour ground heat inside the vivarium.
HUMIDITY /
WATER REQUIREMENTS: This lizard requires low to moderate levels
of humidity.
Mist the vivarium once or twice a week.
Supply a medium size shallow bowl for drinking
and bathing.
NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS : This species is a carnivore, these lizards like assorted insects.
Always offer
a variety, black or brown crickets, mealworms, waxworms,
Small Locust. Always use a good dusting supplement.
Courtensey of The
Reptile House
Animal Allsorts
Yellow Throated Plated Lizard
Common Name: Yellow Throated Plated Lizard
Scientific
Name: Gerrhosaurus flavigularis
Adult Size: up to 18 inches
These
lizards are native to the dry, rocky, semi-open habitats of Southern and Eastern Africa. Their powerfully-built bodies are
only slightly flattened. The neck is not well differentiated from the head. The tail is typically twice the length of the
body. They become tame quickly and make good pet lizards.
Captive Environment:
A 20-gallon aquarium is the minimum size recommended for these lizards, though larger is often is recommended, at least 30-50
gallon. This gives you enough room to house a couple of skinks. Larger enclosures allow for more room and more natural behaviors.
Smaller or overcrowded enclosures lead to stress and reduced activity. Set up a mostly arid tank with three to four inches
of clean sand for a substrate. In one area, mix the sand with small reptile bark, shreds, or shredded coconut husks, to provide
an area which will hold moisture and provided a more humid microhabitat. Furnish the enclosure with bark slabs or branches
for basking and supported rock structures for basking on and burrowing under; if rocks are not supported, they may sink and
crush a lizard that has burrowed beneath it.
Lighting: Full-Spectrum lighting
that emits UVB is a must for captive reptiles. Reptiles depend on ultra-violet light to synthesize vitamin D3, which regulates
calcium absorption in the intestine. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass
blocks ultraviolet light and should never be used as an enclosure top. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start
for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Temperature: Daytime temperatures should range between 86?-92?F; Nighttime temperatures should
be no lower than 68?F. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights
of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination
of these.When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night
light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use
a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Food:
These skinks are considered omnivores, eating both plant and animal matter. They should be offered a variety of items including
crickets, mealworms, earthworms, superworms, waxworms, and pink mice can be offered may also eat canned Monitor/ Tegu food.
Also plant matter should be offered twice to three times a week. Items that are suitable include kale, collard greens, legumes,
carrots, squash, mashed fruits can be offered.
Water: A large bowl of
clean de-chlorinated water should always be available. Clean the bowl daily or more often if needed.
NOTE:
This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
Courtensey of Noah's Ark Pets
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