Blue tongue skinks are a popular lizard species kept as pets around the world With their docile temperament, unique blue tongues, and range of color morphs, it’s easy to see why these Australian lizards have become so beloved by reptile enthusiasts In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the different blue tongue skink species and morphs available in the pet trade.
What are Blue Tongue Skinks?
Blue tongue skinks belong to the genus Tiliqua, which is part of the large skink family (Scincidae) There are 8 recognized species of blue tongue skink
- Common blue tongue skink (Tiliqua scincoides)
- Blotched blue tongue skink (Tiliqua nigrolutea)
- Western blue tongue skink (Tiliqua occipitalis)
- Shingleback skink (Tiliqua rugosa)
- Centralian blue tongue skink (Tiliqua multifasciata)
- Indonesian blue tongue skink (Tiliqua gigas)
- Pygmy blue tongue skink (Tiliqua adelaidensis)
- Irian Jaya blue tongue skink (Tiliqua sp.)
These lizards are named after their trademark blue tongues, which they flash as a warning to potential predators. Beyond this shared trait, there is significant diversity among the species. They range from relatively small, shy species to larger, bolder blue tongues that make excellent pet lizards.
Blue tongues also share some key husbandry needs. As native Australians they require dry warm conditions similar to the climate of inland Australia. They are also omnivorous, enjoying a varied diet of insects, veggies, fruits, and protein sources. This makes them one of the easier pet lizard species to care for.
Popular Blue Tongue Skink Species in Captivity
While all blue tongue skinks can make good pets, a few species stand out as particularly popular and readily available. These include:
Northern Blue Tongue Skink
The northern blue tongue skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) is one of the most common blue tongues kept as pets. Native to northern Australia, these lizards grow up to 24 inches long and come in a range of colors like orange, yellow, and gray.
Northern blue tongues are known for being docile and tolerant of regular handling when captive bred. Their care is also straight-forward compared to other blue tongue species.
Eastern Blue Tongue Skink
Closely related to the northern blue tongue, this species (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides) hails from eastern Australia. It looks very similar to the northern blue tongue but lacks some of the bold orange coloration.
Eastern blue tongues reach sizes of 18-24 inches as adults. They can live over 20 years with proper care and tend to become quite tame.
Indonesian Blue Tongue Skink
The Indonesian blue tongue skink (Tiliqua gigas) is a large species found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and various surrounding islands. It comes in some of the most vibrant colors and patterns of any blue tongue species.
Some popular Indonesian blue tongue locales include Merauke, Irian Jaya, Classic/Golden, Kei Islands, Halmahera, and Tanimbar. Their adult size can reach up to 30 inches. These lizards are active and become very tame when raised from a young age.
Centralian Blue Tongue Skink
Centralian blue tongues (Tiliqua multifasciata) are smaller species that only reach 15-18 inches as adults. They have a stocky build and come in tan, brown, and orange. These skinks hail from Australia’s arid central regions.
Good temperament and small size make centralian blue tongues a nice choice for keepers who want a manageable blue tongue lizard. They are also one of the few blue tongue species found outside Australia.
Shingleback Skink
No list of pet blue tongues would be complete without the shingleback skink (Tiliqua rugosa). These distinct lizards have heavily armored, bumpy scales and short, thick tails. Coloration includes dark browns, tans, and blacks arranges in bands down the body.
Shinglebacks are extremely docile with a natural curiosity and intelligence that serves them well as pets. Their small size (14-20 inches) also keeps them fairly simple to accommodate.
Choosing Your Blue Tongue Skink
With so many blue tongue species and locales available, it can be tough deciding which is best for you. Here are some key points to consider:
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Size – Do you have the space for a large lizard that may reach 2+ feet long? Smaller species like the centralian stay under 20 inches.
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Color and Pattern – Vibrant Irian Jayas offer the most variety, while shinglebacks have more subdued tones. But color preferences are subjective!
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Activity Level – Shinglebacks and pygmy blue tongues are more shy and sedentary. Northern and Eastern blue tongues are moderately active. Merauke and Irian Jaya blue tongues tend to be the most active.
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Handling – Most blue tongues become very tame, but Merauke and Irian Jaya may be more prone to run and need more regular handling. Shinglebacks can also be initially shy.
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Price – Australian species are harder to find and tend to cost $400+, while Indonesian species are usually $200-300. But color morphs can increase cost.
Doing your research and being honest about your ability to properly care for them will lead you to the perfect blue tongue skink companion. They may not be as agile or colorful as monitors and other lizards, but blue tongues offer their own laid-back appeal as personable, low-maintenance pet reptiles.
All Blue tongued skink Species / Complete list of blue tongued lizards / types of Blue tongued skink
FAQ
How many species of blue tongue skink are there?
Blue tongue skinks (Tiliqua species) are popular pet reptiles that are native to Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. These species are terrestrial, diurnal, and omnivorous. While there are at least 8 species of blue tongues, not all are commonly kept in captivity.
What is the difference between Australian and Indonesian blue tongue skinks?
The primary distinction between the Northern and Indonesian Blue Tongue Skinks lies in their respective native regions. Northern Blue Tongue Skinks are found in the northern parts of Australia, while Indonesian Blue Tongue Skinks originate from the Indonesian archipelago.
What is the difference between a blue tongue skink and a blue tongue lizard?
Blue-tongued skinks comprise the Australasian genus Tiliqua, which contains some of the largest members of the skink family (Scincidae). They are commonly called blue-tongued lizards or simply blue-tongues or blueys in Australia or panana in Indonesia.
Are blue tongue skinks aggressive?
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Docile Nature:Blue-tongued skinks are known for being docile and relatively easy to handle, especially when raised from hatchlings.
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Defensive Displays:When disturbed or feeling threatened, they will puff up their bodies, stick out their bright blue tongue, and hiss loudly as a warning.
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Biting Behavior:While they are not naturally aggressive, they can bite if they feel cornered or unable to escape.
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Wild-Caught vs. Captive-Bred:Wild-caught skinks may be more skittish and defensive than captive-bred individuals, as they haven’t experienced the effects of domestication.
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Taming and Handling:With patience and consistent handling, blue-tongued skinks can be trained to be comfortable with human interaction.
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Individual Variation:Just like any animal, individual skinks can have different temperaments, so some may be more prone to defensive behavior than others.
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Bonding:Regular interaction, including hand-feeding and spending time near their enclosure, can help establish a bond and make handling easier.
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Not Venomous:It’s important to note that blue-tongued skinks are not venomous, so while their bites can be painful, they are not dangerous.