The creature in the photo is a Blue-Tongued Skink, a lizard that indeed looks like it stepped out of a prehistoric era. With its armored, scale-covered body, sturdy legs, and a head that resembles a mini dinosaur, this reptile has a unique, ancient allure. The Blue-Tongued Skink, often just called a "blue tongue," is native to Australia and parts of Indonesia, and its distinctive feature is the bright blue tongue it flashes when threatened—a quirky defense mechanism that makes it stand out. Seeing one up close at an event like Calgary’s PetFest this past weekend, it’s easy to understand the temptation to bring one home. However, as you wisely noted, the bigger picture of responsible pet ownership is key. Let’s explore what makes this lizard so fascinating and what it takes to care for one as a pet.
Blue-Tongued Skinks belong to the genus Tiliqua and can grow to about 18-24 inches long, with a chunky, cylindrical body that gives them a robust, almost tank-like appearance. Their scales often have a speckled pattern, like the one in the photo, with a mix of dark gray, brown, and lighter patches that provide natural camouflage in their wild habitat of grasslands, forests, and deserts. Despite their prehistoric look, they’re surprisingly docile, making them a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts. They’re also known for their slow, deliberate movements and a lifespan of 15-20 years in captivity with proper care, which is a long-term commitment that adds to their appeal—and the responsibility.
If you were to bring a Blue-Tongued Skink into your home, setting up the right environment is crucial. They need a spacious enclosure, like a 40- to 60-gallon tank for an adult, with a secure lid since they’re stronger than they look and might try to push their way out. The substrate can be something like aspen shavings, coconut fiber, or reptile carpet—materials that hold some humidity but won’t cause impaction if accidentally ingested. They love to burrow and hide, so include a few hiding spots (like half logs or rock caves) and some branches for climbing, as seen in the photo where the skink is lounging on a log.
Temperature and lighting are critical for their health. Blue-Tongued Skinks thrive in a tank with a temperature gradient: a warm basking spot of 95-100°F (35-38°C) on one end, and a cooler side around 75-85°F (24-29°C). At night, temperatures can drop to 70-75°F (21-24°C). A heat lamp or ceramic heater can achieve this, and a UVB light is essential for 10-12 hours a day to help them synthesize vitamin D3 and metabolize calcium, preventing bone issues. Humidity should be moderate, around 40-60%, which can be maintained with a shallow water dish and occasional misting—they’ll often soak in the dish for fun or to help with shedding.
