Care Guide
Overview
- Common Name: Fire-Bellied Skink
- Scientific Name: Mochlus fernandi
- Origin: West & Central Africa (Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon)
- Size: 12–15 inches (including tail)
- Lifespan: 15–20+ years (with proper care)
- Temperament: Generally docile, shy, can become very tame
Enclosure Setup
Tank Size
- Minimum: 40-gallon breeder (for one adult)
- Recommended: 4 ft x 2 ft enclosure (larger is better)
Substrate
- Ideal Depth: 4-6 inches minimum
- MUST hold moisture but not be soggy
- Our Mixture: Organic topsoil + play sand at a 70:30 ratio
Decor
- Multiple Hides such as cork bark
- Leaf litter
- Branches and logs
- Securely placed rocks
Temperature and Heating
Temperature Gradient
- Basking Spot: 90–95°F
- Warm side: 80–85°F
- Cool side: 75–78°F
- Night temps: Can drop to 70–72°F
Heating Equipment
- Halogen basking bulb (preferred)
- Ceramic heat emitter (if needed at night)
Humidity
- Target: 60-80% maintained with moist substrate, occasional misting, and a large water dish
Lighting
- UVB: Recommended (Not optional for best health)
- Use 5-7% UVB tube placed over basking area
- Photoperiod: 10-12 hours daily
Diet
Staples
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Mealworms (in moderation)
- Occasional Superworms
Feeding Schedule
- Adults: 2-3 feedings per week
- Juveniles: every other day
Supplements
- Calcium:
- Without D3: 2-3x per week
- With D3: 1x per week
- Multivitamin: 1x per week
Water:
- Provide a shallow water dish at all times, they may soak occasionally
Behavior and Handling
- Naturally shy and burrow often
- Can become tame with consistent, gentle handling
- rarely aggressive but may flee, burrow, or even musk on rare occasions
- When Handling, avoid grabbing from above and make sure to support their entire body
Shedding
- Will occur regularly in healthy individuals
- Signs include dull coloration and reduced activity
To help:
- maintain a constant humidity
- provide rough surfaces
- occasional light misting
Health and Common Issues
Signs of a healthy individual
- Bright, smooth scales
- Clear eyes
- Strong feeding response
- Regular burrowing
Common Problems
- Dehydration: Wrinkled or leathery skin
- Shedding Issues: Low humidity
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Lack of calcium/UVB
- Parasites: Most prevalent in wild caught individuals
These are common health problems but if your animal is sick or having issues PLEASE CONSULT A REPTILE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Key Care Tips
- Deep substrate is non-negotiable
- Consistent humidity is critical
- UVB greatly improves long-term health
- Avoid overly dry or sterile setups
- These animals very often burrow and thus are not commonly display animals