Scientific
Name: Scincus scincus Origin: Egypt and Arabia Size: 6" Life Span: 6 to 10 years (perhaps
longer) Identifying Features: Flattened
snout, small eyes, and fringed toes. S. scincus
is clad in scales of cream and has well- defined
and well separated gray dorsal cross bands.
*At present, despite
the fact that they are apt to be secretive, sandfish
are immensely popular in the reptile hobby. With
some care they are hardy and long lived.*
Habitat 1-3 specimens can be maintained
in a 15-20 gallon capacity terrarium. If a larger
group is kept, the terrarium size should be increased.
The sand substrate (fine, smooth, desert, not sharp
silica sand) should be between 6-12 inches in depth.
The bottom layer of sand should be kept barely dampened
by trickling water into a small diameter (1/2-inch)
PVC pipe pushed to the tank bottom. Desert plants
maybe incorporated. Sociability Usually communal, some
large males may fight during the breeding season
and require isolation. Food
A variety of insects, especially burrowing forms
such as kingworms, is eagerly accepted. Some finely
chopped fruit and the fruit honey day gecko mixture
will be consumed. Dust insects with vitamins D3-
calcium powder twice weekly for babies and ovulating
females. Lighting
This is a burrowing skink that will seldom be seen
on the surface. The suggested sand surface daytime
temperature at the hot end of the tank is about
43°C. The cool end of the tank can be up to
15°C cooler. Note
If kept warm enough, this is a hardy and trouble
free lizard. Although they seldom drink, a shallow
dish of fresh water should be available.
