MONKEY TAILED SKINK (Corucia zebrata)

MONKEY TAILED SKINK (Corucia zebrata)

$1,600.00

Full Description

MONKEY-TAILED SKINK (Corucia zebrata) CARE GUIDE

Species Overview

Trait Details
Common Names Monkey-Tailed Skink, Solomon Islands Skink
Scientific Name Corucia zebrata
Adult Size 24–32 inches (including tail)
Lifespan 20–30+ years in captivity
Temperament Slow-moving, shy, intelligent
Origin Solomon Islands (endemic)
Lifestyle Arboreal, communal in the wild
Conservation CITES Appendix II (threatened species)

Enclosure Requirements

Minimum Enclosure Size (for one adult)

  • 4 ft (H) x 3 ft (L) x 2 ft (D) (tall and roomy)

  • Bigger is always better

  • Vertical space is essential

Habitat Style

  • Arboreal setup with:

    • Thick climbing branches

    • Vines, cork tubes, and platforms

    • Dense foliage (live or artificial)

    • Hiding areas at various levels

  • Bioactive setups work very well with this species

Substrate

  • Organic soil mix, coconut coir, orchid bark, leaf litter

  • Keep moist, but not soggy

️ Temperature, Humidity & Lighting

Parameter Ideal Range
Day temp 78–84°F (25–29°C) ambient
Basking spot 90°F (32°C)
Night temp 72–75°F (22–24°C)
Humidity 70–90% (critical for health)

✅ Lighting

  • UVB Required: Yes (10–12 hrs/day)

    • Use T5 HO 5.0 or 10.0 UVB bulbs

  • Provide full-spectrum lighting for plant growth if bioactive

✅ Humidity Tips

  • Mist 2–3x daily or use an automatic misting system

  • Provide a large water bowl for ambient humidity

Diet

Monkey-tailed skinks are primarily folivores (leaf-eaters), but benefit from varied plant matter.

✅ Staple Foods

  • Dark leafy greens:

    • Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion, hibiscus leaves

  • Other veggies:

    • Squash, pumpkin, bell pepper, zucchini, okra

  • Occasional fruit (10–15% max):

    • Papaya, mango, fig, banana, berries (sparingly)

❌ Avoid

  • High-oxalate greens (spinach, chard)

  • Animal protein (they are strict herbivores)

  • Lettuce (low nutrient value)

Supplements

  • Calcium without D3: 2–3x/week (if UVB is provided)

  • Multivitamin: 1x/week or every other week

Water & Hydration

  • Provide a large, shallow drinking bowl

  • Misting is essential for humidity and hydration

  • They will also drink droplets from leaves

Behavior & Enrichment

Behavior Description
Slow & calm Moves slowly, rarely runs
Prehensile tail Used for climbing and gripping
Arboreal nesting Sleeps in dense vegetation or cork hides
Communal in the wild Can live in pairs or small family groups (in large setups)
Social intelligence Recognizes keepers and interacts with enrichment

✅ Enrichment Ideas

  • Rotate branches and foliage

  • Provide browse (non-toxic branches)

  • Safe climbing furniture and platforms

Maintenance

Task Frequency
Spot clean waste Daily
Mist enclosure 2–3 times daily
Water change Daily
Substrate top-up Monthly
Full clean Every 2–3 months (unless bioactive)

Breeding Notes

  • Viviparous (gives live birth)

  • Gestation can take 6–8 months

  • Only 1–2 babies per birth

  • Must be housed in a bonded pair or group for breeding — introducing adults can be dangerous if not socialized properly

Common Health Issues

Condition Cause / Prevention
Respiratory infections Low temps or humidity
Dehydration Inadequate misting or humidity
Metabolic bone disease No UVB or lack of calcium
Stress-related illness Poor enclosure setup or handling stress

✅ Care Summary Checklist

  • Tall enclosure with climbing space

  • UVB lighting + proper heat

  • High humidity (70–90%)

  • Strictly herbivorous diet

  • Frequent misting + large water dish

  • Minimal handling; observe and enrich

  • Bonded pairs/groups only if housing multiples

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