🧭 Introduction
There are over a dozen Blue-Tongue Skink species, but only a few are common in the pet trade. The top 3 you’ll likely encounter are:
- 🟠 Northern Blue-Tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia)
- 🌴 Indonesian Blue-Tongue Skink (Tiliqua gigas)
- 🟣 Irian Jaya Blue-Tongue Skink (Tiliqua sp.)
This article compares these species to help you choose the best fit based on:
- Appearance
- Temperament
- Care needs
- Availability
🟠 Northern Blue-Tongue Skink
🔍 Overview
- Origin: Northern Australia
- Size: 20–24 inches
- Color: Tan body with bold dark bands
- Availability: Most common in US/CA/UK
✅ Pros
- Best for beginners
- Very hardy, tolerant of handling
- Needs lower humidity (~40–50%)
- Bred in captivity = fewer parasites
⚠️ Cons
- Requires large enclosure
- Not as “exotic-looking” as others
🌴 Indonesian Blue-Tongue Skink
🔍 Overview
- Origin: Indonesia
- Size: 18–22 inches
- Color: Darker with more irregular banding
- Availability: Common, mostly wild-caught (WC)
✅ Pros
- Gorgeous darker pattern
- Slightly smaller size
- Often cheaper upfront
⚠️ Cons
- Needs higher humidity (60–80%)
- Many are wild-caught → more parasites
- Can be skittish if not socialized
🟣 Irian Jaya Blue-Tongue Skink
🔍 Overview
- Origin: Papua New Guinea
- Size: 18–22 inches
- Color: Earthy red tones with black/brown bands
- Availability: Limited, some captive-bred
✅ Pros
- Unique reddish appearance
- Curious and alert temperament
- Good for intermediate keepers
⚠️ Cons
- Less widely available
- Humidity-sensitive
- Breeding not standardized = color variation
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Trait | Northern | Indonesian | Irian Jaya |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Largest | Medium | Medium |
| Color Pattern | Bold, tan/black | Dark, exotic | Red-brown/black |
| Humidity Needs | Low (40–50%) | High (60–80%) | Medium-High (60–70%) |
| Temperament | Very tame | Can be shy | Alert, curious |
| Beginner-Friendly | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ❌ (intermediate) |
| Availability | High | High | Medium-Low |
🛒 Which Species Should You Choose?
| You are… | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| A complete beginner | 🟠 Northern BTS |
| Love dark, exotic looks | 🌴 Indonesian BTS |
| Want something rare & unique | 🟣 Irian Jaya BTS |
| Prefer captive-bred with low maintenance | 🟠 Northern BTS |
| Live in humid region & enjoy a challenge | 🌴 or 🟣 Indonesian/Irian |
🌍 Where to Buy
Look for captive-bred (CB) skinks from:
- Trusted reptile breeders (USARK-registered)
- Online platforms like MorphMarket, Backwater Reptiles, Josh’s Frogs
- Local reptile expos (ask about parasite testing!)
🧼 Final Tip: Ask Before You Buy!
Questions to ask breeders/sellers:
- Is this skink wild-caught or captive-bred?
- Has it been dewormed and parasite-tested?
- What species/locality is it?
- How long has it been eating well?