Imported species record

Source review pending · not a care recommendation

Monkey-Tailed Skink

Corucia zebrata · Scincidae

This page preserves an imported legacy dataset record for discovery. Values below are unverified and must not be treated as a ReptBase source-audited husbandry recommendation.

Monkey-Tailed Skink (Corucia zebrata) transparent cutout

01 / Imported record summary

Legacy dataset reference only

Imported reference. Source review pending. Do not treat this page as a complete care recommendation. The imported legacy record has not completed a ReptBase section-level source audit.

The imported legacy record states: The largest skink in the world, featuring a prehensile tail and a strictly herbivorous diet.

Imported native region: Solomon Islands (unverified)

02 / Recorded values

Recorded legacy values

Recorded legacy values below are imported and unverified. They are not ReptBase recommendations.

Imported care-level label
expert unverified
Imported adult size
Up to 75 cm unverified
Imported lifespan
About 25 years unverified
Imported diet type
herbivore unverified
Imported habitat pattern
tropical unverified
Family
Scincidae
Imported enclosure dimensions
120 x 60 x 120 cmImported · unverified · length x width x height
Imported ambient band
78-82°FImported · unverified
Imported basking surface
85-90°FImported · unverified
Imported humidity band
70-90% RHImported · unverified

The imported legacy record states (enclosure): Needs a large vertical enclosure with thick branches. High humidity (70-90%) is required.

The imported legacy record states (diet): One of the few strictly herbivorous lizards. They love Pothos plants (ensure they are pesticide-free).

The imported legacy record states (behavior): The largest skink in the world. They have a prehensile tail used for climbing.

The imported legacy record states (social): Live in family groups called 'circuli'. They are very protective of their young.

Foods listed in the old dataset imported · unverified

  • Pothos leaves
  • Hibiscus leaves
  • Collard greens
  • Mustard greens
  • Endive

Signs listed in the imported record

  • Strong grip
  • Alert behavior
  • Good appetite
  • Thick tail

Imported · unverified

Concern signs listed in the imported record

  • Weak grip
  • Lethargy
  • Sunken eyes
  • Sunken tail base

Imported · unverified · not a diagnosis

03 / What has not been verified

This value has not yet completed a ReptBase source audit

  • Enclosure minimums and product recommendations
  • Heating, UVB, humidity and substrate protocols
  • Feeding ratios, schedules and supplementation claims
  • Social-housing claims
  • Health lists as diagnostic guidance
  • Setup-cost figures as live market prices

Do not treat this as a complete care recommendation.

04 / Questions to verify before using the record

Check before acting on any imported value

  • Which primary sources support this enclosure size for the adult animal?
  • Have heat, UVB and humidity been measured in a comparable enclosure?
  • Does a reptile-experienced veterinarian agree the listed signs are actionable?
  • Are diet notes current for the life stage you are planning for?
  • Is a source-audited ReptBase guide available for a better-supported alternative?

05 / General measurement and veterinary safety note

Measure conditions. Seek veterinary care when needed.

Outdoor climate and imported bands do not set enclosure targets. Enclosure dimensions, materials, ventilation, heat-source distance, thermostat control and measured warm/cool sides change every decision.

This is not a diagnosis. Sudden weakness, breathing difficulty, seizures, major injury or collapse warrants urgent contact with a reptile-experienced veterinarian.

Humidity gradient guidance

This imported band needs a measured humidity gradient

This record lists a tropical humidity band of 70-90% RH. Because that band sits above most indoor room air, plan a moist zone, a drier zone, ventilation, and drying cycles rather than relying on a single enclosure-wide reading.

Read the humidity gradient guide for tropical reptiles

06 / Editorial status

Imported species record

Current statusImported species record
Detailed source reviewPending
Page typeSpecies record · not a care recommendation