{"product_id":"sandfish-skink-scincus-scincus","title":"Sandfish Skink (Scincus scincus)","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3\" data-end=\"21\"\u003eSandfish Skink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"23\" data-end=\"112\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"23\" data-end=\"43\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"44\" data-end=\"61\"\u003eScincus scincus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"61\" data-end=\"64\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"64\" data-end=\"80\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sandfish Skink, Common Sandfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"114\" data-end=\"117\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"119\" data-end=\"143\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"123\" data-end=\"143\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"144\" data-end=\"225\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"144\" data-end=\"153\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults typically reach \u003cstrong data-start=\"177\" data-end=\"194\"\u003e6 to 8 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e (15 to 20 cm) in total length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"733\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"242\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Sandfish Skink is a compact, smooth-scaled desert lizard known for its streamlined, hydrodynamic body shape that allows it to “swim” through loose sand. Its colouring usually consists of warm yellow, beige, or sandy tones with distinctive dark brown or orange crossbands along the back. The legs are short and strong, the head is wedge-shaped for efficient sand-burrowing, and the eyes are set high and protected by robust scales. The tail is short and conical, aiding in sand movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"881\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"752\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East, including Egypt, Libya, Algeria, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"883\" data-end=\"1152\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"883\" data-end=\"895\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sandfish Skinks inhabit extremely dry deserts with deep, fine, loose sand. They spend most of their lives beneath the surface where temperatures are more stable. They emerge to feed or thermoregulate close to the surface but retreat quickly when disturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1512\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1168\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species is diurnal and highly secretive. Its unique adaptation allows it to dive and “swim” through sand to escape danger or regulate temperature. They are gentle but shy, relying on burrowing instead of climbing or running. In captivity, they show natural sand-diving behaviour when provided with appropriate substrate depth and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"1517\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1539\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1539\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1928\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1554\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide an enclosure measuring \u003cstrong data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"1609\"\u003e36 × 18 × 18 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e (90 × 45 × 45 cm) for one adult. Deep, fine, clean sand is essential—at least 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of depth to allow proper burrowing and sand-swimming. The habitat should mimic an arid desert with sturdy basking rocks, shallow hides, and minimal décor. Strong ventilation is necessary to maintain low humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1930\" data-end=\"2193\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1930\" data-end=\"1959\"\u003eTemperature and Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1959\" data-end=\"1962\"\u003eBasking area: 105 to 115°F (40 to 46°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2001\" data-end=\"2004\"\u003eWarm side: 90 to 95°F (32 to 35°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2038\" data-end=\"2041\"\u003eCool side: 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2075\" data-end=\"2078\"\u003eNight temperatures: 65 to 72°F (18 to 22°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2121\" data-end=\"2124\"\u003eHumidity: 10 to 20%, reflecting their extremely arid natural habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2389\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2208\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide strong full-spectrum lighting with moderate to strong UVB (approximately 10%). High-intensity lighting helps maintain natural activity and supports bone and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2391\" data-end=\"2637\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2391\" data-end=\"2400\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a variety of insects such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, superworms, black soldier fly larvae, and the occasional waxworm. All feeders should be gut-loaded, with calcium supplementation given frequently and multivitamins weekly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2639\" data-end=\"2925\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2639\" data-end=\"2666\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sandfish Skinks are shy but fascinating to observe when their enclosure is set up correctly. They rarely tolerate handling and prefer to remain beneath the substrate. When secure, they exhibit natural sand-diving behaviour and emerge for feeding and basking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2927\" data-end=\"3318\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2927\" data-end=\"2954\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"2957\"\u003e• Deep, loose sand is essential—the species cannot thrive without it.\u003cbr data-start=\"3026\" data-end=\"3029\"\u003e• Avoid moisture buildup; the environment must remain very dry.\u003cbr data-start=\"3092\" data-end=\"3095\"\u003e• Secure all décor so it cannot collapse into the substrate.\u003cbr data-start=\"3155\" data-end=\"3158\"\u003e• Handling should be minimal, as they stress easily and rely on burrowing for safety.\u003cbr data-start=\"3243\" data-end=\"3246\"\u003e• Surface activity will vary with season and temperature—this is normal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3320\" data-end=\"3323\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3325\" data-end=\"3346\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3329\" data-end=\"3346\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3628\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3364\"\u003eScincus scincus\u003c\/em\u003e is the most well-known member of the genus \u003cem data-start=\"3408\" data-end=\"3417\"\u003eScincus\u003c\/em\u003e, a small group of desert-adapted skinks famed for their ability to \"swim\" beneath sand. Their unique physiology and behaviour have made them a subject of scientific study for biomechanics and desert adaptation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3630\" data-end=\"3633\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3635\" data-end=\"3656\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3639\" data-end=\"3656\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3657\" data-end=\"3908\"\u003eThere are no recognised morphs for \u003cem data-start=\"3692\" data-end=\"3709\"\u003eScincus scincus\u003c\/em\u003e. Natural variation includes slight differences in colour saturation and band clarity, typically linked to locality and individual genetics. These variations are not the result of selective breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56196277535042,"sku":"lwj1789652172026","price":29.11,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/8380\/8066\/files\/sandfish-skink-scincus-scincus_1.jpg?v=1789652176","url":"https:\/\/abrasionresistclad.shop\/products\/sandfish-skink-scincus-scincus","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}