
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tribolonotus novaeguineae
A New Guinea skink with rows of strongly keeled, spiny scales along the back. The pale ring around the eye gives it its English name, and Tribolonotus is one of the very few skink genera able to vocalise.
The white-eyed crocodile skink (Tribolonotus novaeguineae) is a semi-fossorial skink of New Guinea. Tribolonotus stands out among skinks for its strongly keeled to spinose scales, and at least two species can vocalise, a trait otherwise recorded in only one other skink species, in the genus Nannoscincus. The genus is further defined by two synapomorphies, abdominal glands and palmar and plantar pores. The pale ring around the eye gives this species its English name, and the back of the head is developed into a casque. Schlegel described it in 1834 as Zonurus novaeguineae, and it is the type species of the genus. The generic name comes from Greek words for caltrop and back, referring to the spiky dorsum. It is told from the similar red-eyed crocodile skink by eye colour. Published husbandry experience relates mainly to that congener.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The White-Eyed Crocodile Skink lives Over 10 years in captivity.
Origin
Indonesia (Papua, formerly Irian Jaya) and Papua New Guinea, on the floor of tropical rainforest
Lifespan
Over 10 years in captivity
Insectivorous: crickets, worms and other insects and arthropods
Sources: Reptile Database: Tribolonotus novaeguineae / ReptiFiles: Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink Care Sheet (congeneric husbandry) / Reptiles Magazine: Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink Care And Information
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Tribolonotus novaeguineae (Schlegel, 1834)
Synonyms: Zonurus novaeguineae Schlegel, 1834
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (no current listing in Species+). The IUCN Red List assessment is Least Concern (LC). The species is not included in the designated animals listed in the supplementary table of the Law for the Protection and Management of Animals, nor is it listed as a designated invasive alien species under the Invasive Alien Species Act Enforcement Ordinance.
Sources: CITES Species+ (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Following practice for the congeneric red-eyed crocodile skink, keep the warm hide at 27-28 C, the cool side at 24-26 C and nights at 22-24 C. Hold relative humidity at 70-80 percent by day, raising it to 80-100 percent at night. It is very intolerant of dry conditions and dehydrates rapidly in them.
A forest-floor animal, it prefers dim conditions with plenty of hides at ground level. Around 60 x 45 x 45 cm suffices for a single animal. Use 5-10 cm of a moisture-retentive substrate such as 60 percent organic topsoil with 40 percent coconut fibre. It likes to swim, so provide a generous water container it can submerge in. Live plants help stabilise humidity.
Insectivorous, taking crickets, worms and similar prey. Offer feeders scaled to its size, dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements. Because it prefers low light, it responds better when fed during the dimmer hours.
Timid, favouring low light and plenty of cover. Startled, it dives into a hide and may vocalise. Frequent handling is stressful and should be avoided. If animals are housed together, provide more hides than animals and check that no fighting occurs.
Not listed on any CITES appendix. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern. It appears neither on the schedule of designated dangerous animals under the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals nor on Japan's list of invasive alien species. Much of the available husbandry information derives from the congeneric red-eyed crocodile skink and may not transfer exactly.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of White-Eyed Crocodile Skink is Over 10 years in captivity. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
White-Eyed Crocodile Skink feeds on: Insectivorous: crickets, worms and other insects and arthropods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of White-Eyed Crocodile Skink varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: October 1, 2026