Pet Critique

Hi there, pet lovers! 🦎

Today, we’re diving into the world of one of the most unique and fascinating reptiles out there—the Sandfish Skink. This little lizard is known for its incredible ability to “swim” through sand like a fish, its bizarre adaptations, and its comical yet charming face. But is this desert-dwelling reptile the right pet for you? We’ll break it all down across our five key categories:

Ease of Handling: 2/5

While Sandfish Skinks are not aggressive and pose no real risk to humans, they’re simply not built for interaction. Their bodies are covered in incredibly smooth, low-friction scales designed for gliding through sand. As a result, they are extremely slippery and difficult to hold, even for experienced reptile keepers.

If you do need to handle your skink, it’s important to be very gentle and patient. Most of the time, you’ll find them buried under the sand in their enclosure. To retrieve them, it’s best to carefully comb through the sand with your fingers until you locate the skink. Avoid grabbing them too forcefully, as their tails can detach (though they will regenerate over time).

In general, Sandfish Skinks are best appreciated as “look, don’t touch” pets. They don’t enjoy handling and are most comfortable when left to burrow and explore on their own.

Care and Maintenance: 5/5

Sandfish Skinks are about as hardy and low-maintenance as it gets, making them a great option for reptile enthusiasts who want something a little different.

To keep a Sandfish Skink happy and healthy, all you really need is the right habitat. These lizards thrive in hot, dry conditions, so a proper basking lamp and possibly an under-tank heat pad are essential to maintaining high temperatures. Their enclosure should have plenty of floor space and a thick layer of play sand (avoid calcium sand, as it can be harmful if ingested).

In terms of diet, Sandfish Skinks are enthusiastic insectivores. They’ll happily feast on crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and other small feeder insects. Be sure to dust their food with a calcium and vitamin supplement to keep them in peak condition.

While these lizards don’t drink much, it’s still a good idea to provide a shallow water dish in the enclosure. Just make sure it’s easy to clean and doesn’t add unnecessary humidity.

Overall, once you have the proper setup in place, caring for a Sandfish Skink is a breeze.

Health and Durability: 4/5

Sandfish Skinks are incredibly tough and resilient, having evolved to survive in harsh desert environments. However, there is one major drawback to consider: most Sandfish Skinks in the pet trade are wild-caught.

Wild-caught reptiles often come with certain risks, such as internal parasites, stress, and dehydration. While Sandfish Skinks tend to adapt to captivity better than many other wild-caught species, it’s still something to keep in mind. If you do purchase a wild-caught skink, we recommend taking it to a reptile veterinarian for a health check-up.

Once acclimated to their new environment, Sandfish Skinks are generally very hardy and require minimal veterinary care. If you can find a captive-bred Sandfish Skink, you’ll likely have an even healthier, hardier pet.

Availability: 3/5

Sandfish Skinks are becoming increasingly popular in the pet trade, but finding a responsibly sourced Sandfish Skink can still be a challenge.

The majority of Sandfish Skinks on the market are wild-caught, which raises concerns about sustainability and ethics. While they are readily available at reptile expos, pet stores, and online, it’s difficult to guarantee that a wild-caught skink has been sourced responsibly.

Captive-bred Sandfish Skinks are extremely rare, but they do occasionally pop up from reputable breeders. If you can get your hands on one of these, not only will you have a healthier skink, but you’ll also be supporting the ethical side of the reptile hobby.

Our recommendation? If you’re an experienced keeper looking to breed Sandfish Skinks or contribute to the hobby, consider sourcing one responsibly. Otherwise, it’s best to wait until captive-bred options become more widely available.

Initial Cost: 4/5

Sandfish Skinks are relatively affordable compared to other reptiles, especially since most are wild-caught. Prices for a Sandfish Skink typically range from $20–$50, making them a budget-friendly option for those looking to own an exotic pet.

Setting up an enclosure is also reasonably inexpensive. A standard glass terrarium with a secure screen top will work perfectly. You’ll need to invest in basking lights, a UVB bulb, play sand, and a water dish, but all of these items are readily available and affordable.

If you’re lucky enough to find a captive-bred Sandfish Skink, be prepared to pay a higher price—but for the added health and ethical benefits, it’s absolutely worth it.

Final Thoughts: 3.6/5

At the end of the day, the Sandfish Skink is one of the most fascinating and unique reptiles you can own. With its bizarre, slippery body and its ability to “swim” through sand, it’s a lizard unlike any other.

However, it’s important to remember that Sandfish Skinks are not ideal for handling or frequent interaction. They’re best suited for reptile enthusiasts who enjoy watching their pets in a naturalistic setup. If you provide the right care and leave them to their own devices, these hardy little lizards can thrive in captivity for years to come.

If you’re looking for an unusual, low-maintenance pet that will keep you entertained with its incredible adaptations, the Sandfish Skink might just be the perfect reptile for you. Just be sure to support responsible breeding practices whenever possible.

Have you ever own a Sandfish Skink ? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear your tips and stories! 🦎