The Basics:

This is a stunningly beautiful lizard with a back that's brown, and sides that are bright red with black and white vertical markings. This distinctive coloration actually camouflages the skink when it runs through the underbrush in its natural environment, by breaking up the lines of its body. Although they are ground dwellers and burrowers, they do enjoy climbing on rocks and low branches. Like most skinks, it has a tubular shaped body with smooth scales and short black legs. The Togo Fire Skink is a somewhat shy lizard that will spend a good deal of its time buried underground. Males can be territorial, especially during the breeding season. When properly cared for, this is a long-lived lizard that can reach 20 years.

Enclosure: They Need Less Room Than Average:

A 30-gallon aquarium can accommodate 1- 3 adult Togo Fire Skinks, but a larger enclosure is preferable. In most cases, these communal lizards will get along with one another when sharing an enclosure. The Togo Fire Skink's enclosure should have rocks and low lying perches as well as hiding places.
It should also be well ventilated.

Substrate:
Provide A Moisture Gradient:

Sterilized potting soil over a layer of leaf litter works will for this burrowing lizard. The soil should be deep enough to allow the Togo Fire Skink to burrow. Ideally, the substrate should provide a moisture gradient, being damper on one side and drier on the other. However, it should never be allowed to
become soggy. Aromatic woods, such as cedar and pine must never be used. Substrate should be spot cleaned daily, and replaced completely every month.

Temperature:
Moderately Hot:

The enclosure's ambient temperatures should range from 76-
85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with a basking spot around 90 degrees. At night, the temperature can be lowered to 72-74 degrees. Providing a thermal gradient allows the
Togo Fire Skink to regulate its body temperature by moving around the enclosure. A variety of combinations of overhead lamps and under-tank heat pads can be used to
maintain temperatures. To avoid burns, lamps should be screened off or positioned outside the enclosure. Using too powerful a bulb will make the enclosure too hot, and
could prove fatal to the animal. Nighttime temperatures can be maintained by using ceramic heat emitters, which do not produce light. Follow directions carefully with
ceramic heat emitters, use fixtures with porcelain or ceramic sockets and to protect against fires, do not place them by dry wood or flammable fabrics. Thermometers should
be positioned in the warmer and cooler areas of the enclosure as well as in the basking spot.

Diet:
Enthusiastic Eaters:

Togo Fire Skinks love to eat, and will gladly accept any insect
or meat-based food. Earthworms are a favorite of the Togo Fire Skink. Other insects this lizard feeds on include crickets and mealworms. It will also consume a variety of finely
chopped fruit.  Always feed commercially available insects, since wild caught specimens can transmit disease. Insects should be gut loaded and dusted with calcium/vitamin powder. Juvenile Togo Fire Skinks should be fed daily, and then moved to every other day feeding schedules as adults. Important -- It is necessary to provide calcium and vitamin supplements as part of the diet. Please read the supplement section below:

The following is a possible supplementing schedule for this reptile. Insects should be dusted with calcium/vitamin powder every second or third feeding. However, this is only a general suggestion -- the best specific schedule may vary depending on the supplement products used and other factors. Please consult product package directions, outside literature and a veterinarian to determine the optimal supplementing program.