Meet Fig!
Genus: Tiliqua
Species: Scincoides
Subspecies: Intermedia
Sex: Male
Age: approx. 1 and 1/2 years old
Approx. Weight: 1.3 lbs.
Approx. Length (Snout to Vent): 20 in.
Color(s): brown, orange, beige
Likes: bananas
Dislikes: prolonged social interaction
Traits: shy, gentle, poised
I bought Fig back in 2024 from an awesome breeder on Morph Market called Lizard Cafe. He was only about a month old when I brought him home for the first time. He was itty bitty- only about 4 or 5 inches long.
He was super nervous around me for a very long time. Blue tongue skinks can be known to be slow to adjusting to their owners. We worked on it slowly, handling him for only short periods at first and then slowly increasing the amount of time I would interact with him.
He has gotten a lot more comfortable around me and no longer displays signs of fear or anxiety. However, he still isn’t a huge fan of prolonged interaction, and that’s okay- we take it baby steps at a time. He is still an amazing creature to take care of and watch grow.
As far as temperament goes, he is as precious as they come. He has never bitten me before, and I’ve had him for almost two years now. Even when he doesn’t like something, he isn’t aggressive. I believe this is because I try to respect his preferences and not force certain behaviors on him.
Fig has a very precious space in my heart, and I hope that I can continue to be his caretaker for as long as possible. He is my first reptile (frogs are my specialty) and I am blessed that I’ve been able to provide for him and keep him in such good health. This is, of course, all thanks to wonderful support systems such as Randy Graham (Lizard Cafe- Morph Market) and various Facebook (check out Blue Tongue Skink Hobbyists under groups) forums that were willing to answer all my questions.
“Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.” – Connie Stevens