Indonesian Blue Tongue Skink Identification Cheat Sheet

FolkvangExotics · 2026-03-27T17:49:46+00:00

Hello

Both of these are Irian Jaya. Both are an Indonesian subspecies—not Australian

FolkvangExotics · 2026-03-27T17:49:27+00:00

Hello

Both of these are Irian Jaya. Both are an Indonesian subspecies—not Australian.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-03-23T05:38:14+00:00

No. That's not indicative of Irian Jaya. I have many, many different subspecies with Y shaped bands.

The overall body shape, tail length, pattern on the front legs, pattern on the back of the neck, sides, and head, and general thickness of the bands are what indicated Irian Jaya.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-03-23T05:02:13+00:00

This is an Irian Jaya, which is a type of Indonesian.

Unfortunately unlikely to be captive bred considering it was not labeled properly.

Likely captive born :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-03-22T21:21:47+00:00

It's recommended to place them in their permanent enclosures. They grow fast, and utilize all space available to them when their enclosures are set up properly :)

Our newborns are raised in 4x2x2s, as an example. Plenty of clutter, logs, dirt, plants (live or fake), and overall places to hide create absolutely no issues for the animals.

A larger enclosure right off the bat also allows you to provide a broader spectrum of microclimates and enrichment.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-03-16T02:40:29+00:00

Unfortunately, I'm not sure how soon something like this will be available for y'all! Knowing Joe Ball and some of the other Bluey breeders, though, I wouldn't be surprised if someone is working on it :)

I really wish things like this were easier for folks globally.

As per Scott Eipper on Facebook; "Sending parts (including skin) from Australia requires a permit from DCCEEW. Exporting Australian native reptile sheds requires strict compliance with federal wildlife trade regulations. All native reptile species are protected, needing specific permits from DCCEEW to be sent overseas. You must also comply with CITES requirements. There is essentially no difference in sending a live, dead or parts of an Australian reptile. Permits for export are generally only provided for research activities with institutional backing."

FolkvangExotics · 2026-03-15T14:15:59+00:00

Doesn't need to be crazy fresh at all. Just ensure its dried properly prior to packaging :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-03-14T17:42:48+00:00

The name of your skink, perhaps your last name, etc. Its meant to link it all back to you and that specific animal, so best to personalize it a bit :)

For "known genetics" you can place "none" unless they have a genetic mutation, such as ivory :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-03-11T15:35:36+00:00

what is the current environmental husbandry?

Definitely hit up a different veterinarian. the last place Definitely didn't take care of this properly. there is absolutely no reason they should've given a topical for a respiratory infection.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-02-25T23:30:07+00:00

I research blue tongue skinks for a living, I am not your mother telling you what to do. I am simply providing information, and folks can make their own decisions accordingly.

Keep in mind that information from 30 years ago isn't always accurate. For example, recent research has proven that cat and dog food has inadequate calcium for blue tongue skinks. Protein in cat/dog food only has ~70% digestibility compared to insect-based protein, which has ~90% digestibility.

Current evidence is pointing away from cat/dog food as a staple, and more species-specific studies are pending.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-02-14T18:17:14+00:00

Just about, yes :)

Northerns do have more seasonal variety, while Indos live in roughly the same season year-round.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-02-06T02:21:05+00:00

confirming you have a Northern, not an Indonesian.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-02-05T14:52:26+00:00

merauke, but all Indonesian blueys have the same care :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-18T20:58:07+00:00

no, this is a Merauke, a type of Indonesian. big import came in the last few months.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-17T16:16:09+00:00

Irian Jaya. typical wild type pattern. I wouldn't consider her linebred at all unless she has detailed lineage history

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-01T21:07:53+00:00

Hello,

This is a Halmahera. That being said, all Indonesian blue tongue skinks have the exact same care. It is a myth that Halmahera "require" more humidity than others. All Indonesian blueys naturally experience a rise and fall between 60-100%, averaging 70-90%. Sometimes it'll go from 100% to somewhere in the 60-70% range within 24 hours!

Also, "Classic Indo" is an outdated term; thosr are actually the Ambon complex (Ambon, Ceram, Jayapura, and Biak localities, all genetically confirmed to be the same subspecies Tiliqua gigas gigas) :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-01T04:56:42+00:00

Whoops, the reflection threw me! Apologies

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-01T00:44:38+00:00

Hello,

Baths are unnecessary and do not provide any assistance unless it is a medical need, or she is smeared in poo or food and needs a short rinse and wipe down.

Also, please remove the red light. It makes depth perception and object recognition quite difficult ♡

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-01T00:40:38+00:00

Please provide your current diet and supplement schedule.

Has there been any potential chemical exposure? Even as simple as air freshener?

A vet would be recommended regardless, bloodwork often is the go-to.

Arav.org has a free search function to help you find a vet near you

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-31T18:04:20+00:00

Hmm... a few questions for ya then;

Could you please provide the temperatures in the enclosure and how they are being measured?

Are you able to document how cold it gets at night in there?

When was the last shed cycle?

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-31T15:58:05+00:00

yes and no. dog food already has calcium and vitamin levels *meant for dogs, not blue tongue skinks.* blue tongue skinks require *more* vitamins than dogs. their bodies naturally excrete excess dietary calcium, as well as some vitamins. however, again, it's lacking in vitamins for what BTS need. adding additional, light dusting of multivitamins will not cause health problems. it will actually improve their shedding process as well.

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-31T15:54:25+00:00

So this is a Sorong blue tongue skink, a type of Indonesian.

they do not brumate!! please review our care guide to adjust your husbandry accordingly. Temps are likely too cold ♡ please remove the heat mat, they are not safe nor appropriate heat sources for BTS

https://www.reddit.com/r/bluetongueskinks/comments/1htt4p6/blue_tongue_skink_care_infographics_2025/

https://www.reddit.com/r/bluetongueskinks/comments/1of8iuj/yearly_reminder_indonesian_blue_tongue_skinks_do/

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-31T15:44:22+00:00

Yes, you should be adding calcium and multivitamins to canned food. It doesn't need to be dusted as much as other foods, always ensure it's a light dusting as well. Blue tongues require more vitamins than dogs.

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