Sandfish Skink, The Best Pet Lizard?

[@ClintsReptiles]

Our friends at Reptifiles have an awesome caresheet for sandfish skinks (and many other reptiles) www.reptifiles.com/sandfish-care-guide/ Interestingly, the specific skink seen in this video was in poor shape when it arrived at Animal Ark. The crew at Reptifiles actually were the ones that gave it the care it needed to recover. They are awesome. Definitely check out their page!

[@shiteater383]

Clint's Reptiles where can I buy one

[@ClintsReptiles]

Try to find a breeder. Online will be your best bet.

[@tinymclarge9158]

Please please please do salifin dragons

[@DimondCompanions]

Hey Clint your video says 3.6 n your thumbnail says 3.4 😉 Any ways gre8 video on unique specie

[@agerogue5490]

Hey can you do columbian golden tegus I think they get a bad reputation. I have one and she is the tamest lizard I have!

[@eggboy6926]

I cannot believe this. Truly the skinkest of the skinks. They deserve the world.

[@ClintsReptiles]

You might be right about that.

[@TheRealQuestionIs11]

Yes! The skinkiest

[@PlecsExotics3]

THE SKINKIEST.

[@reelbytes6447]

“Never use sand with any reptile to avoid impaction” Sandfish Skink: 👁 v 👁

[@stfinalwrath]

This made me laugh a little harder than it probably should have. The dreaded word impaction. Lol.. I keep a ball python and have debated on getting some lizards, and might get one of these, they're pretty nifty. Might build a display with a large aquarium so you can see underneath too, making it easier to view without disturbing the animal and stressing it out.

[@triangulum8869]

What is impaction exactly? I’m unfamiliar with owning reptiles, i have a dog

[@stfinalwrath]

@@triangulum8869 I don't know exactly what it does, what I do know is it's referring to damage caused internally like puncturing or tearing to the inside of the animal, which can cause bleeding, infection, and other similar kinds of damage resulting in your pet dieing from internal damage.

[@incognitomode2616]

Impaction is a blockage of the gastrointestinal tract.

[@clumsy_zebra_97]

@@stfinalwrath that's really close to what it is, it's basically when their intestines get blocked because the sand they've consumed hardens and blocks the necessary little pathways and such for digestion in their bodies, and will have trouble digesting, and eventually be entirely unable to digest food because of it and die if they continue to be kept on the substrate. it's a risk for all lizards aside from the ones that literally live in sand, calcium sand is worse because I believe it's that the calcium causes the sand the expand as well as harden in their bodies. so it's even more dangerous. it's marketed to give lizards (mainly leopard geckos) some calcium when they lick the ground or miss food and eat their substrate, so it'll strengthen their bones and prevent metabolic bone disease. while you do need to supplement calcium in their diet, calcium sand is even more impactful than normal sand. however if you did mistakenly buy say a bunch of sand for a bearded dragon enclosure, if you feed them in a food bowl then you won't really have to worry about them accidentally eating sand. however some may have an intense food response, get confused and bite at the ground, so it's just generally a bad idea even for those lizards.

[@SoTypicallyMeh]

I give Clint a score of 5/5, based on the following criteria: 5 for being informative, 5 for being funny, 5 for being stinkin' rad, and 5 for being cuter than a stinkpot turtle.

[@Merlijn1994]

And we all know stinkpot turtles are practically impossible to beat as far as cuteness goes! I agree that Clint totally beats them though

[@sydneyatkins6249]

Sure you dont mean skinkin?

[@nathanielleack4842]

@@sydneyatkins6249 you win the internet. Skinkin rad should be a new expression he uses regularly

[@thebananabeast2322]

don't you mean skinkin rad

[@ReqOreo]

And a 5 for being brave towards huge animals that can kill you

[@atozflypz5301]

Sandfish was actually my first ever reptile. The pet store I worked at carried 2.. This was about 10 years ago. I named her Dweebus because her face is absurd. I loved her. She was the best tbh. I remember how excited I got when I saw her hunting because you so rarely see them. Absolutely was my gateway drug into the hobby.

[@benjamindeez]

I got a crestie a couple months ago, but the voices in my brain are telling me to get another... and these little bbs look too cute for their own good

[@EllyEhEm]

Ah, I was almost sold until hearing they're mostly wild caught. I've never heard of these guys before though. They're heckin' neat. Thanks for sharing!

[@Lykoloo]

I had one of these and if I knew that they were wild caught I wouldn't have even considered it.

[@heysaucemikehere1804]

Seriously! That is such an amazing critter, I’m so drawn to it now. One day, if I can ever find a captive bred, I’m 10000% getting one of these guys. They’re insane

[@BillGates-hx3be]

I was sold. Bought a pair going to breed them. Lol.

[@ratlobber6670]

I got them secondhand from some breeders who were selling their colony because they had tegu eggs and no room for their Sandfish, and I ended up with a great deal on 4 females, along with their habitat

[@neo-filthyfrank1347]

"omg wahh wahh nope nuh uh perfect in every way but it's wild caught urgh nuh uh.... durr gotta think about the benefits to society that are abstract and will never affect me durrr..."

[@clydecrocodile101]

Bro that lizards head looks like a whole triangle... Ok it is kinda cute... Ok maybe I need a sandfish skink as my next pet skink. I have a broad head skink right now. also very good video like always.

[@davkaufmansreptileadventures]

I looked so hard for these in the wild and saw nothing but tracks. Oh well, I'll just have to go back one day. These are some of my favorite skinks!

[@rulysstopmotionmovies82]

You are trying to breed them or just to have as pet?(i know I am late )

[@burntleeches]

@@rulysstopmotionmovies82 Probably just trying to find one to look at! It’s what Dāv does

[@Coprolite19]

A sandfish I named sheldon was my first lizard and feeding was the main time I saw him out of the sand. It seeks like they can feel vibrations when bugs are on the sand near them. Mine eventually learned to come to me if he saw it was feeding time. Will always be one of my favorite lizards.

[@McKeelix]

I have a friend that lives out in the UAE. He was always so enthusiastic about the wildlife photos I sent him from the states, so I looked up animals native to his part of the world. He’d never even heard of them and immediately fell in love.

[@catherinehubbard1167]

Great, entertaining review as always. Respect to whoever came up with the name “Sand Fish.” Perfectly descriptive and a whimsical delight.

[@dolphinboi-playmonsterranc9668]

Maybe I'll consider picking up one of these cuties when they're more readily available as captive bred. I have a rather large tank at 55 gallons and I need something to fill it. But I'm too scared to get something that's difficult to maintain. It looks to be about 3 feet wide, so maybe if I was more experienced, I could install a heat lamp on one side and keep some geckos or something, but as I said, confidence is key and I don't really have that, and I don't want to cause any suffering for the lizards/reptiles that I would bring into my home.

[@lilalosh7481]

He looks a bit "Fishy".....

[@ClintsReptiles]

Agreed...

[@katelillo1932]

How does he breathe under the sand without it going up his nose? 😯

[@ClintsReptiles]

That is actually a cool story. Reptifiles discuss it on their page.

[@kali9769]

As you can see their nose is really small so sand doesnt get in their lungs

[@GhostMojojojo]

Probably they dont breath under the sand... maybe they can hold their breath very long

[@ToddDolce]

They use a straw as a snorkel.

[@lucariolps277]

I have only checked it on Wikipedia. The nostrils are very small so Sand is not likely to get in. They do breath under the Sand. It's interesting

[@rachelv6431]

I really love your videos. Your enthusiasm is infectious! Could you do a science video focused on the negative impacts of the exotic pet trade on wild populations of reptiles?

[@ClintsReptiles]

That is a really fantastic idea!

[@randomtube8226]

Notice how its reacting to the glass. Not good as it can cause nose rubbing. Over time this can lead to problems. Just wanted to point that out for anyone considering one of them as a pet. Definitely an awesome lizard!!!

[@aperson336]

They live is sand….. not sure you can get more abrasive then that

[@lindseywatkins2410]

What a cool skink congrats you managed to cover something I didn’t know existed.

[@ClintsReptiles]

Is this the first thing we've covered that you did know about?

[@lindseywatkins2410]

Clint's Reptiles this and the elephant trunk snake are the only animals I didn’t know about! I only breed crested geckos and gargoyles, but I love learning about everything and dreaming about owning them some day. I just love the simplicity of crested and gargoyle geckos since I’m so busy and have kids.

[@ce4341]

Your videos are awesome and consistently entertaining and informative. Even stuff I don't usually seek information on like skinks, i enjoy. 💪🏾🙏🏿

[@ClintsReptiles]

Thank you so much! Be careful, skinks are awesome. If you're not careful, they'll get you hooked. Silly little torpedos...

[@ce4341]

@@ClintsReptiles I handled a blue tongue skink at the last reptile expo and they are so awesome but I think I want to dive into the carpet python world for now! Skinks will have their time I'm sure 😎

[@ClintsReptiles]

They'll get you. Sometimes you don't even know that they're there, but then they pop out of the ground and steal your heart with their silly little legs...

[@tommytwobrews]

This is the best thumbnail design imo

[@RedLeader182]

For real. Shows exactly what the video about and isn't some clickbaity crap like certain other reptile channels..

[@Teamfiveguyarcade]

I can talk to a couple of these points that I wanted to add 1. I do recommend the dish as it’s a great way to monitor their intake. However I strongly recommend crickets 1/month. This is a major part of their wild diet and it makes for a type of food enrichment. Also with bowl training I found that you see the sand fish LESS than feeding them crickets (to put it lightly I will search through my sand to find my guys to make sure they are healthy and alive) 2. Breeding is a hassle, is extremely dangerous for the female and produces 7-9 eggs where the babies are sold for around $40-60 each. Other than that an awesome video

[@Mp3.v4mp]

Now the market is dead for them 😢 im getting one tmmr cause there so unique but im getting him for $10

[@breedlejuice8691]

I’ve never seen one of these goofy boys before! Amazing! Not a great pet, but a cool animal

[@JSDFEnthusiast]

I just love sand fish skink. Also love your videos and how much you care for the lizards and viewers. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@mister3horn153]

Awesome video!! Never heard of this guy before. Suggestion: A video on either the Amazon Tree Boa, the Green Tree Python, or the Emerald Tree Boa.

[@ClintsReptiles]

Thank you, and thank you for the suggestions.

[@ce4341]

Clint is awesome, stumbled upon him recently myself.

[@kyik3695]

This channel is so wholesome it's just a guy talking about his favourite reptiles

[@luvlost03]

And this is why I love this channel I have never heard of this animal and its freaking awesome thanks Clint you are awesome my friend.

[@amcgeckos]

Absolutely amazing footage!!! I absolutely love the Sandfish skinks face LOL 😁😉 adorable!! Thank you for sharing as always Clint!!! Keep up the great and amazing work!!! Loved learning the basic information on the Sandfish skink. I really love learning from your videos Clint and thank you for everything you do!!! Your truly amazing and inspirational man!!! YOUR #1 FAN ~ Amanda Mandigo

[@goose680]

Their scales are so smooth it almost looks wet😂

[@yesyes1299]

Finally a lizard i can keep on sand

[@ClintsReptiles]

Do you have a lot of sand that you don't know what to do with??

[@ratlobber6670]

@@ClintsReptiles more than likely

[@DraconisMarchVII]

@@ClintsReptiles There are a lot of lizards that pet stores say need only sand as a substrate when that's not good for them.

[@hunnydawg]

I just found some at my local reptile store. If they're ethically bred, I am so getting one tomorrow. Thank you for the information!

[@proudetobetaiwanese]

This was truly an amazing video. You did a beautiful job (as always) and you were really stinkin’ rad!

[@Emorybarr]

Nice vid I'm digging that skink no pun intended

[@ClintsReptiles]

That's one of the best ways to get a look at one :)

[@seratheeducatedfeline4227]

This video actually helped me identify a skink my mum saw when walking my dog in the desert. After brief research we think it’s an Arabian Sand Skink (makes sense as we live in Dubai). Wonderful video.

[@yashasvi6669]

"Bro what pet do you have?" "It's a sandfish" "What kinda fish is that?" "It's actually a lizard"

[@rainesrockinreptiles7356]

I've got 3 sandfish skinks, I rarely see them but they're super cool!! I'm working on breeding, I have a male and a female and 1 that is too young to tell yet. I've seen babies before and they're so cute!

[@jdssurf]

Any luck with them

[@rainesrockinreptiles7356]

@@jdssurf Unfortunately nothing yet, fingers crossed though

[@jdssurf]

Raine’s Rockin’ Reptiles cool you still have them though. I’ve had and bred reptiles since around 13 and I’m 45 now, I only keep pet reptiles now but that’s why I’ve been researching those Peters for awhile, breeding would be fun and help the species and wild caught issue, I’ve always liked sandfish but this video showing the face close ups, so unique and cute.

[@Blenduu]

07:31 American watching this from Africa. There's actually many very good habitat centers over here that do well with these and many other wild-caught and captive-born reptiles. Vets on premises with high standards of feeding and hydration.

[@annereilley4892]

Just get a box of sand and pretend it's in there, it gets a 5/5 rating.

[@3dPrintingMillennial]

This is probably the first reptile I ever saw. I was 6 and I'm 32 now. I've wanted one ever since. This video is perfect!

[@ClintsReptiles]

Sounds like they made the same impression on you that they did on me.

[@Sharpclaw2000]

I have a sandfish, he is super sweet and I see him much more than I thought I would. they eat a lot and hunt a lot, so you will see them every other day running around looking for food. IF you place the terrarium a bit higher and in a courner that is, and the basking spot needs to be hot enough, otherwise you really won't ever see the skink. I rescued mine, another guy had it and couldn't care for it anymore. But they are available as cbb in scandinavia. I hope to breed them one day, I really like these quick little fellas.

[@chesterswingjr9796]

I saw these at a reptile expo last month. I've never seen them before, but thought they looked awesome!!! The breeder had a tank of 20-30 babies that he breed. They were all about half the size of the one in the video. I didn't get one because I didn't know anything about their care. After watching this video, I think I might have to have a couple of these!!

[@nal004]

Your enthusiasm is something to behold

[@surihuang6678]

I love your channel! Could you do an episode of Day Gecko? They are quite common in the US. And they are beautiful! But I don’t know if I should get it as pet. Keep up with the good work.

[@RedLeader182]

They are beautiful, arguably one of the most beautiful lizards of all. But I think Clint would agree when I say that they are not really handle-able. They are not fans at all, and are kind of known for it. It's kind of a shame they are sold in big box Pet Stores to people who don't know this. So in the end, if you are okay with an extremely colorful decoration pet they will be great. But don't expect to be able to really hold them much.

[@incognitomode2616]

Day geckos are quite a lot like tropical fish. They are beautiful and fun to watch, but much like a tank full of t tropical fish, you shouldn’t handle them.

[@queencheetah1103]

Awww, the lizard was so cute! So unique, just like this video! 👏👏

[@zarianvi]

I'm so glad you made a video on these guys. I love watching them explore their enclosures and dig around. If you place rocks and logs in their enclosures they'll actually surface quite a bit to bask in the mornings and hunt and remain under sand mostly at noon or at nigt. I have a small colony of these guys and am trying to see if I can breed them, mostly cause I like them so much, but also to maybe make a small blip in the amount that get wild caught.

[@neemzito3159]

Fascinating. Thank you Mr. Clint!

[@kriamt27]

What good timing!! I just bought a trio last weekend. Such awesome little lizards~! I love my new box of sand!

[@Aquarimax]

Such a fascinating creature! Thank you Clint!

[@ClintsReptiles]

You bet. One of the coolest :)

[@berserkape1014]

And the search history is filled with the entry "grebe feet" already.

[@Tinyvalkyrie410]

Coots also have super odd feets.

[@silverschmid4591]

Mine too

[@That_One_Xatu]

my man is literally a piscine wyvern

[@erinevelyn4022]

what great content! loved learning more about this interesting animal! thank you!

[@ClintsReptiles]

Thank you so much! They are such interesting little Teflon doorstops.

[@Gyarren]

So cute! The little face!❤❤❤❤❤

[@carljohnson589]

Pretty cool that this guy just does what he loves on KZbin and just wants to spread the word of how cool reptiles are

[@trayas2272]

Skinks are so cool, we only ever really hear about the blue tongued skinks so it’s cool to see other varieties. The gidgee skink is my fav after watching your video on them!

[@ClintsReptiles]

I just love skinks!

[@ely6773]

Clint, keep up the amazing work!!! I’m really looking forward to the livestream btw

[@ClintsReptiles]

Thank you so much! It will be interesting for sure :)

[@senv_n]

I just subbed why? Cause i love how many exoticsyou have the info. And your voice 😊

[@elizabethstein369]

I actually just picked up a pair of these guys. I've been looking at them for awhile now and super happy with them. So weird looking and unique.

[@lizdyson3627]

I love these lizards. The look like the have literally just jumped straight from the pages of a Dr Seuss book

[@adhamelmaghalawi_7320]

Can u cover roughneck monitor lizards next?

[@lydialarry5562]

Clint looks at an animal, also Clint “that’s the best pet ever”

[@adriagan2469]

absolutely LOVE the thumbnail on this video i havent been watching lately and it grabbed me by the throat and shook me like a rag doll in the hands of an overzealous and sadistic child

[@ClintsReptiles]

Thank you for the feedback. It was a bit different for us, and it is good to hear that you liked it.

[@Kormelev]

Watching him dig in sand is strangely satisfying.

[@ech0222]

I usually don’t like lizards to just look at but this one is soo much fun to watch I’ll make an exception

[@austinkirkwood8264]

What a strange beauty! Great video!

[@MarkLatimerRussell]

I knew you were a reptile guy and when you said a grebe was a dinosaur I thought it would be a non avian reptile but I was pleasantly surprised.

[@the-campfire-dispatch9091]

I live in a colder region with semi-regular power outages, so I'm not sure that any pet reptile is right for me. But I absolutely love this channel. Your enthusiasm for reptiles is heart-warming. I love being exposed to so many new exotic reptiles. Have you considered profiling reptiles which might not be appropriate pets, but are still stinkin' rad?

[@jilliancrawford7577]

So what you're saying is these guys are basically living water-snake toys?

[@kieranodea771]

MY first lizard was a sandfish skink ! I got him from a place called catfish charlies in Colorado to !

[@11OBlitzO11]

This guy is awesome! The passion is contagious and I am completely indifferent to reptiles.

[@AFeralTrout420]

I love sand, it's soft, it's smooth, and silky, and it's everywhere

[@androidmk5987]

At repticon in Fayetteville I was shocked by not only were they for sale but for $25.00!

[@fortune2079]

i can feel his eyes pierce my soul

[@aaronburkeen6409]

I just saw this skink for first time at my local reptile shop and had a similar reaction to you. Then I see this video a couple days later.

[@richardbaez566]

Can you make a video about breeding reptiles? Maybe a top 5 best to breed and how to?

[@deathman6376]

I love your videos so much Clint. I tried to get my parents to allow me to buy a fire skunk but they wouldn't let me have 2 reptiles and I had to stay with my rad bearded dragon

[@rodberry792]

I live in Australia at a Beach house we have something similar here called a broad banded sand swimmer. Its longer and thinner, super fast and does the same sand diving trick. It comes and goes under my back door and I usually just glimpse it while sitting at my computer and its that fast it took 3 months before I was able to get a picture of it with my phone.

[@Knightman823]

My sand fish skink is having trouble shedding, what should I do?

[@robertjackson1813]

When I had a sand fish for water I had a 1 in PVC pipe and poured water into it and it made water under the sand in a small corner for humidity and drinking

[@re9gprii]

this is what people think snakes feel like.

[@willowmoon7]

Gosh this takes me back to the time Steve Irwin was in the desert trying to chase down a sandfish skink. Iirc it disappeared and he gave up.

[@mutantratz9225]

The face of the sandfish skin kinda reminds me of a platypus with it's flattened snout and it's very distinct eye.

[@mattjohnson7369]

"We'll show you" We'll call this Python a Ball Python, not a Royal Python thank you very much :).

[@BozoMakesMusic]

Once I saw these lizards, I fell in love with them.

[@kateowen-shore4088]

Their face and their scales makes them resemble Glass Lizzards! We used to get Glass Lizzards in our front yard. I think you'll like them. Look them up!

[@Incubansoul]

I feel like I fought this boss as Link in an old NES game.

[@francescarossi1250]

They are really shiny! And those little feet ! So cute and unusual, at least for me. Love from Italy

[@ClintsReptiles]

Crazy shiny and crazy feet. Much is crazy with these slippery little guys.

[@Dragonsmight5670]

Please talk about Ameiva lizards . specially the Ameiva Exsul

[@dennismerced5785]

My local pet store has two of these with a chibi Garra figure keeping them company

[@AutomatedLady]

Why do you suppose they have such bright and eye-catching coloration/patterning if they're usually hidden and covered?

[@hazelcraze4020]

breeding

[@XX-nl9sx]

Thank you for advocating for not buying wild caught animals Clint ❤ Wild animal populations thank you

[@bugloverspiderlover8490]

Most of my pets are wild caught,only two are captive bred. Luckily I breed my native species and release the young. My blue tailed skink is a wild caught specimen,but she quickly adapted to her new home and is doing great.

[@CARTUNE.]

They remind me of a lizard platypus.

[@franciscomachado5174]

just found this dude and he's so enthusiastic, i love it

[@flannelfishguy]

I CANNOT WAIT until i have more skink (and general reptiile) experience so I can feel responsible enough to get one!!! (hopefully by then theyll be available captive bred too haha) Right now, these funny friends are at the top of my reptile dream list, along with a sulcata tortoise!!! Yes I plan to rescue one, when I have enough space :D

[@ryanboscoe9670]

Just looked up a grebe and wasn't expecting what I saw.

[@simonsays5552]

He looks like a fishing lure! So cute tho!

[@lumberjackal2462]

Really unique animal, keep up the amazing content!!!

[@yacinek85]

We used to grab a bucket, go to the nearest sand dunes, and fill it. childhood days ^_^

[@rimed5718]

My skinks like it when I hold them in my warm hands. They'd be all agitated and moving, until I hold them the same way sand would embrace them. I do wonder though if they appreciate my affection.

[@stfinalwrath]

I know this video is a year old but I wanna get one of these now lol. They're pretty interesting.

[@apithonor]

When I clicked on your new video today, I misread it at first "sandfish shark". Then I get to the video, realised it was a skink (first time I have seen one of these, so tyvm for this video! Not a skink for me, but really lovely to see), and saw that face... Nope. That's a sandfish shark. *nods*

[@alexdattel2757]

So those are the mighty sand sharks :D

[@ClintsReptiles]

Yes. Any if you're small enough, they're terrifying...

[@mr.piggly5884]

His scales look like they are painted on fish scales