skink and gecko

Question
is it possible to keep a occellated skink and a bibron's gecko together? they have the same needs (heating, lighting and substrate, i would use herbi-floor) but i thought i would check.

Answer
Hi Adam,

The usual and most cautious recommendation is to stick to single species enclosures in reptile keeping. Interspecies aggression and disease transmission are the major reasons cited. However, mixed species community tanks can certainly be kept successfully and are maintained by both small-scale hobbyists and major zoos.

This is an article by veteran breeders and authors Dick and Patti Bartlett on the topic:

http://www.petplace.com/reptiles/planning-the-perfect-community-reptile-tank/pag...

There are a few criteria that will help ensure success with a mixed species tank and the combination of animals that you are considering do meet the ones that I would consider the most important.

The species need the same environment and should be around the same size. A young, slender occellated would *not* be a good mix with a full sized adult Bibron's!

You have a diurnal terrestrial skink and a nocturnal arboreal gecko. When animals occupy different spaces and times within the enclosure like that it helps to reduce any interaction and food competition. Ideallly, they should be completely unaware of each other. A spacious enclosure with plenty of foliage or hiding areas is also recommended.

It is best to start with captive bred, well established animals and observe them closely for the first few weeks to make sure each is settlling in and feeding.