BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hello, I’d just like some help IDing this bts. The people selling him over kijiji say that he was sold to them (off of kijiji) as a northern, but I think he looks like a lot of the merakues out there. Thoughts?

Hey Tasha!

Fully agree you've not got a Northern. Do you happen to have an image (or know) the pattern on the underside? If it's small amounts of black dots, with mainly pink/whiteish colour - it could be a Merauke. However, to me it's looking more like a Halmahera (which would have primarily dark colours underside, big areas of black/with splotches of pink patches).

But definitely need to keep your Bluey in humid conditions (60-80% if Merauke, 80-90% if Halmahera). Hope this gives an idea to start with!

Also - is the mouth ok? It looks a little crusty - it could be potential mouth issues, especially as they thought (s)he was a Northern (or possibly just some food if you've recently fed them!). I would keep a check on it Depending on how many others were in the shop, it may be an idea to tell Kijiji they are not Northerns...

All the best!

I have no idea what he underside looks like, only these pictures were posted. I did a lot of hunting through pictures, and it looks like Meraukes have slimmer heads, maybe.

I think I’m going to pass on this particular bluey but I might pick up a Merauke from a shop instead. I’m not sure how I didn’t notice the mouth, but yes that doesn’t look great. I’ll let the sellers know about the type it could be!

Thanks!