Prehensile Tailed skink - twin size difference

Our skinks had twins a couple of years ago, and one is about half the size of the other. Both are healthy, so I'm not worried about that, but does anyone have any idea why this may have happened?

It is possible that one devloped faster than the first, thus taking in more nutrition than the other, causing a depleted development. My sub-adult pair delivered me two slugs, one larger than the other, from last years mating.

LEEWAY CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (LCRC)


Hello,


Despite vast research on this species, We personally only had one set of twins - both were of equal size. The Naples zoo has a photograph of a female with twins which look about equal size. However, based on reports of others, the reduction in size of the second twin is common and appears normal with normal development. The size difference of a second neonate is not uncommon in other animals, cockatoos for instance. I wouldn't be too alarmed, but, of course, keep close tabs on them. If they are eating and are still with their parents, It's a watch and wait situation.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Brian
LCRC

Originally Posted by sully1212

It is possible that one devloped faster than the first, thus taking in more nutrition than the other, causing a depleted development. My sub-adult pair delivered me two slugs, one larger than the other, from last years mating.

A good assessment. Once born, however, with proper nourishment survival rates of a smaller twin appear good.

Sincerely,
Brian
LCRC

Thanks for the replies. We had 3 offspring at our zoo before we removed the female. The twins are about two and a half years old now, so they're doing fine despite the size difference. I was more curious than anything about what would cause that to happen.

Have you ever seen any instances of sperm retention in this species? The female has been in a different cage for some time now but another keeper says she looks gravid again (personally, I don't think she is, but that's what he keeps suggesting).