The back of the Togo Fire Skink is a dark gold to tan color with small reddish black markings spattered unevenly across the back between the head and the base of the tail. The sides are dark red with large black markings, breaking up the red. They have small legs that are usually solid black. Fire Skinks have long, clawed toes to aid in digging, and special scales that protect their ear openings while they are borrowing. Togo Fire Skinks can grow to about 1 foot in length.
Males tend to be longer and more heavily bodied than females.
Togo Fire Skinks have been known to live as long as 20 years in captivity. The Togo Fire Skink is native to the woodlands and subtropical rainforests of Togo and Ghana. They were first identified in 1836, and there is still much debate about their scientific classification. Ideally, they should have a substrate that they can burrow in, as it will make them feel more secure. If you prefer to use newspaper or Astroturf, make sure you provide plenty of hiding spaces for your skink.