The land mullet (Bellatorias major) is one of the largest members of the skink family (Scincidae).

The species may reach total lengths of up to 60 cm (23.6 inches). They are uniform glossy black to brown, with a paler ring around the eye. Their colour, along with their large size, allow them to maintain a body temperature of 30 degrees Celsius; they spend much of the day basking in the sun. Adult males have slightly shorter bodies but slightly longer forelimbs and heads than adult females. The ventral side (belly) ranges in colouration from auburn (orange-brown) to white, Juveniles have prominent cream lateral spots.

It is long-lived - with one captive female lizard known to have lived for at least 23 years.

The common name “land mullet” is said to date back to Longman (1918), who reported it to be in common usage for the species around Tamborine Mountain. The name probably alludes to the superficial resemblance to the homonymous fish, which has a similarly blunt head, large scales and is of similar size and coloration.

  • bedwyr@piefed.caEnglish
    3·
    22 hours ago

    Thank you for the animal post, we need more of these, that is one of the things I miss most about the large social media site I left for this, forget what they called it.

    What do they eat and all that? I should look it up myself. I’m not an aussie though. Are they poisonous? I guess it australia it’s more remarkable if it isn’t poisonous/toxic whatever. They have fucking hawks that pick up fire brands, and drop them on other unburned areas. The continent is just hardcore in their animal life. A type of nettle, gimpy gimpy is it, that can kill you. Plants too.