Average Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 2.33 (1=lowest, 5=highest)Last Updated: 03/07/2006
Main Category:
Lizards
Sub Category:
Monitors
Care Sheet Submitted By:
MonitorKing
Years Experience:
5 to 10 Years
Species:
Crocodile Monitor or (Varanus salvadorii)
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover:
Crocodile monitors may grow to a maximum length of 12 feet from head to the tip of its tail; and is currently recognized as the longest lizard in the world. Like all other monitor lizards of the Varandae family, the crocodile monitor can be distinguished by it’s long thin forked tongue; the only other reptiles to share this common trait are snakes. It possess long sharp teeth, which enables it to easily hold its prey within its mouth while climbing up and down trees. Crocodile monitors also have 5 strongly clawed digits on its 4 appendages.
Its smooth skin is sought after by natives of Papua New Guinea, for the skin of Kundu Drums. Its head and neck are long, and are both covered by overlapping polygonal shaped scales. The crocodile monitor also has a particularly long and sturdy tail that may be aptly used in self-defense.
The skin of the crocodile monitor is predominately black covered with white specks or dots on its body. The most distinguishable aspect of this lizard, apart from other members of the Varandae family; is its exceptionally long and sleek body.
Coloration is black with yellow dotting and a blue/green tint upon pebbled scales. Croc monitors are massive claws, prehensile tail, huge teeth and incredible size potential all in a snuggly little bundle. Keep in mind that most of the animal’s length is made up by prehensile tail. These lizards are highly intelligent, with the piercing eyes of a being that has something going on upstairs.
Crocodile monitors can become tame, sweet captives if treated with the utmost respect and understanding that they are also potent predators that evolved to survive harsh conditions met in Indonesian jungles. My Croc is an 8’ male that is extremely tolerant of human interaction. To successfully maintain this species one must provide suitable space and dedication. 14’ x 8’ x 4’ are cage dimensions for our 1.3 group, with a separate breeding/nesting enclosure measuring 12’ x 2’ x 2’.
Sexing and Characteristics:
I do not know how to tell male or female visually but probing will give you your answers. Female Crocs are Very VERY rare.
Mostly Active During:
Both
Substrate and Water Needs:
Ground can be either Sand or a mix of sand and wood.
1/4 Of the room needs some kind of area for the Monitor to completely Submerge. Also give Him/Her a place to climb.
Lighting and UVB:
I Recommend UVB and UV.
Temperatures and Humidity:
Keep whole room with UVB and 1/4 with a basking area.
Heating and Equipment:
Make sure if you have a pool it is at about 70 degrees F. There should be NO heating pads or rocks.(May Burn Monitor)
Caging Provided:
I have a 15’x15’x15’ Room he is in with a built in pool covering about 1/4 of the room. (They Love to Swim)
But a home made cage should be at least 14’ x 8’ x 4’
Diet:
Carnivorous
Description of Diet:
Within its natural habitat, the Crocodile Monitor feeds mostly on carrion and other small reptiles; but outside of its habitat as a pet it may eat mice, rats and Rabbits. You can occasionally do eggs.
!!!WARNING!!!
DO NOT FEED IN HIS/HER REGULAR HOME WERE YOU HANDLE HIM/HER. FEED IN OTHER LOCATION! IF YOU DO THIS THE MONITOR WILL EVENTUALLY, GUARANTEED, THINK YOU OR YOUR BODY PARTS ARE FOOD.
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage:
I Use Zoo-Med Monitor Vitamin Powder.
Maintenance:
The Monitor Basically has dog sized turds! You will have to clean every 4-6 days. They are Constantly shedding so you don’t have to worry about picking them up. The sometimes make a bloody mess with their food if it is too big so go with food the size of its head.
Some Words on this Species:
Overall ill say again."Crocodile monitors can become tame, sweet captives if treated with the utmost respect and understanding that they are also potent predators that evolved to survive harsh conditions"
Make sure you have experience with monitors before buying this animal.
If your looking for a Monitor try a "Savannah Monitor"
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