Spiny tailed monitor (Varanus acanthurus)

Scientific Name: Varanus acanthurus

Common Name: Spiny tailed monitor

Distribution: Northern Australia and a couple of islands off the Northern and West coast of Australia.

Surroundings: Mainly ground dweller.

Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical

Length: 45 - 70 cm.
Pattern and color: -

Sex determination: Hard to distinguish; It seems like only experienced Monitor Lizard keepers can determine (guess) the sex. The only 100% guarantee for a male is showing the hemipenis externally. In the other case laying eggs seems to be the only 100% guarantee for an animal of the female sex.
Enclosure size: Advised: 120 * 50 * 50 for a pair. (l*w*h).
The animals can be kept in small groups. Only one male per enclosure. It seems like keeping this species pair wise leads to the best breeding results.
Animals per enclosure: They can be kept in groups most of the times.

Temperature:

Daytime gradient: 24º-28º Celsius

Daytime baskingspot: 45º-55º Celsius

Nighttime: +16º Celsius

Diet: Insects, small reptiles and small mammals.
Humidity: -

Remarks: This is the Australian dwarf species that is by far kept the most in captivity.


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