Black water monitor (Varanus salvator komaini)
Monitors & tegus · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Black water monitor (Varanus salvator komaini) (origin: Southern Thailand). Adult size around 130–180 cm. Life expectancy 15–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Black water monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?
350×150×150 cm for a pair.
Black water monitor: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–33 °C, basking spot Basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 22–26 °C.
Black water monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0).
Black water monitor: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–25 years.
Black water monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–26 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 45–50 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 12.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 350×150×150 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with a large, deep water section
Feeding
- Food
- Insects, rodents, fish and eggs depending on the species; regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 130–180 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–25 years
- Origin
- Southern Thailand
- Protection status
- CITES II — proof of origin required
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler in winter
- Cohabitation
- Keeping it singly is the least stressful option. A pair (1.1) is kept, but two males must never share an enclosure because of the risk of serious, sometimes fatal, dominance fights in monitors. Even in a pair, each animal needs its own water access plus basking and retreat spots.
Notes
A jet-black form of the water monitor. It needs a very large water basin.
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Related species
- Argus monitor (Varanus panoptes) – Expert
- Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) – Expert
- Blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) – Expert
- Blue-tailed monitor (Varanus doreanus) – Intermediate to expert
- Finsch's monitor (Varanus doreanus finschi) – Expert
- Boatsi tree monitor (Varanus boatsi) – Expert
- Bogert's tree monitor (Varanus bogerti) – Expert
- Lace monitor (Varanus varius) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Black water monitor (Varanus salvator komaini) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (350×150×150 cm for a pair), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with a large, deep water section), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_monitor, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Varanus&species=salvator
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).