Finsch's monitor (Varanus doreanus finschi)

Short answers

Finsch's monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?

250×120×150 cm for a pair.

Finsch's monitor: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–33 °C, basking spot Basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 22–26 °C.

Finsch's monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0).

Finsch's monitor: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–25 years.

Finsch's 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

250×120×150 cm for a pair

Substrate

Forest-floor substrate with a large water section and climbing branches

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

100–130 cm

Life expectancy

15–25 years

Origin

New Britain and New Guinea

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 possible, but two males must never be housed together because of the risk of serious dominance fights. Even in a pair, each animal needs its own basking spot, climbing opportunities and water access.

Notes

A strikingly blue-spotted tail. Fond of both climbing and swimming.

Do you keep this species?

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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
• Boatsi tree monitor (Varanus boatsi) – Expert
• Bogert's tree monitor (Varanus bogerti) – Expert
• Lace monitor (Varanus varius) – Expert
• Timor monitor (Varanus timorensis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Finsch's monitor (Varanus doreanus finschi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×120×150 cm for a pair), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with a large water section and climbing branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.