Mitchell's water monitor (Varanus mitchelli)

Short answers

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

At least 180×90×120 cm with a large water section and branches to climb (they use tree hollows on the bank).

Mitchell's water monitor: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 45–55 °C, at night 22–25 °C.

Mitchell's water monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5).

Mitchell's water monitor: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 10–15 years.

Mitchell's water monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–32 °C

Night temperature

22–25 °C

Basking spot

45–55 °C

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5)

Enclosure

Minimum size

at least 180×90×120 cm with a large water section and branches to climb (they use tree hollows on the bank)

Substrate

A diggable bank zone, a large water section, cork and branches to climb

Feeding

Food

Small lizards, insects, fish, crabs, frogs, bird nestlings, reptile eggs

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 60–70 cm total length

Life expectancy

approx. 10–15 years

Origin

Northern Australia (the Kimberley in WA, the Northern Territory; waterways)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B → registration required, proof of origin; IUCN "Critically Endangered" (cane toads)

Brumation

no real winter rest

Cohabitation

Keep them singly (shy and territorial); successful groups are documented only in large zoo or communal facilities. A pair only with a great deal of space and supervision.

Notes

Very shy and nervous; it flees into the water; rare in private hands. Populations have crashed by up to 97 % in places because of cane toads (IUCN CR). Semi-aquatic; it climbs and uses tree holes near the water.

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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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Mitchell's water monitor (Varanus mitchelli) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (at least 180×90×120 cm with a large water section and branches to climb (they use tree hollows on the bank)), substrate (A diggable bank zone, a large water section, cork and branches to climb), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.