Spiny mangrove monitor (Varanus indicus spinulosus)

Short answers

Spiny mangrove monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?

250×120×120 cm for a pair.

Spiny mangrove monitor: What temperature does it need?

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

Spiny mangrove monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0).

Spiny mangrove monitor: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–25 years.

Spiny mangrove 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

250×120×120 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

90–120 cm

Life expectancy

15–25 years

Origin

The Solomon Islands

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 climbing opportunities, basking and hiding spots, and water access.

Notes

The island form of the Pacific monitor. Very fast and fond of water.

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
• 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 Spiny mangrove monitor (Varanus indicus spinulosus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×120×120 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.