Reptoria

Spiny-tailed monitor – brachyurus (Varanus acanthurus brachyurus)

Monitors & tegus · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Spiny-tailed monitor – brachyurus (Varanus acanthurus brachyurus) (origin: Western Australia). Adult size around 50–65 cm. Life expectancy 10–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Spiny-tailed monitor – brachyurus: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150×80×80 cm for a pair.

Spiny-tailed monitor – brachyurus: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 30–36 °C, basking spot Basking spot 50–60 °C — pygmy monitors need a genuinely hot spot, at night 20–24 °C.

Spiny-tailed monitor – brachyurus: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0).

Spiny-tailed monitor – brachyurus: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–20 years.

Spiny-tailed monitor – brachyurus: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
30–36 °C
Night temperature
20–24 °C
Basking spot
Basking spot 50–60 °C — pygmy monitors need a genuinely hot spot
Humidity
30–50 %
UVB
Essential (UVB 12.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size
150×80×80 cm for a pair
Substrate
A deep sand-loam mix they can dig in, with stone slabs and cork tubes

Feeding

Food
Insects of all kinds, occasionally nestlings and eggs; regularly with calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
50–65 cm
Life expectancy
10–20 years
Origin
Western Australia
Protection status
Australia has not exported wildlife for decades — only European captive-bred animals; CITES II
Brumation
A cooler rest of 6–8 weeks at 18–22 °C
Cohabitation
Single housing. Least stressful for the animal, as wild ackies mostly live alone. A pair (1.1) or one male with two females only works in a large enclosure with several heat and hiding spots; females may share burrows. Never keep males together.

Notes

The short-tailed form of the spiny-tailed monitor. Very popular and easy to breed.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Spiny-tailed monitor – brachyurus (Varanus acanthurus brachyurus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×80 cm for a pair), substrate (A deep sand-loam mix they can dig in, with stone slabs and cork tubes), 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: 7 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Ridge-tailed monitor / V. acanthurus (Wikipedia): Inkubation 3-5 Monate, bis 18 Eier – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridge-tailed_monitor, Timor monitor / V. timorensis (Wikipedia): 3-4 Monate Inkubation, bis 11 Eier – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timor_monitor, https://arod.com.au/arod/reptilia/Squamata/Varanidae/Varanus/acanthurus/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridge-tailed_monitor, https://reptifiles.com/ackie-monitor-care/

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).