Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have heard really good things as far as the temperment of blackthroats, but not much on the temperment of argus monitors. I already have a savanah and several snakes. Im looking into getting a species that get larger than a savy but im very concerned about the temperment of such a large strong lizard. Any imput would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Matt F.

Whatever you get dont expect it to be anything but highly ornery. If you are worried about it dont get a bigger monitor.

I do know a 6' blackthroat that is extremely mellow, she really could care less what us stupid humans are doing. She loves getting scratched on her head and sides, etc. Course if she is in a mood she will put a welt an inch wide across your face with incredible accuracy.

Actually get a caimen, about 3'-4' or so, for about a month. Then you wont ever worry about a monitor of any size again hahaha.

Tom

The thing about a 3 to 4 foot caiman is they don't have as many weapons as a monitor. Their mouths and teeth are large, and you need to know what you are doing when you mess with one. Monitors have longer/sharper claws, a whip for a tail, and are more agile.

I kept a caiman for a while untill I found it a good home at a crocodilian zoo. One its mouth was secure it might as well have been a kitten. With monitors you need to hold on and watch everything.

Feeding time was very interesting with the caiman though. I miss it!

4 foot dumeril monitor

3.5 foot spectacled caiman

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Ed

hahha how true, nothing like a monitor rear claw death grip on various body parts to wake you up! Even the little fellas can wreak havoc on your forearm with that little maneuver. Plus those tail whips are hilarious, especially fun when they are sitting in 3 inches of water they just crapped in...SLAAAAAAAAP SPLAAAAAASH EEWWWWWWWWW. Plus they have the 'how the heck did they reach their head all the way around?' bite thing going for them.

Yesterday I had to remove a leopard tort from a water tray in a large blackthroat enclosure...with a large blackthroat in the water with him (long story). So...as I was reaching for the tort (big dude, needed both hands) my face was nice and exposed. He doesnt miss much with that tail...

Ok I stand corrected hahhaha.

But I will say grabbing a hold of a caimen conditioned for feeding time is a-whole-nother level of GOOD GOD.

HEY WHEN HE OPENS THAT IT MEANS FEEDING TIME OH MY GOD I MUST LEAP THAT WAY COMPLETELY IN THE AIR IMMEDIATELY WITH MY JAWS SNAPPING AT EVERYTHING

Tom

Sweet Caimen pic. I couldn't help but notice: Thick gloves with Monitor. Bare hands Caimen. You made you point well.