Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a Black Throated Monitor over the weekend, from who I thought had him for some time. (Since he was hatched) I got her for a pretty decent price, she is 3 years old, and I would say about 4 feet long maybe. Very large.

I have a questin in regards to her health though. I have had monitors, and they always are using their tongue. It seems like it is 8 inches long, and always using it to explore.

She has not stuck out her tongue once? I have had her here for three days, she has eating three rats, and even then never uses her tongue.

1. Do Black Throats have the tongue like a Water Monitor?

2. If so, could it be missing for some reason and how would I tell? (Wierd question maybe)

Thanks for the help.

--Subie

Hmmmm. I'm not sure but i would have to guess that the tounge on a water is the same as the blackthroat. I haven't heard of any differences.
Strange that you haven't seen it, I don't really know what to say.

Yeah, I thought so. I was not sure. She looks very healthy but I thought this was strange. I wish I could figure it out. She is not too friendly just yet, she seemed a little more friendly when I got her so I think she is a little stressed out maybe?

I was not sure if that had something to do with it. If anyone else has any info I would greatly appreciate it.

Yeah, allow her several weeks to get used to the new environment.

reaching just 4 ft in 3 years is very small for a Blackthroat, far from optimal. and suspicious.

certainly folks raise up monitors from hatchlings all the time, but there are also TONS of folks that sell wild caught adults with a little "history" story of captive breeding, captive raising, "long term captive", etc.

beware of such stories.

as for the tongue, i have seen excitable monitors in a feeding frenzy lunge at anything that moves, including another animals' flickering tongue. quick bite, and presto, no more tongue...
-----
robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Wow, that is disappointing... Thanks for the info I really appreciate it. I am taking her to my vet this week to have her checked out and see. I am sure it is quite possible I was fed a story.

Thanks again!

--Subie

What and how often are you feeding her?
What is her basking temp set at?

Im willing to bet if you up the basking temp, and feed her chicks daily with an occasional rat she will grow more.