Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, so I had a quick question about a 4x4x2 cage I am building for a juvi Melinus. Since it is 4 feet tall, would it be too arid in there if I put a screen hole for ventilation? I at first thought to make a small opening in the side, but I am afraid it will out all the humidity. I think just opening the door to the cage would be enough.

So should I go with no ventilation at all? Thanks! Sorry if this has been posted before.

I use an AC/heating vent that can be opened or closed for my enclosures. This allows me to better control the humidity.

That's a great idea, thanks

Hi Lindsey, can you post pics of your melinus? I don't know many people who have them and I kinda like the look of them.

Thanks,
Susan.

Sure, here it is. Most of them are very beautiful.

Thanks. I'm not sure the picture does it justice, but I appreciate you posting it. What do you think of them as a species to keep? I've heard conflicing points of view and was just curious. I'm wondering if they're comparable to V. Indicus.
I like the looks of the ones for sale in the classifieds. They're long and lean, but not too big.

Susan.

No the picture doesn't do it justice, but my camera is not very good and he's almost always hiding anyways. Well, my opinion of them so far is so so, being as mine is just a juvenile. The thing with Melinus is that many people view them different ways. I have searched everywhere for info on these guys and my conclusion is this...

It depends on the individual you have, and how outgoing that individual is. Mine is like most would describe, extremely elusive and not fond of interaction of any sort. With a lot of patience though, he is improving. This is why a lot of large scale breeders probably dislike them, because they didn't have time to work with each animal enough to make come out of it's shell a little more. But some are very friendly and stay in plain view most of the time. But in general, if you want a monitor that will boldly take food from tongs every time or stay out all day, I would stay clear of this species just in case.

As far them in relation to indicus (I don't keep them), I would say that they are very similar and have even heard of them sharing the same enclosure. There are also melinus/indicus hybrids. Temperament wise they are about the same, with melinus being a bit calmer than indicus, or so I've heard.

Overall, I really enjoy mine. He doesn't come out often, but I am not really fond of handling him or that sort of thing so it works out fine for me. If you are used to keeping indicus or other shy species, you may enjoy them as well. There are a few in the classifieds that claim to have an outgoing animal, if so that would be the one to get I guess.

Thanks for that great response to my question!
Full of interesting info, esp them crossing with Indicus!
I'm still very intrigued by them and not really bothered about having to work with them to gain their trust. To me, that's a challenge I enjoy and it makes me respect them, all the more.

Good luck with yours and if you ever do get some good pics, would love to see them!

Susan.

Your very welcome! When I move him into his new enclosure he'll be more visible and hopefully I'll snap some decent photos.

There's also these, but still not the best of pics.