Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im looking at getting an argus and I have a few questions. One is I heard they have some aggression issues but i've also heard you can tame them down as well. Im just looking for some personal opinions on this topic. Also what are some reputable breeders for an argus? I don't mind spending a few more dollars for a healthy monitor in opposed to a WC one with parasites. Im running late for work but I will get into more detail when I get off. Thanks for the help, Landon

Argus monitors are very active. They like to dig and explore the cage all day long. They do not want to be held. They are not usually defensive biters, but they will hiss and wiggle to get back on to the ground. They will, however, rush the cage door if they believe you are offering food, so a bite from this mistake is not out of the question. I enjoy this species more than any other. They are bold and uninhibited and inquisitive monitors. I've not heard of a wild caught one. They are most commonly captive bred. I hatched a few out a little over a year ago with zero monitor breeding experience. I have kept monitors for many years, though. Good luck. Be prepared to build an adult cage that is at least 8 x 4 foot floor space and one or two feet of dirt substrate to dig and burrow into.

i've been keeping argus for years now and agree with the previous comments. but wild caught, farm raised, and captive hatched argus are still common unfortunately. i know this because i was in the market for some hatchlings few months ago and had to weed through a few dealers before i found some captive bred babies.

just to add my 2 cents about cage size, i think 8x4 floor space should be the absolute minimum an adult argus monitor should have. i keep mine in a 8x4x6 for the winter months but they live in a much larger outdoor cage for the summers. the poor guys look depressed when i bring them in for the cold months. i feel quilty about it.

cheers
shay