Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got in a lovely monitor, but it's been quite a while since I dealt with the larger monitors, and I am not sure which it is. My camera is not available to take pics and post at the moment, either, so I'm trying to view pics of each species to ID it. I'm leaning towards it being a Nile, but am just not sure yet. None of the pics I've seen really have been close enough to help.

What is the definitive way to distinguish the Niles from the Water monitors? This one is about 28" STL, maybe 12-13" SVL. Doesn't seem particularly aggressive, though he's only been here about 15 minutes. It is very curious, exploring the cage with tongue-flicks, and doesn't seem flighty. The poor critter was pulled from the city projects where it was in an aquarium with nothing in it (except poop, according to the ACO that brought it here).

Any help is appreciated. As soon as I can find my camera and take pics, I'll post.

Thanks,

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Bonnie Keller
VA Reptile Rescue
www.vareptilerescue.org

Easiest way to tell between water and nile is nostril placement. Niles are closer to the eyes and waters are near the end of the snout. Hope this helps.

Jim

Thanks! This is a Nile monitor, then, as I thought. Lovely critter. As soon as I can post the pic, he'll be for adoption on the adoption classifieds. Appreciate your help!
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Bonnie Keller
VA Reptile Rescue
www.vareptilerescue.org