Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am new to monitors, but I wan't to get one. I don't want an ackie, because they are too expensive. And I don't think my family would want me getting anything as big or as bigger then a savanah monitor (i know, right?). So what is a small sized monitor cheaper then an ackie but smaller then a savannah that is good for begginers. Thanks in advance.
-Steve
www.youtube.com/hiimsteveduh

None.

I would save until I could afford an Ackie or consider a different reptile.

Just save some money for an extra couple of weeks or whatever it takes, you will not be dissapointed...

Goodluck
Mike.

Is there any other small monitor species good for begginers? Money isn't really a big problem for me, I just don't really like the way they look. (I think their body thickness dosn't fit in proportionally with the tail thickness, which makes them look a bit odd and also I don't really like the way their spikey tail looks.)

If money isn't an issue now and you don't like the look of Ackies perhaps consider Tristis. They are becoming considerably more available, but do differ to some degree in personality.

Since money isnt a problem though, you should really just give Ackies a chance...they really do not dissapoint. Try to find one person who has experiance with them who does not like them, infact even I thought they were ugly at once, but now they are an absolute blast.

Cheers,
Mike.

Thanks for the info., i really like those black heads. and i will reconsider ackies, but i think tristis looks better proportionally.

I have a red ackie, and have had several now over the years (sold, traded, etc).I have a large male flavi-argus, to me the ackie is just like a miniature flavi-argus, just a fatter, more colorful, spikey tail, and with less attitude.
At one time I thought they seemed a bit odd in shape until I got some, also some ackies are fat, personally mine never got fat, they were active, and stayed in proportionate shape.

I hear two or three kept well in a proper enclosure is a total riot to watch. Much better than TV.

These guys are right, our family has fallen in love w/ our Ackies. I've had the pair for just over 2 months & the female dropped 5 eggs last Friday. She takes lobster roaches & pinkies right from my fingers and will crawl to the door when we tap. I have kids (6 & 8 yr olds) and they love to watch them. I wish there was more info on them, but you guys have blessed us w/ your knowledge & experiences.

-Chuck

>>I am new to monitors, but I wan't to get one. I don't want an
>> ackie, because they are too expensive.

I don't want to sound harsh, but if you can't afford an ackie, you can't afford to take proper care of any monitor. The cost of feeding, housing, and heating will more than exceed the cost of the animal itself. Ackies, being relatively small and hardy, are one of the cheaper monitors you can get when all things are considered.

Best of luck,

Luke

Females usually have more of the fat abdomen, mostly because of eggs and you want to keep them well fed.
Males I find tend to be leaner if you don't overfeed the adults.

If you want a monitor that you can interact with then go with the Acanthurus. Tristis are much more flighty in general and not a species you can hold for any length of time.
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Mike