Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Everyone,

I'm relatively new to monitors and was going to purchase a yellow tree monitor.

I've done a little reading and they don't seem to be overly aggressive, and their housing requirements are typically for a medium size monitor.

If you currently have one in your collection, how are they to work with? Would you recommend a yellow tree monitor? They seem to retain their yellow coloration well into adulthood.

Thanks,

Susan P.

Hi Susan,

Varanus melinus is an insular aquatic specialized Varanus, and quite rare (probably) in the wild as over-collecting has probably had a detrimental effect of its wild populations.

It is a specialized Varanus, and probably not the best for a novice varanophile keeper - maybe a roughneck (V. rudicollis) if you want an aquatic species - none of them tame down readily, except maybe a water monitor. As a novice, I would first get used to keeping the more familiar, easier kept savanna monitor to get some experience about monitors...

If your dead-set on V. melinus, then I would suggest you find a copy of my article from Vivarium Magazine, June-July 1999 issue where I co-authored a paper on V. melinus; it is the only paper on general natural history in english - the others on taxonomy, breeding and so on are in german language.

good luck,
mbayless

the Melinus are a very pretty animal, but not at all a beginner animal, like Mark said.

if you get a Melinus for your first animal, you may not want to deal with monitors again, it can be that unpleasant.

try starting with a better "pet" monitor, and one that allows you to learn the ropes without paying too heavy a price (mentally, physically, and monetarily). i would STRONGLY suggest Ackies, nothing else even comes close

you can see lots of monitor info on different species at our site, check out the caresheets and FAQ
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles