Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. I'm doing some research for a friend. They are interested in getting a monitor. What's the best monitor for a beginner? They are not concerned about how big it will get, just one that will be tame and easy to care for.
Thank you for any information you can give me.

Barbara

That would be the best place to start and research those monitors & ask us questions.

A lot of people say Ackie, Ackie, Ackie. Sometimes people want to over look that species thinking it is only a beginner monitor and they want something different or more challenging. Something that not everyone has...........

I say ACKIE!!! They are one of the most engaging, interesting, personable, and naturally tame monitors I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. I love mine.

Here is their baby pic.

Hello Gene.

Thank you for the reply. I'm not sure what my friend is interested in. He just said he saw an animal show and they had Monitors in it. All I know, is he doesn't mind how big it gets and is easily tamed down. I'm a Uromastyx and Blue Tongue skink person so I'm not sure what an Akey is. Can you give me the full name so I can research it?

Thank you,

Barbara

You can find the by searching for "Ackie", "spiny tailed monitor", or "varanus acanthurus".

If you want a larger monitor with great potential check for white or black throat monitors & water monitors. A few medium sized ones would be flavi argus crosses, dumerils, or black roughnecks.

we have lots of monitor info on our site, check out the caresheet and FAQ sections.

pay particular attention to the Ackies and Ionides (Blackthroat) info, they are both great species to work with.

best of luck!
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles