Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This group is really confusing, as to what is what... is there anyone able to explain this tangle?

They are a bit like todays cars, They all have different motors and parts, do different thinks, made in different countries, yet they all look alike. Unless you look close.

There are many groups of monitors that have members that are so very similiar. Like the gouldi group, indicus, doreanus, acanthurus, tristis are a few examples.

In fact, the gouldi group has far more differences then the other groups. With the other groups, local and being isolated is the cause. With the gouldi complex, that is not the key, they ofter overlap without intergration. As many as three types can be found in one spot.

Because they are so similiar in appearence, you should first read as much as you can. Which at first will be very confusing. Then actually look at the animals. It really helps if you live or can see them in nature, as in the states, many are labelled wrong.

Also, they are broken down into only a few types in literature, where in reality(nature) they really are many, many, types.

A hint, many of the external parts are different. examples, the ridge on the tail, the nose opening(nare) the ear opening, the eyes, skin texture(scales) are a few. As well as hidden things like how they reproduce, for instance, their eggs are very different from eachother. Color and pattern is also different, if you know what to look for.

I will say, once you own the different types, there is no confusing them, the reason, they are indeed different.

Now go read up and come back and tell me what the differences are. Thanks FR