Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What are some easy to keep and breed species of monitor that dont get very large and are common in the trade? I love monitor species but I just dont have room for an adult nile or savanah monitor. Also, how easy are they to keep?

Thank you.

I had a blue spot timor that was cool. They are small, but known to be shy. Ackies are what most people recomend, but they are more expensive.

Thanks!

Ackies? Never heard of them.

Do a search on Acanthurus. I have never had any myself, but I have heard good things about them. There is a lot of good info on them on the internet.

Ackies would be the best choice. They are not very big, easy to keep, friendly, nosy and many have very good breeding success. You can get yellow or red, with the reds being a little more expensive. I find my yellows to be more mellow than my reds. Price can be anywhere from $125 to $400 on average. The larger the enclosure, the better. Minimum of 4x2x2 cage, lots of dirt, hot basking spot, hides, stacks, cork bark, water, crickets, mice and you are good to go.
There are many more small monitors, tristis (black head or freckled), storrs, timor, gillens, Kimberly or Pilbara rock, the list goes on. Many of these are quite costly, so keep that in mind. Do a lot of research on each species you are interested in, have the cage and everything ready before you buy the monitor and buy from a reputable person. Good luck!
Pam

Great, thanks a lot!