Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

1st post here!

Anywho,
I have been bitin by the herp bug. I have been doing some resarch on monitors but have been having a rough time on finding info on dwarfs. Specifically I would like scientific names of any that remain under three feet in total length.

And then any other info you want to include about saud species, i.e. temperment, cage set up needs etc... typical health issues to watch out for, availability etc etc

Thanks alot.

The only dwarf species I have really found as of late are Varanus timorensis timorensis (timor monitors) they are very small, and from what I have gathered so far great monitors.. But I don't have much more information about them, as I am researching as you are, before I make a purchase..

Good luck.
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com

Ackies are a bit more human friendly than timors, fro mwhat ive gathered and are great starters, steardy as any. Althhough ive never owned one id look ito frecked moniters to

frecked? Do you mean freckled? Speckled?

Arent those quite large?

Thanks for the info so far folks.

Keep it coming!

Varanus Acanthurus Acanthurus/Acanthurus Brachyurus
Ridge Tailed Monitors red/yellow

Varanus Tristis Tristis-Black Headed Monitor

Varanus Tristis Orientalis-Freckled Monitor

Varanus Caudolineatus-Line Tailed Pygmy Monitor

Varanus Brevicauda-Short Tailed Pygmy Monitor

Varanus Glauerti-Kimberly Rock Monitor

Varanus Pilbarensis-Pilbara Rock Monitor

Varanus Storri Storri-Storr's Monitor

These are just a few, many more stay under 3'. The best is to see what is available to you, make a choice and then research the needs of the monitor before you bring it home. I have ackies, both red and yellow, storrs and a black headed monitor. The Storrs is a tiny little guy, with a stl of around 12", my ackies are various sizes, the largest is a male, around 24" and my black head is also around 24-25" stl, but has a more sleek look than my ackies. My yellow ackies have the best personality as far as interacting with me. I do not own Timors, but from what I hear about them, most are quite shy, so if you want a monitor you will get to see a lot, probably not a good choice. Good luck!

Pam

Ive had my WC timor for 3 years now...I would say absolutely the hardiest lizard Ive ever seen. She escaped in the middle of january, and I found her fat and happy two weeks later, in a closet. my house is only around 70 degrees in the winter! so much for their dying right away as soon as they get a chill. She's an absolute psycho, and cannot be handled. thats fine with me, shes lovely to look at. I prefer timors since they aren't quite as stocky as an ackie, and they look more like minatures of the larger monitors, with very long elegant heads and necks. Just my opinion. I dont want to deal with a big monitor, but I love them to death. Timors are the PERFECT compromise.

that although my timor does not like being handled and will bite and tail whip, she is ALWAYS out "sunbathing". she gives me a dirty look and puffs her throat out, but she rarely runs and hides if I sit down to watch her. She usually hides after the timer goes off, and the light is gone.

Whats weird is that the aggro behavior started this summer, she used to be just shy.
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- Happy herping!

KE