Scales,

Have you looked at photo posted below? If so, does your lizard look like that one? A lot of the time Sudans , will have a slight trace of pattern which usually looks like two or more faint stripes down the back. However, the belly will be unpatterned. If it does resemble the photo it's possible it could just be an older individual.

Just because a G. validus can reach nearly two feet in length doesn't mean they all will. Individual genetics, as well as other environmental factors can limit the size of individuals that may be several years old. I've seen photos of some G. validus that look fairly dull brown with the characteristic striping. Some of them may tend towards getting a duller coloration as they get older.

If you read the posts from lower down you'll find a lot of information about diet and housing. I would say as long as your lizard is eating, is active, and doesn't show any outward signs of illness, you're doing pretty well. I would just monitor it for shedding - usually small amounts at a time. Feel free to post more questions here or you can email me directly for info.

Also, another bit of info. Sudan Plated lizard is only a trade name here in the U.S.. In Africa, G. major major is called the Rough-scaled Plated Lizard or Round-nosed Plated Lizard. The G. validus is pretty universally called the Giant Plated Lizard, although occasionally they are mistakenly identified as 'Sudan' Plated Lizards, again here in the states.
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Matt Campbell
25 years herp keeping experience
Full-time zookeeper
Personal collection - 21 snakes (9 genera), 20 lizards (4 genera), 6 chelonians (2 genera)

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