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== Taxonomy == '''Order:''' Squamata <br /> '''Family:''' Varanidae <br /> '''Genus:''' Varanus <br /> '''Species:''' Indicus == Introduction == [[Image:Chillin'_under_electric_sun.jpg|thumb|left|Photo of Yael by [http://www.thereptilefile.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=91 omg monitors]]] Mangrove Monitors are found from Japan to southern Australia and on Pacific islands. They are closely related to the blue tail and peach throat monitors. They can increase their mouth size by spreading the hyoid apparatus and dropping the lower jaw to eat large prey. Also, its mouth is sometimes outlined with a red substance that is blood mixed with saliva. This may be used to frighten predators or attract prey. == Difficulty == Please contribute to this section. == Basic Info == === Size === Mangrove monitors can reach up to 5 feet, but tend to be 3.5 feet to 4 feet. Males are noticeably larger than females. === Lifespan === Lifespan in the wild is about 10 to 12 years. In captivity it is about 15 to 20 years. === Handling === Mangroves are shy and skittish at first but fairly easy to tame. They are known for defecating on their owners. Unlike iguanas, the mangrove monitor’s tail does not have a fracture point. == Housing == Adult mangrove monitors should have an enclosure at least 8’ x 2’ x 3’. They love to swim and should have a large water bowl where they can completely submerge themselves. They will sometimes remain underwater for hours. They may even keep their head submerged for up to an hour at a time. Be careful of the moisture in the enclosure leading to mold. These lizards are also semi-arboreal and should have secured branches to climb. === Substrate === Cypress mulch is a good substrate for monitors to dig and burrow in, and it holds moisture well. Carefresh Pet Bedding was also recommended by a vet. === Temperature === Mangrove monitor enclosures should be kept between 85-90 degrees, with a basking spot of 95 degrees. At night the temperature can dip to 75 degrees. Hours of daylight should be 12L/12D during a 24 hour period. === Humidity === Humidity should be between 70 percent and 90 percent. === Lighting === Please contribute to this section. == Feeding == === Diet === Shrimp, fish, beef heart, mice, hardboiled eggs, crayfish, crickets. Mangroves should be fed a small amount each day, instead of a larger amount once or twice a week. === Supplements === Please contribute to this section. === Hydration === Please contribute to this section. == Advanced == === Sexing === Please contribute to this section. == Conclusion == Please contribute to this section. == References == === Websites === Please contribute to this section. === Books === Please contribute to this section. == Author == This article was originally written by [http://www.thereptilefile.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=91 omg monitors]. View other articles by [http://www.thereptilefile.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:omg_monitors omg monitors]. Please note that others may have contributed to this article. [[Category:Care Guides]] [[Category:omg monitors]]

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