Mangrove Monitor
From The Reptile File Wiki
(Difference between revisions)
'''Order:''' Squamata <br /> | '''Order:''' Squamata <br /> | ||
'''Family:''' Varanidae <br /> | '''Family:''' Varanidae <br /> | ||
| - | '''Genus | + | '''Genus:''' Varanus <br /> |
| + | '''Species:''' Indicus | ||
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
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. | 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. | ||
| - | == Size == | + | == 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. | 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 === |
Lifespan in the wild is about 10 to 12 years. In captivity it is about 15 to 20 years. | 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. | |
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| + | == 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 == | + | === 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. | 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. | ||
| - | == Diet == | + | === 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. | ||
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| + | === Humidity === | ||
| + | Humidity should be between 70 percent and 90 percent. | ||
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| + | === 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. | 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. | ||
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| + | == Conclusion == | ||
| + | Please contribute to this section. | ||
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| + | == References == | ||
| + | === Websites === | ||
| + | Please contribute to this section. | ||
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| + | === Books === | ||
| + | Please contribute to this section. | ||
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| + | == 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:Care Guides]] | ||
| + | [[Category:omg monitors]] | ||
