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Mangrove
Monitor (Varanus indicus)
Mangrove monitors are found
throughout the costal areas
of New Guinea, Australia,
and a number of Pacific
islands. These lizards are
closely related to the blue
tail monitor and the peach
throat monitor. Each of the
three species of these
monitor lizards utilizes
different habitats in their
range. Mangrove monitors
are very adaptable and can
be found in many different
types of forests. They are
most likely to be found near
some type of saltwater
forest and are excellent
swimmers. Wild mangrove
monitors will typically eat
frogs, lizards, insects,
crabs, fish, and any small
animal they can overpower.
Adult male mangrove monitors
are noticeably larger than
females and adults can reach
3-5 feet in total length.
With proper care mangrove
monitors can live 10-15
years in captivity. Like
most monitors, mangroves are
nervous captives at first
but tame down fairly
easily. Ideally, the cage
should include multiple
hiding spots to provide a
sense of security.
Prehistoric Pets promotes
responsible reptile
ownership and we recommend
locking cages that prevent
accidental escape. Large
monitors and other escaped
reptiles can have a negative
impact on the general public
which can lead to a ban of
reptile ownership.
Temperature and UV
Lighting
Mangrove monitors should be
maintained between 85-90
degrees with a basking spot
of 95 degrees. At night the
temperature can drop to 75
degrees. Hours of daylight
should be 12L/12D during a
24 hour period. Humidity
should also be maintained at
70%-90%. UVB lighting
is not a must for monitors,
but is recommended. UVB
lighting enables reptiles to
metabolize calcium, by
creating Vitamin D3.
However, because their diet
consists of rodents and
other live prey, they can
usually receive enough D3
and calcium through their
diet. The bones of the prey
will provide calcium, while
the liver will provide
Vitamin D3. Also it is very
important to change your UVB
light every 6-8 months,
after this time the light
stops producing adequate UVB.
If you’re not sure if your
UV light is still producing
UVB, bring it in and we’ll
be happy to test the light
for you.
Housing
Baby mangrove monitors can
be kept in a 29 gallon cage
but they grow quickly and
will soon need larger
housing. Adult mangrove
monitors should be kept in a
cage that is at least 6’ x
2’ x 4’. These lizards are
excellent swimmers and a
large water bowl so they can
completely submerge
themselves is highly
recommended.
Bedding
Our recommendation for
bedding is bark or coconut
bark, this bedding holds
moisture very well and
duplicates their natural
environment.
Food
Mangrove monitors are
opportunistic hunters and
are known to eat almost
anything. Ideal foods are;
mice, rats, fish, crawdads,
crickets, superworms,
nightcrawlers, beef heart,
and hard boiled eggs. A
mixed diet of these food
items, four to five times
per week, will ensure proper
growth and health.
Calcium
A calcium and vitamin
supplement should be put on
all food that does not
contain bones. When feeding
your monitor mice, rats, or
fish, no supplement is
needed.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter or left over
food should be cleaned out
several times a week. The
bedding should be completely
changed once a month and
fresh clean water should be
provided at all times. The
inside of the terrarium can
be cleaned out with an
appropriate reptile cage
cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Mangrove monitors
can be handled on a daily
basis and always wash your
hands before and after
handling them.