Click Here
to view printable version.
Nile
Monitors (Varanus niloticus)
Nile monitors are located
throughout Africa and are
the largest lizard on that
continent. There are two
types of Nile monitors.
First, is the standard
species which has a blue
tongue and 6-9 rows of spots
located on the back between
the front and back legs.
The other type of Nile is a
subspecies and is known as
the Ornate Nile monitor.
Ornate Nile monitors have a
light colored tongue and 3-5
rows of spots located on
their back. Nile monitors
are large lizards and can
reach six feet in total
length. Ornate Nile
monitors are typically
larger and more heavily
bodied. These lizards are
excellent swimmers and can
remain underwater for over
an hour. We recommend
providing a very large water
bowl for your Nile to
completely submerge itself.
Temperature and UV
Lighting
Both species 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%-100%. 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 Nile monitors can be
kept in a 29 gallon cage but
they grow quickly and will
soon need larger housing.
Adult Nile monitors should
be kept in a cage that is at
least 8’ long by 4’ deep.
Females can be kept in
smaller enclosures.
Extremely large specimens
may require room sized
enclosures.
Bedding
Our recommendation for
bedding is bark or coconut
bark, this bedding holds
moisture very well and
duplicates their natural
environment.
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.
Food
Nile monitors are
opportunistic hunters and
are known to eat almost
anything. Ideal foods are;
mice, rats, fish, crawdads,
crickets, superworms, beef
heart, and hard boiled
eggs. A mixed diet of these
food items, four to five
times per week, is ideal and
will ensure proper growth
and health.
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. Nile monitors can
be handled on a daily basis
but may take some time to
tame down. Always wash your
hands before and after
handling them.