Ornate monitor vs sand goanna... or something else?

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Candiru
MFK Member
May 20, 2009
130
2
48
Buffalo NY
Hello everyone.
In about 15 months I will have graduated from college. When I do, I may be interested in picking up some type of "large-ish" monitor lizard. Currently I'm the proud owner of a 2-year old Tegu. I cannot possibly consider picking up another lizard while I'm still in school. However, when I graduate there are a few species that I have in mind.

Common sense says get an Ackie colony. They're definitely a strong candidate, but I'm thinking of a few other things too.

I should say this first though; the only thing that I actually need out of any monitor I get is that it has a workable temperment. I'm not expecting it to be Tegu-tame, but I don't think I can handle something Nile-nasty either.
Also, I live in New York State, so V. albugaris is out of the question.

Two things that got my eye:
The ornate monitor was previously thought to be a subspecies of the nile monitor and would therefore be illegal in New York. However, it is now recognized as a separate species.\
First of all, would the Ornate be permitted in NY? Or would they still classify it as a nile subspecies?
According to the link below, these guys have a better temperament than a nile. They're not nice per say, but they appear to be workable. They are also BEAUTIFUL Anyone have experience with them?
http://panoptesv.com/HBD/ornate.html

The second one I was looking at was the Desert Sand Goanna.
These guys apparently have EXCELLENT personalities, possibly even on par with the Tegu. They also look very much like Argus monitors. Originally I was thinking about getting an Argus, but everywhere I look seems to suggest that they are extremely unpredictable and may not be what I'm looking for. Both the argus and the sand goanna appear to be much smaller than the ornate.
The only problem I see here is that pure-bred sand goannas appear to be very hard to find. They seem to be crossed frequently with the argus monitor, though I don't know what kind of temperment these hybrids have.
http://panoptesv.com/HBD/flavie.html
Does anyone have experience with these guys or the hybrids?

Thank you all for your time!
 
I should also add that I'm not really feeling for sav monitors.
I'm not entirely sure why; part of it definitely being that it is nearly impossible to find CBB ones.
Also they, more than any other big lizard that I know of, seem to suffer from the most health aliments.
I don't want to be mean, but I'm also not really into their looks. My Tegu is already a heavily built, strictly ground dwelling lizard. I'd prefer something different for variety, the stereotypical sleek, monitor appearance.
 
Defenitly go for the sand goana. Argus are also midle temper but they get HUGE and are extremelly expensive to house and feed. Ornate niles same thing but also most have a horrible temper. Sand goannas are expensive to purchase, but are smaller, and all are cb. Their temper is on the skitish side but they are not agressive.
 
IMO dont go near an ornate, they are just too aggresive as a pet. I had one for a few years but donated to a large display as I was scared to keep and consider children. He used to bite and latch on, not letting go.
 
Just Toby said:
IMO dont go near an ornate, they are just too aggresive as a pet. I had one for a few years but donated to a large display as I was scared to keep and consider children. He used to bite and latch on, not letting go.
Click to expand...

I completely agree. I also had one that was absolutely vicious. It was beautiful with a lot of blue in the head but was just way too aggressive to handle. I got it when it was about 9 inches from its head to the tip of the tail and had to get rid of it at about 3 feet TL. I just couldn't take being bit anymore.
 
I really like the sand goana,before i went argus, I'de try mertens but it might follow under nile laws in NY! I don't know,you'll have to check!But Kimberly Rock monitors are awesome,have you even considered one? I like the appearance of the indonesian monitors but where there so lil of them cb,i'll wait alil longer until the prices drop a wi bit! You can get alot more info at these site......repticzone.com .varanus.net... There will be quite some members with years of experience on these fellas,see i've ben reading about monitors for almost two years,mostly tree monitors.There all fascinating animal if i could i would house them all!! I hope this helped!?
 
I agree with everyone that says stay away from the nile. Its just not something your going to enjoy working with and taking bites from. Water monitor looks close but get larger so would take more room. I love my triple cross argus! Not to pricey for for an argus but they are pigs like all monitors and take a lot to house. If you can find a cross or triple cross you can get some amazing patters and colors plus will stay a little smaller which is nice for housing. Plus maybe you can find one mixed with a sand monitor like your looking for. Mangrove monitors are also gorgeous just a little different care. Sounds like you have some time to think about it and decide on what you would really like to go with.
 
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