smallest monitor

[BIGgourami]

what's the smallest monitor or monitor-like lizard?
i really like the way they look but can't keep the big ones. lloking to maybe keep them in a 75, maybe a little bigger.

 

[Ophiuchus]

well, the smallest monitor-like lizard is the dwarf tegu (also known as the monitor tegu, montegu, Chilean dwarf tegu, or any combo of the above).

Here's a pic: http://markmlucas.com/images/monitors/callopistes%20maculatus%20(16).JPG

In reality, they're not related to monitors and only distantly to the "true" tegus.

The smallest actual monitors are probably the Australian "ackies." Not sure but I think most stay under 3 ft. There's plenty of folks on here that kno wmuch more about them than I do.

 

[Kobi9019]

If you want a monitor that has all of the behaviors, and spunk of large monitors, but in a smaller package then the Ackie monitor is for you. They are very active and become quite docile with regular handling. Both the yellow and red species hover around the 2' mark, and can be kept singly or in groups. http://www.proexotics.com/care_ackie.html heres a great website for information. If you have any more questions let me know and I will do my best to help you out.

 

[Danyal]

alligator lizards look somewhat like monitors and are pretty cool pets.
http://www.ventanaws.org/images/Condors/AlligatorLizard.jpg

 

[BIGgourami]

hmm...... i like the ackies how big a tank would you reccomend?

 

[Danyal]

big, seems like 4x2x2 for an adult pair

 

[BIGgourami]

should you get a pair? i'm fine w/ just one.

 

[Danyal]

i seem to remember reading that they are social animals, either way a bigger enclosure won't hurt them

 

[TheBloodyIrish]

http://www.captivebred.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9022&highlight=

You can always do one of these!

Although Ackies are not arboreal, they can be seen climbing trees that are 14' tall. However, a bigger enclosure would means that you have to watch more carefully for temperature and humidity.

 

[arlo]

alligator lizards look somewhat like monitors and are pretty cool pets.
http://www.ventanaws.org/images/Condors/AlligatorLizard.jpg

don't compare the monitor to an alligator lizard, alligator lizards are common and ugly, MONITOR lizards are slender/snake-like rat eating crazy beasts.

(Don't buy)
http://www.farmstay-ca.com/natural_history/Lizard/Farmstay Alligator Lizard_Biting.jpg

BUY A TIMOR MONITOR
http://www.reptilehavenonline.com/animals/timor.jpg
20-28 inches, pretty small...