Something interesting

[varanio]

Usually I dont like to discuss more advanced topics on here because, there isnt much of a monitor support crowd here, but anyhow thought this would interest some folks here none the less. I have taken a great interest in the indicus complex, and have noticed that males jump out and grow much faster than females both lengthwise and widthwise. I havent hypothesized much on it, but have noticed this with all my indicus and jobiensis. I dont like to compare them to other varanid cousins in other complexes because it just wouldnt make sense to. My odatriads dont have this trend and the tree monitors certainly dont show this trend either.

If anyone wants to chime in feel free.

 

[malawi haps]

I cannot say as I got mine as juviniles but the male has doubled in size compared to the female in the time I have had them.But then again the male has been on mice since I got them and the female till tonight only ate crickets.I am positive this is the cause .

 

[varanio]

I cannot say as I got mine as juviniles but the male has doubled in size compared to the female in the time I have had them.But then again the male has been on mice since I got them and the female till tonight only ate crickets.I am positive this is the cause .

Ya whole food prey items make a huge difference in growth spurts and what not. And from experience the males were always the ones that got on mice easier with my trees as well, theyre not as shy as the girls about eating.

 

[malawi haps]

Ya whole food prey items make a huge difference in growth spurts and what not. And from experience the males were always the ones that got on mice easier with my trees as well, theyre not as shy as the girls about eating.

Do the females usually come around and lose their bashfulness? My male is the one that is usualy out and about but he is a freak when I enter his domain puffing up and doing the hissing and all.When he is hiding and the female is out I can almost hand feed her crickets. They have such diffrent personalitys

 

[varanio]

Do the females usually come around and lose their bashfulness? My male is the one that is usualy out and about but he is a freak when I enter his domain puffing up and doing the hissing and all.When he is hiding and the female is out I can almost hand feed her crickets. They have such diffrent personalitys

Ya they eventually come out of that shell. The males eventually get out of their machoness too, and thats all accomplished once they dont see you as a threat, and just the human that brings me food interpritation. lol

 

[malawi haps]

Ya they eventually come out of that shell. The males eventually get out of their machoness too, and thats all accomplished once they dont see you as a threat, and just the human that brings me food interpritation. lol

Good to know I think we are slowly progressing in that general direction except for today's hiatis.

 

[Tylervsmith]

Ya they eventually come out of that shell. The males eventually get out of their machoness too, and thats all accomplished once they dont see you as a threat, and just the human that brings me food interpritation. lol

TERROR FROM ABOVE

 

[Tylervsmith]

Usually I dont like to discuss more advanced topics on here because, there isnt much of a monitor support crowd here, but anyhow thought this would interest some folks here none the less. I have taken a great interest in the indicus complex, and have noticed that males jump out and grow much faster than females both lengthwise and widthwise. I havent hypothesized much on it, but have noticed this with all my indicus and jobiensis. I dont like to compare them to other varanid cousins in other complexes because it just wouldnt make sense to. My odatriads dont have this trend and the tree monitors certainly dont show this trend either.

If anyone wants to chime in feel free.

I don't own any monitors, but this is a very good observation.

Just for the sake of it,
Do you feed all in the indicus complex the same amount of prey/food items and also the same type of food items? I am sure that if certain individuals only eat (mainly) a prey item that they prefer then they may grow in a different way(length vs. width) and a different amount. This is of course assuming you feed them a varied diet.

 

[varanio]

I don't own any monitors, but this is a very good observation.

Just for the sake of it,
Do you feed all in the indicus complex the same amount of prey/food items and also the same type of food items? I am sure that if certain individuals only eat (mainly) a prey item that they prefer then they may grow in a different way(length vs. width) and a different amount. This is of course assuming you feed them a varied diet.

They get a varied diet, shrimp...mice.... inverts from time to time.... chicks when I have some available.... eggs.... and this is all across the board with my indicus and jobiensis.

 

[jason longboard]

are we talking males caged with females?If so,does the female not somewhat bow down in a sense and be more submissive to the male to the point that she may be intimidated at feeding.The male with no fears may metabolize the food better due to less stress.Just a thought.I like your topic though.I love monitors,just dont have alot of room.Now as I think about it you said this is just with certain types.