What are some good starter monitor lizards?

Question

im looking for anything that looks like a monitor or is a monitor thats will stay fairly small and be somewhat docile and handleable. ive heard ackies are good but what else is there? would a green ameiva count as a monitor?

Answer 1

Personally, I don't think any monitor lizard is a "starter monitor". Monitors aren't beginner lizards. With that said, there are a few smaller monitors, but even they will require very large cages. Some dwarf monitors, such as ackies, argus monitors, and spiny tailed monitors. Savannah monitors are one of the most popular monitors, but can grow 4 to 5 feet in length. As Kimbee said, avoid Nile monitors. They can be bought for under $20, but there's a reason for that. They are extremely aggressive and are the fourth largest lizard in the world, growing up to 7 feet. I have a 5 1/2 foot Nile monitor, and while it's a pretty cool display animal, it would kill me if given the chance. I have owned venomous snakes in the past, including a cobra and many vipers, and none were as aggressive as my Nile monitor.

Answer 2

Ackies are usually nice.  Savannahs can be nice if handled enough.  Stay away from Nile monitors--very bad tempered and difficult!  Helpful site:

http://www.petreptiles.com/repdb/index.p...