What is the scientific name of the Asian Water Monitor?

The scientific name of the Asian Water Monitor is Varanus salvator.

What are other common names for the Asian Water Monitor?

The Asian Water Monitor is also known as Asian Water Monitor (most common) Malayan Water Monitor Common Water Monitor Two-banded Monitor Rice Lizard Ring Lizard Plain Lizard No-Mark Lizard Water Monitor, etc.

How big do Asian Water Monitors get?

Adult Asian Water Monitors typically reach about 6-10 ft.

How long do Asian Water Monitors live?

Asian Water Monitors live about 15-25 years with proper care.

What temperatures does an Asian Water Monitor need?

Recommended temperatures for an Asian Water Monitor: 70-75°F cool side, 80-90°F warm side, and 120-140°F basking spot.

What humidity does an Asian Water Monitor need?

Asian Water Monitors need 60-80% humidity.

Do Asian Water Monitors need UVB lighting?

Yes. Recommended lighting for Asian Water Monitors: UVA/UVB required.

What size enclosure does an Asian Water Monitor need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for an Asian Water Monitor: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” ( 4ft adult), 120”x48”x72” (minimum for 6 ft adult). Walk in adult enclosures are best.

What do Asian Water Monitors eat?

Asian Water Monitors eat: Carnivorous.

Are Asian Water Monitors good for beginners?

Asian Water Monitors are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. These Lizards get LARGE and require a LARGE water source.

Are Asian Water Monitors nocturnal or diurnal?

Asian Water Monitors are diurnal (active during the day).

What is Asian Water Monitor behavior like?

Common Asian Water Monitor behavior traits: Food motivated; Hand feeding helps bond; Very curious; Can be skittish when young; Calm down with consistent and confident handling; High metabolism; Semi-Aquatic behavior; Do best with full water bottom to feel safe and secure (when young); Strong climbers; Bites are painful.

Do Asian Water Monitors lay eggs?

Yes. Asian Water Monitors are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does an Asian Water Monitor lay?

An Asian Water Monitor clutch is typically about 15-40 eggs.

How long do Asian Water Monitor eggs take to hatch?

Asian Water Monitor eggs typically incubate for about 180-210 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for juvenile Asian Water Monitors?

Recommended substrates for juvenile Asian Water Monitors: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use, ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best substrate for sub-adult Asian Water Monitors?

Recommended substrates for sub-adult Asian Water Monitors: ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best substrate for adult Asian Water Monitors?

Recommended substrates for adult Asian Water Monitors: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for an Asian Water Monitor?

Recommended enclosures for Asian Water Monitors by age. Juvenile: Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium, 36" Sliding Door Enclosure. Sub-adult: Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium, 48" Sliding Door Enclosure.

What lighting products are best for an Asian Water Monitor?

Recommended lighting products for Asian Water Monitors: Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting.

What heating products does an Asian Water Monitor need?

Recommended heating products for Asian Water Monitors by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Asian Water Monitors?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Asian Water Monitors: Juvenile Asian Water Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Asian Water Monitor

Common Name(s)	Asian Water Monitor (most common) Malayan Water Monitor Common Water Monitor Two-banded Monitor Rice Lizard Ring Lizard Plain Lizard No-Mark Lizard Water Monitor, etc.
Scientific Name	Varanus salvator
Behavior	Diurnal (active during day) Food motivated Hand feeding helps bond Very curious Can be skittish when young Calm down with consistent and confident handling High metabolism Semi-Aquatic behavior Do best with full water bottom to feel safe and secure (when young) Strong climbers Bites are painful
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~35-45 days Clutch size: ~15-40 Incubation: ~180-210 days
Lifespan	~15-25 years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-90°F warm side 120-140°F basking spot
Humidity	60-80%
Lighting	UVA/UVB required
Size	~6-10 ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months- 1 year) Sub Adult 48”x24”x48” (1 year +) Adult: 72”x36”x48” (>4ft adult) 120”x48”x72” (minimum for 6 ft adult) *Walk in adult enclosures are best
Experience Level	Advanced Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs. These Lizards get LARGE and require a LARGE water source.
Diet	Carnivorous

Filter by age:

Best Substrates for Subadult Asian Water Monitors

ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult Asian Water Monitors

48" Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium (4x2) - 120 Gallon: Default Title

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Asian Water Monitors

Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Subadult Asian Water Monitors

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 100W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Best Bundles for Juvenile Asian Water Monitors

Juvenile Asian Water Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Juvenile Asian Water Monitors

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Asian Water Monitors

36" Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Default Title

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Asian Water Monitors

Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 36"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Asian Water Monitors

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 100W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

The Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) is one of the largest lizard species in the world, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 10 feet, though the average size is closer to 6-8 feet. Native to Southeast Asia, these reptiles are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including mangroves, swamps, and riverbanks. Their semi-aquatic nature allows them to thrive near water sources, and they are excellent swimmers, using their long, muscular tails to propel themselves. In fact, they can remain submerged for extended periods to avoid predators or stalk prey. Their adaptability and ability to inhabit both urban and natural environments have made them successful survivors in rapidly changing landscapes.

Asian Water Monitors are opportunistic feeders, with a highly varied diet that includes fish, birds, eggs, small mammals, reptiles, carrion, and even garbage in urban areas. They are known for their strong jaws and sharp teeth, allowing them to tackle a wide variety of prey. These monitors are also highly intelligent, exhibiting problem-solving abilities, and have been observed using their environment to their advantage when hunting or escaping threats. In some parts of Southeast Asia, they are even seen as beneficial animals, as they help control populations of pests such as rats. Despite their size and intimidating appearance, Asian Water Monitors are generally shy around humans and will avoid confrontation unless threatened.

Native Range

South & Southeast Asia Eastern & Northeastern India Bangladesh Andaman & Nicobar Islands Sri Lanka Southern China Hainan Island Other islands: Sumatra Borneo Java Lombok Riau Archipelago Sulawesi

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Common Asian Water Monitor ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Asian Water Monitor is Varanus salvator.
: The Asian Water Monitor is also known as Asian Water Monitor (most common) Malayan Water Monitor Common Water Monitor Two-banded Monitor Rice Lizard Ring Lizard Plain Lizard No-Mark Lizard Water Monitor, etc.
: South & Southeast Asia Eastern & Northeastern India Bangladesh Andaman & Nicobar Islands Sri Lanka Southern China Hainan Island Other islands: Sumatra Borneo Java Lombok Riau Archipelago Sulawesi.
: Adult Asian Water Monitors typically reach about 6-10 ft.
: Asian Water Monitors live about 15-25 years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for an Asian Water Monitor: 70-75°F cool side, 80-90°F warm side, and 120-140°F basking spot.
: Asian Water Monitors need 60-80% humidity.
: Yes. Recommended lighting for Asian Water Monitors: UVA/UVB required.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for an Asian Water Monitor: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months- 1 year), Sub Adult, 48”x24”x48” (1 year +); Adult: 72”x36”x48” (>4ft adult), 120”x48”x72” (minimum for 6 ft adult). Walk in adult enclosures are best.
: Asian Water Monitors eat: Carnivorous.
: Asian Water Monitors are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. These Lizards get LARGE and require a LARGE water source.
: Asian Water Monitors are diurnal (active during the day).
: Common Asian Water Monitor behavior traits: Food motivated; Hand feeding helps bond; Very curious; Can be skittish when young; Calm down with consistent and confident handling; High metabolism; Semi-Aquatic behavior; Do best with full water bottom to feel safe and secure (when young); Strong climbers; Bites are painful.
: Yes. Asian Water Monitors are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: An Asian Water Monitor clutch is typically about 15-40 eggs.
: Asian Water Monitor eggs typically incubate for about 180-210 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Asian Water Monitors: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use, ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Asian Water Monitors: ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended substrates for adult Asian Water Monitors: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Asian Water Monitors by age. Juvenile: Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium, 36" Sliding Door Enclosure. Sub-adult: Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium, 48" Sliding Door Enclosure.
: Recommended lighting products for Asian Water Monitors: Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Asian Water Monitors by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Asian Water Monitors: Juvenile Asian Water Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle.