What is the scientific name of the Crocodile Monitor?

The scientific name of the Crocodile Monitor is Varanus salvadorii.

What are other common names for the Crocodile Monitor?

The Crocodile Monitor is also known as Papuan Monitor and Salvadori’s Monitor.

Where are Crocodile Monitors native to?

Crocodile Monitors are native to Papua New Guinea, Indonesian part of island, and West Papua.

How big do Crocodile Monitors get?

Adult Crocodile Monitors typically reach about 8-10ft (tail is extremely long).

How long do Crocodile Monitors live?

Crocodile Monitors live about 15-20+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Crocodile Monitor need?

Recommended temperatures for a Crocodile Monitor: 70-80°F cool side, 80-90°F warm side, and 110-120°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Crocodile Monitor need?

Crocodile Monitors need 70-90% humidity.

Do Crocodile Monitors need UVB lighting?

Yes. Recommended lighting for Crocodile Monitors: UVA/UVB required.

What size enclosure does a Crocodile Monitor need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Crocodile Monitor: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months- 1 year), Sub Adult, 48”x24”x48” (minimium); Adult: 144”x96”x96” (<8ft minimum). Walk in adult enclosures are best. Recommended with adult enclosure to always go larger these are minimum requirements. Larger enclosures encourage animals to exhibit natural behaviors. Large water source needed (strong swimmers).

What do Crocodile Monitors eat?

Crocodile Monitors eat: Carnivorous.

Are Crocodile Monitors good for beginners?

Crocodile Monitors are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. Venomous bite. Not suitable for anyone under 18 yrs. These Lizards get LARGE and require a LARGE water source.

Are Crocodile Monitors nocturnal or diurnal?

Crocodile Monitors are diurnal (active during the day).

What is Crocodile Monitor behavior like?

Common Crocodile Monitor behavior traits: Food motivated; Hand feeding helps bond; Very curious; Can be skittish/defensive when young; Calm down with consistent and confident handling over time; High metabolism; Arboreal; Prehensile tail; Strong swimmers.

Do Crocodile Monitors lay eggs?

Yes. Crocodile Monitors are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Crocodile Monitor lay?

A Crocodile Monitor clutch is typically about 6-12 eggs.

How long do Crocodile Monitor eggs take to hatch?

Crocodile Monitor eggs typically incubate for about 150-240 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for juvenile Crocodile Monitors?

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

What is the best enclosure for a Crocodile Monitor?

Recommended enclosures for Crocodile Monitors: Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium, 36" Sliding Door Enclosure.

What lighting products are best for a Crocodile Monitor?

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

What heating products does a Crocodile Monitor need?

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

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Crocodile Monitors?

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

Crocodile Monitor

Common Name(s)	Crocodile Monitor Papuan Monitor Salvadori’s Monitor
Scientific Name	Varanus salvadorii
Behavior	Diurnal (active during day) Food motivated Hand feeding helps bond Very curious Can be skittish/defensive when young Calm down with consistent and confident handling over time High metabolism Arboreal Prehensile tail Strong swimmers
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-40 days Clutch size: ~6-12 Incubation: ~150-240 days
Lifespan	~15-20+ years
Temperatures	70-80°F cool side 80-90°F warm side 110-120°F basking spot
Humidity	70-90%
Lighting	UVA/UVB required
Size	~8-10ft (tail is extremely long)
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months- 1 year) Sub Adult 48”x24”x48” (minimium) Adult: 144”x96”x96” (<8ft minimum) walk in adult enclosures are best recommended with adult enclosure to always go larger these are minimum requirements larger enclosures encourage animals to exhibit natural behaviors large water source needed (strong swimmers)
Experience Level	Advanced Venomous bite Not suitable for anyone under 18 yrs. 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

Best Bundles for Juvenile Crocodile Monitors

Juvenile Crocodile Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Juvenile Crocodile Monitors

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

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

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Crocodile Monitors

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

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Crocodile Monitors

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

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Crocodile Monitors

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 100W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Crocodile Monitors (Varanus salvadorii) are among the largest and most impressive members of the monitor lizard family. Endemic to the island of New Guinea, these monitors are renowned for their remarkable length, with some individuals exceeding 8 feet (2.4 meters) from snout to tail, making them one of the longest lizard species in the world. They possess a distinctive, elongated snout and an incredibly long tail that can account for up to two-thirds of their total body length. This tail is not only a formidable weapon but also aids in balance and maneuverability as they navigate their arboreal habitats. Their sharp claws and strong limbs make them adept climbers, often found high in the forest canopy where they hunt birds, small mammals, and other reptiles.

Crocodile Monitors exhibit a fascinating array of behaviors that highlight their intelligence and adaptability. They are known for their keen vision and acute sense of smell, which they use to track prey and navigate their environment. Unlike many other monitor species, Crocodile Monitors are excellent swimmers, using their muscular bodies and strong tails to propel themselves through water. This ability to swim adds to their versatility as predators, allowing them to exploit a variety of ecological niches. In captivity, these monitors require large, well-ventilated enclosures that mimic their natural rainforest habitat, complete with climbing structures and water features to accommodate their semi-aquatic tendencies. Their complex care requirements and potential for aggressive behavior make them a species best suited for experienced reptile keepers.

Native Range

Papua New Guinea

Indonesian part of island

West Papua

Why ReptiChip?

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Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect crocodile monitor bedding for your pet.

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Common Crocodile Monitor ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Crocodile Monitor is Varanus salvadorii.
: The Crocodile Monitor is also known as Papuan Monitor and Salvadori’s Monitor.
: Crocodile Monitors are native to Papua New Guinea, Indonesian part of island, and West Papua.
: Adult Crocodile Monitors typically reach about 8-10ft (tail is extremely long).
: Crocodile Monitors live about 15-20+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Crocodile Monitor: 70-80°F cool side, 80-90°F warm side, and 110-120°F basking spot.
: Crocodile Monitors need 70-90% humidity.
: Yes. Recommended lighting for Crocodile Monitors: UVA/UVB required.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Crocodile Monitor: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months- 1 year), Sub Adult, 48”x24”x48” (minimium); Adult: 144”x96”x96” (<8ft minimum). Walk in adult enclosures are best. Recommended with adult enclosure to always go larger these are minimum requirements. Larger enclosures encourage animals to exhibit natural behaviors. Large water source needed (strong swimmers).
: Crocodile Monitors eat: Carnivorous.
: Crocodile Monitors are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. Venomous bite. Not suitable for anyone under 18 yrs. These Lizards get LARGE and require a LARGE water source.
: Crocodile Monitors are diurnal (active during the day).
: Common Crocodile Monitor behavior traits: Food motivated; Hand feeding helps bond; Very curious; Can be skittish/defensive when young; Calm down with consistent and confident handling over time; High metabolism; Arboreal; Prehensile tail; Strong swimmers.
: Yes. Crocodile Monitors are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Crocodile Monitor clutch is typically about 6-12 eggs.
: Crocodile Monitor eggs typically incubate for about 150-240 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Crocodile Monitors: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Crocodile Monitors: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended substrates for adult Crocodile Monitors: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Crocodile Monitors: Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium, 36" Sliding Door Enclosure.
: Recommended lighting products for Crocodile Monitors: Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Crocodile Monitors by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Crocodile Monitors: Juvenile Crocodile Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle.