Description
Scientific Name: Varanus mertensi
Life span: up to 20 years
Mertens’ water monitor can reach around 1.0 m long including the tail. On the top, it is black to dark brown with many cream or yellow dots. The underparts are lighter, ranging from white to yellow, with blue-gray bands on the breast and gray mottling on the neck. The tail is around 1.5 times longer than the head and body, has a prominent median dorsal keel, and is firmly compressed laterally.
Native Region/Habitat
Mertens’ Water Monitor has a wide range that includes coastal and interior waterways from the Kimberley to the western part of the Cape York Peninsula in Australia’s far north. The species has been observed throughout the majority of the Top End and the Gulf Region in the Northern Territory. They are usually found close to water, they like basking on rocks, hanging branches, or in the vicinity of aquatic plants. In order to find cover at night, some lizards create burrows near the water.
Behavior
These remarkable reptiles are made specifically for hunting in water. They can close their noses underwater, and they move forward in pursuit of frogs, fish, and crabs using their long, muscular tail. They may also feed on insects, small animals, eggs, birds, and even insects on land. Their earthy, neutral coloring is ideal for hiding from both predators and prey. They will plunge into the water if they feel threatened and hide beneath logs and rocks. They have a remarkable 30-minute underwater breath-holding capacity.
Care As a pet/In captivity
Despite their average size, they require a sizable cage with a deep pool since they are so active. For Mertens’ Monitors, custom-built cages with drainable ponds are the ideal choice. The cage has to be big enough to accommodate your lizards’ needs for a temperature gradient (75–84 F) and a basking place (95–100 F). Mertens’ Monitors live in water, but they must totally dry off if they want to maintain their health and prevent skin fungus diseases.
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