
Image: Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Varanus niloticus
Africa's largest lizard, around 200 cm long with the largest reaching 244 cm. Bands of yellow ocelli mark a grey-brown to olive-brown ground colour. Powerful and temperamental, it is a species for experienced keepers only.
Varanus niloticus is a varanid lizard widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and the largest lizard in Africa. It commonly grows from 120 to 220 cm, with a record of 244 cm. The tail is laterally compressed with a low dorsal crest. Adults are grey-brown to olive-brown above with light yellow ocelli and bands on the head, back, limbs and tail, while the belly and throat are paler with black bars, and there are six to nine crossbands or rows of yellow ocelli between the fore and hind limbs. There are 136 to 183 scales around the midbody. It is most abundant in drier regions and along the Nile and its tributaries, and the West African forest and savannah populations are sometimes treated as separate species. Feral populations descended from escaped or released pets are established in southern Florida. Juveniles are strongly arboreal and climb actively, while large adults seldom leave the ground and like to soak and swim. Animals that are not properly conditioned puff the throat, lash with the tail and bite hard.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Nile Monitor lifespan: 15-20 years
Nile Monitor adult size: 120-220cm, up to 244cm; snout-vent length up to about 80cm
Origin
Most of sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile system; introduced and established in southern Florida
Lifespan
15-20 years
Size
120-220cm, up to 244cm; snout-vent length up to about 80cm
Sources: Reptiles Magazine: The Monitor Lizard Foursome For Expert Keepers / Reptiles Magazine: Nile Monitor / Wikipedia (English) / Reptile Database
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Varanus niloticus (Linnaeus, 1766)
Synonyms: Lacerta nilotica Linnaeus, 1766, Monitor niloticus (Linnaeus, 1766)
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Varanus spp. (excluding species listed in Appendix I) are listed in CITES Appendix II. Because of Appendix II listing, an international CITES registration certificate is not required, but an export permit issued by the exporting country is necessary for importation. In Japan, only 2 species of Varanidae are designated as Specified Animals; this species is not included. It does not fall under Designated Invasive Species under the Invasive Species Act.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Varanidae spp., Appendix II) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Humidity
60%
Insects, fish and rodents; in captivity pre-killed prey is used
Raise the basking hot spot to about 43C while always providing a genuinely cool retreat. Hold relative humidity at 60 per cent or above at all times. A night-time drop of about 5C is acceptable.
Juveniles are strongly arboreal, so provide plenty of elevated retreats. Beyond about 75 cm the animal needs space equivalent to a dedicated room or pen, with a large pool it can submerge in and a wide basking area. It swims and soaks, so design the water area to be easy to clean.
Juveniles have a high metabolic rate and need large amounts of food to grow properly, so feed them insects daily, adding a calcium supplement at every other meal. Feeding exclusively pre-killed prey is recommended so as not to over-stimulate the predatory response.
Animals not conditioned to human contact are highly aggressive: they puff the throat, hiss, lash violently with the tail and, if pressed further, void the cloaca and bite repeatedly, twisting the head to inflict deep tearing wounds. Proper, regular handling from a young age is essential.
Varanus spp. (excluding species listed in Appendix I) are listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit; no Japanese registration certificate is needed for Appendix II. Of the varanids, only the Komodo dragon and the crocodile monitor are specified animals under Japanese law, and this species is not among them. It grows large and powerful and needs facilities equivalent to a dedicated room for life. It is established as an introduced species in Florida, so animals must never be released.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
Lifespan of the Nile Monitor: 15-20 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Adult size of the Nile Monitor: 120-220cm, up to 244cm; snout-vent length up to about 80cm. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Nile Monitor feeds on: Insects, fish and rodents; in captivity pre-killed prey is used. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Nile Monitor varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: October 11, 2026