Reptile Vault
Care Sheet
Generated May 18, 2026
reptilevault.com
Ackie Monitor
Varanus acanthurus
The ackie monitor (spiny-tailed monitor) is widely considered the best monitor species for captivity due to manageable 24-28 inch size and bold personality. Native to arid Australia, ackies display the intelligence and active hunting behavior of larger monitors. They require VERY hot basking temperatures (120-150°F), high UVB, and varied diet. Red and yellow color forms exist. With proper socialization, they become tame and interactive with keepers.
Quick Facts
Care Level
intermediate
Adult Size
24-28 inches
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet Type
carnivore
Activity
diurnal
Temperament
active
Group
lizard
Origin
Northern Australia
Beginner Suitability
First Reptile?no
Beginner Score6/10
⚠ Beginner Warnings
Extreme heat requirements 120-150°F, specialized heating, can be expensive
Temperament & Handling
Temperamentactive
Handling Tolerancegood
Handling Notes
Can become tame with regular handling. Intelligent and engaging.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature
Basking140°F
Ambient90°F
Night75°F
VERY hot basking 120-150°F surface temp. Specialized heating needed.
Humidity
Target Range30% – 50%
Low to moderate 30-50%. Humid burrow microclimate.
Lighting & UVB
UVB RequiredYes — Required
Target UVI4.0-6.0
Lighting Notes
Ferguson Zone 3-4. Intense T5 12-14% UVB.
Enclosure
Minimum Size4x2x2 ft
Recommended Size6x3x3 ft
Enclosure Typeterrestrial
Substrate & Environment
Substrate TypeDeep sand/soil mix that holds burrows.
Substrate Depth6-12 inches
Water Featureno
Water Notes
Water dish changed daily.
Activity & Behavior
Activity Patterndiurnal
Social Behaviorsolitary
Cohabitation
Can keep pairs/female groups in large enclosures. Males fight.
Ackie Monitor
Care Sheet — Diet & Nutrition
Diet & Nutrition
Diet Typecarnivore
Feeding FrequencyDaily juveniles; every other day adults
Diet Notes
Insects and whole prey - roaches, crickets, pinky mice, eggs.
💊 Supplementation Schedule
Calcium 2-3x weekly. Multivitamin 1x weekly.
✅ Recommended Foods
| Food | Category | Ca:P | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinky Mouse | whole_prey | 1.5 | staple |
| Fuzzy Mouse | whole_prey | 1.5 | staple |
| Hopper Mouse | whole_prey | 1.5 | staple |
| Weaned Rat | whole_prey | 1.5 | staple |
🚫 Foods to Avoid
| Food | Toxicity | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | ☠️ fatal | fruit |
| Fireflies | ☠️ fatal | insect |
| Foxglove | ☠️ fatal | flower |
| Garlic | ☠️ fatal | vegetable |
Ackie Monitor
Care Sheet — Health & More
Health & Critical Care
MBD, obesity, burns, respiratory infections
Health Notes
Adequate heat is critical. Burns from unprotected heat sources.
Breeding
Difficultymoderate
SeasonSpring/summer
Clutch Size6-18 eggs
Incubation90-120 days
Sexual Dimorphism
moderate
Breeding Notes
Brief cooling helps trigger breeding.
Cost & Availability
Price Rangeexpensive
Availabilitymoderate
Native Habitat
Native RegionNorthern Australia
Habitat Typedesert
Climate Notes
Arid rocky outcrops. Extreme heat, cooler nights.
Legal & Conservation
Conservation StatusLeast Concern
CITES Listingappendix ii
Legal Restrictions
Australian species - all captive bred. Regulated in some areas.
Looks good? Hit Cmd+P (Mac) or Ctrl+P (Windows) to save as PDF.