The Ackie monitor, also known as the spiny-tailed monitor or Ackie’s dwarf monitor (Varanus acanthurus), is a captivating lizard belonging to the Varanus genus, which includes various monitor lizard species.
Originating from the arid regions of Australia, Ackie monitors are native to the Kimberley and Northern Territory regions.
Their natural habitat consists of rocky outcrops, savannahs, and scrublands, where they thrive in hot and dry environments.
These lizards have adapted to their surroundings with their spiky appearance, which helps protect them and aids in thermoregulation.
Ackie monitors have a relatively small size compared to other monitor lizard species.
As adults, they typically reach a total length of up to 70 cm (27 in), although there have been reports of wild individuals growing even longer, reaching up to 34 inches.
Despite their smaller stature, Ackie monitors are known for their active and curious nature, making them a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts.
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Ackie Monitor Care Sheet
| Common Name | Ackie Monitor |
| Scientific Name | Varanus acanthurus |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years |
| Size as Adult | Up to 70 cm (27 in) |
| Weight | 150-300 grams |
| Diet | Carnivorous (insects, small rodents) |
| Enclosure Size Requirements | At least 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft |
| Enclosure Temperature Requirements | Basking spot: 120-150°F, Cooler side: 80-85°F |
| Humidity Requirements | 65-85% |
Enclosure Requirements
Enclosure Size
The enclosure for your Ackie monitor should be spacious to allow for proper movement and exploration.
The minimum recommended size is 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet tall.
This size provides enough room for the monitor to climb, dig, and bask comfortably.
Remember that these lizards are skilled climbers, so a secure lid is necessary to prevent escapes.
Enclosure Lighting and Heating
Proper lighting and temperature gradients are essential for the health and well-being of your Ackie monitor.
Provide a basking spot with a surface temperature of 120-150°F, allowing the lizard to thermoregulate and properly digest its food.
The cooler side of the enclosure should maintain an ambient temperature of 80-85°F.
Using a full-spectrum UVB light is crucial to support calcium metabolism and prevent metabolic bone disease. Position the light in a way that the monitor can access it and receive the necessary UVB exposure.
Creating a naturalistic and enriching environment for your Ackie monitor is important.
Consider incorporating a “retes stack“, which is a structure made of stacked stones that allows the monitor to bask and hide.
This mimics their natural habitat and provides them with different temperature gradients to choose from.
Enclosure Humidity
Ackie monitors require a relatively high level of humidity, ideally between 65 and 85 percent.
Maintaining proper humidity is vital for their overall health, hydration, and shedding process.
Regular misting of the enclosure with dechlorinated water will help increase humidity levels.
Additionally, providing a humid hideout, such as a hide filled with damp sphagnum moss, will allow the monitor to retreat and regulate its moisture levels.
Use a hygrometer to monitor and maintain the appropriate humidity range.
Diet and Feeding Schedule
Ackie monitors are carnivorous reptiles with a diet primarily consisting of insects and small animals like snails.
Providing a varied and balanced diet is crucial to meet their nutritional needs.
These can be supplemented with small rodents, such as mice, as occasional treats.
The feeding schedule for Ackie monitors varies based on their age.
Young monitors should be fed daily to support their growth and development.
As they reach adulthood, feeding every other day is typically sufficient.
Adjust the portion size of the food based on the monitor’s appetite and body condition.
To ensure proper calcium intake and prevent metabolic bone disease, dust the food with a calcium powder supplement 2-4 times per week.
This supplementation provides the necessary calcium for strong bone development and overall health.
Additionally, consider occasional supplementation with other reptile-safe vitamins and minerals to ensure a well-rounded diet, once a week or every two weeks.
Always provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish within the enclosure.
Regularly clean the water dish to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial growth.
Ackie monitors may also benefit from occasional misting or a shallow soak to support hydration and shedding.
Health and Diseases
Maintaining the health of your Ackie monitor is essential to ensure their well-being and longevity.
Regularly monitoring their behavior, appetite, and physical appearance can help you identify any potential health issues.
If you notice any abnormalities or signs of illness, it is important to consult with a reptile veterinarian who has experience with Ackie monitors.
One common health issue in Ackie monitors is metabolic bone disease (MBD), which is caused by a lack of proper calcium and vitamin D3.
Metabolic bone disease can lead to weak bones, deformities, and even death if left untreated.
Providing a calcium supplement and appropriate UVB lighting are crucial preventive measures.
In addition to that, ensure a balanced diet with proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios to support optimal bone health.
Parasites, such as internal worms and external mites, can also affect Ackie monitors.
Regular fecal examinations by a veterinarian and maintaining good hygiene in the enclosure can help prevent and detect parasite infestations.
If necessary, your veterinarian may recommend appropriate deworming treatments or other necessary interventions.
Respiratory infections can occur in Ackie monitors, especially when the enclosure’s humidity levels are too low or there are fluctuations in temperature.
Signs of a respiratory infection may include wheezing, nasal discharge, or open-mouth breathing.
If you suspect a respiratory infection, consult with a reptile veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Stress can negatively impact the health of your Ackie monitor.
Ensure that their enclosure provides adequate hiding places, climbing opportunities, and a proper temperature gradient to allow them to regulate their body temperature effectively.
It is better to avoid excessive handling and provide a calm and quiet environment to minimize stress levels.
Other Considerations
Here are a few additional points to consider when keeping Ackie monitors as pets:
Handling
Ackie monitors may tolerate handling to some extent, but they are generally not as accustomed to human interaction as some other reptile species.
If you choose to handle your Ackie monitor, it’s important to do so gently and with care to avoid causing stress or injury. Always support their body and avoid excessive restraint.
Ackie monitors are curious by nature, and with calm, confident handling on a regular basis, they can learn to tolerate and even enjoy human interaction.
That said, new owners should not expect their Ackie monitor to be immediately ready for handling, as they need time to acclimate to their new environment.
Enrichment
Enrichment plays a crucial role in promoting the well-being of Ackie monitors.
Providing a stimulating environment for these lizards involves various forms of enrichment, including climbing structures, hiding spots, and opportunities for mental stimulation.
Branches, rocks, tunnels, and caves can be added to encourage natural behaviors and exploration.
Additionally, a specialized basking platform called a retes stack can be incorporated, offering the monitor the ability to choose their preferred basking temperature while providing a secure hiding place.
Socialization
Ackie monitors are generally solitary animals and do not require the company of other monitors.
Housing multiple Ackie monitors together can lead to territorial conflicts, aggression, and stress.
It is best to keep them individually unless you have extensive experience as a reptile keeper and can provide a spacious enclosure with ample resources for each monitor.
In the case of considering a group setup, it is important to note that females can be more challenging to keep together than males.
Female Ackies may require nesting sites and can still cycle and lay infertile eggs even without the presence of a male. This can lead to increased stress and potential conflicts within the group.
Costs and Maintenance
Keeping Ackie monitors as pets requires careful consideration of both financial and maintenance aspects.
These reptiles can range in price from $500 to $1,000, depending on factors like age and breeder.
Setting up their habitat entails investing in a 120-gallon tank, heating, lighting, substrate, and furnishings. Ongoing costs include purchasing live insects for feeding, as well as reptile-specific supplements like calcium powder to ensure proper calcium intake.
Regular veterinary care and potential enclosure upgrades are also necessary.
With an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, owning an Ackie monitor is a long-term commitment that requires dedication and responsible care.
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