Buyer question
Is an Ackie monitor monitor lizard good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Ackie monitor monitor lizard 4 out of 5 for beginners (best first monitor).
Source: the Ackie monitor monitor lizard page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Ackie monitor monitor lizard in the Animal Library
The detail
The ackie, or spiny-tailed monitor, is a small Australian monitor sold in red and yellow forms. Australia does not export its wildlife, so ackies in the trade are captive-bred, and they are the most manageable size of monitor.
- Best fit
- First monitor, active-lizard fans
- Handling
- 3 out of 5 (Busy, tolerates handling)
- Setup complexity
- 4 out of 5 (Deep, hot, dig-friendly)
- Feeding ease
- 4 out of 5 (Eager insect eater)
What to weigh
Small, but not a small-tank lizard: ackies need deep substrate to dig and a very hot basking spot. They are active and curious, which suits watchers more than lap pets.