Reptile · Monitor
Kings' rock monitor care guide
Varanus kingorum
The kings' rock monitor is a advanced-level monitor from Kimberley region, Australia. Adults reach 25–30 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Smallest monitor; build rock stacks with tight crevices.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 75 cm
- Temp Basking 50°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a kings' rock monitor cost in Canada?
Kings' rock monitor quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Kimberley region, Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 75 cm (35 × 18 × 30 in, ≈ 80 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 50°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – small roaches, crickets
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Kings' rock monitor enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 75 cm (35 × 18 × 30 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre8 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry. This species digs, so give it 20 cm (8 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 8 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: Basking 50°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a kings' rock monitor eat?
Insectivore – small roaches, crickets. Juveniles daily, adults 4–5 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy; display animal.
Health watch: Obesity and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a kings' rock monitor bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 75 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive top layer, 12 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 8 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Kings' rock monitor FAQ
Is the kings' rock monitor good for beginners?
The kings' rock monitor is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Shy; display animal.
What size enclosure does a kings' rock monitor need?
At least 90 × 45 × 75 cm (about 35 × 18 × 30 inches, roughly 80 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a kings' rock monitor cost in Canada?
Typically $2000–4000 CAD to buy, about $760–1370 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $400–600 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a kings' rock monitor need?
Temperature: Basking 50°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a kings' rock monitor eat?
Insectivore – small roaches, crickets. Juveniles daily, adults 4–5 times a week.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.