Reptile · Monitor
Short-tailed monitor care guide
Varanus brevicauda
The short-tailed monitor is a expert-level monitor from Central and western Australia. Adults reach 20–25 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Lives in spinifex; deep sand with clumps of grass.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 75 cm
- Temp Basking 50°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 20–40%
How much does a short-tailed monitor cost in Canada?
Short-tailed monitor quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central and western 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
- 20–40%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – small roaches, crickets
- Bioactive style
- Arid desert
Short-tailed monitor enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 75 cm (35 × 18 × 30 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a arid desert bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre8 cm
A deep, sandy mix packed firmly lets burrows hold their shape; keep only the deepest layer faintly moist. 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: 20–40%. UVB: Required.
What does a short-tailed monitor eat?
Insectivore – small roaches, crickets. Juveniles daily, adults 4–5 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy and secretive; observe only.
Health watch: Dehydration and stress.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking temperatures; refresh water (or mist lightly for species that drink droplets).
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Lightly moisten one deep corner so burrows hold and isopods survive.
- Check rock stacks are stable.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer; replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a short-tailed monitor bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 75 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Main soil, 20 cm mixed with sand
Canyon Sand
About 40% sand so burrows hold
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 8 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Cork Bark Half Rounds
Warm and cool retreats
Sandblasted Grapewood
Climbing and visual structure
Red Zebra Stone
Basking platform and rock crevices
Short-tailed monitor FAQ
Is the short-tailed monitor good for beginners?
No – the short-tailed monitor is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Shy and secretive; observe only.
What size enclosure does a short-tailed 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 short-tailed monitor cost in Canada?
Typically $3000–6000 CAD to buy, about $690–1230 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $400–600 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a short-tailed monitor need?
Temperature: Basking 50°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 20–40%.
What does a short-tailed 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.