The numbers
Enclosure
240 × 120 × 90 cm
Diet
Crickets, roaches, worms · 2–3×/week
Temperature
cool 25–30 °C
Humidity
~60% ambient + humid burrow (~100%)
UVB
Strong T5 HO
Identity
Family / Order
Varanidae / Squamata
Adult size
90–120 cm (3.5–4 ft)
Lifespan (captivity)
10–15 yrs (up to 20+; often shortened by obesity)
Activity
Diurnal; terrestrial burrower
Temperament
Intelligent; can tame, but needs huge space
Price (THB)
~3,000–10,000
Enclosure and conditions
Basking
50–65 °C (120–150 °F) surface
Cool side
25–30 °C
Humidity
~60% ambient + humid burrow (~100%)
UVB (required)
Strong T5 HO
Min. size
240 × 120 × 90 cm (8×4×3 ft — a room)
Substrate
60+ cm deep soil (burrowing)
Water
Large tub to soak
Diet
Diet type
Primarily insectivore — even as adults
Staple insects
Crickets, roaches, worms
Avoid
Fatty rodents / dog food (obesity!)
Juveniles
Daily
Adults
2–3×/week
Calcium
Dust + multivitamin
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Tolerant if worked with; food-motivated
Digging
Deep burrows essential
Cohabitation
Solo
Defense
Tail whip, hiss, powerful bite
Children
Adult only
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
~2 yrs
Clutch
10–50 eggs
Incubation
~150–180 days
Common health problems
Obesity
Signsthe #1 killer — overfeeding rodents, low activity
Preventinsect staple + large active space
Metabolic bone disease
Signsweak bones
Preventstrong UVB + calcium + hot basking
Impaction
Signsloose substrate / cool temps
Preventdeep proper substrate + heat
Parasites
Signscommon in wild-caught
Preventchoose captive-bred; fecal test
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- Sold tiny but grows huge fast — one of the most rehomed reptiles.
- A burrowing digestive furnace — needs extreme basking heat.
- In the wild it eats mostly invertebrates, not rodents.
Common questions
Does it stay small?
No — 1 m+, needs a room-sized enclosure.
Feed rodents?
Minimize — insects are the staple; obesity kills.
Beginner pet?
No — a big space & heat commitment.
What it needs
- Room-sized enclosure + deep substrate
- High-wattage basking + thermostat
- Strong T5 UVB
- Large water tub
- Calcium + multivitamin
- Feeder insects + IR thermometer