Ackie Monitor
Varanus acanthurus — “Spiny-Tailed Monitor,” named for the ring of sharp tail spines used for defense.
Small, active Australian desert monitors reaching 18–28 inches total length and living 12–20+ years. Native to arid scrublands and rocky deserts of western/northern Australia. They are diurnal, extremely alert, fast, inquisitive, and spend lots of time digging and basking. Ackies are solitary, only tolerating others if kept very carefully. Their body shape, long claws, and tails are adaptations for digging, climbing, and protection.
Fun facts: Ackies are one of the most active dwarf monitors, known for “periscoping” behavior to look around.
Enclosure
Ackies need large, hot, deep enclosures. Minimum 4x2x2 ft for one, though larger (6 ft+) is ideal due to high activity. Use deep 8–12+ inches of cypress mulch mixed with sand or soil for digging (safe and holds burrows). Provide rocks, hides, and sturdy climbing spots.
Basking spot should reach 150–160°F, warm side 120–130°F, cool side 80–90°F, nighttime 75–80°F. Humidity 40–60%, with a humid hide. Strong UVB is required.
Ideal range is hot dry days with warm nights; they tolerate cooler nights down to low 70s but should never dip below that. They can handle heat extremely well if they have a proper gradient.
Diet & Hydration
Ackies are carnivorous insectivores. Feed 4–5x per week for juveniles, 3x per week for adults.
Portions: Offer an amount of insects they can finish within 5–10 minutes. Adults can have occasional small rodents (once every 2–3 weeks).
Staples: Dubia roaches, crickets, superworms, mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, silkworms, quail eggs.
Treats: Pinky mice, ground turkey (rare), waxworms, raw shrimp.
No Feed/Toxic: No fruits, vegetables, dairy, or seasoned meats; avoid large rodents or anything too fatty.
Provide a shallow water dish; they hydrate via drinking and humidity from burrows. Supplement calcium with D3 twice weekly and a multivitamin once weekly.
Behavioral note: Ackies will eat aggressively and chase insects—always tong-feed at shows.
Health
Monitor common issues:
Parasites (internal/external) can be serious if untreated.
Respiratory infections from low temps/humidity mismatch.
Metabolic bone disease if UVB or calcium is incorrect.
Thermal burns if basking spots aren’t secured.
Ackies are generally hardy but require proper heat and UVB to avoid fatal complications.
Handling
Ackies tame well with regular handling but can be skittish, fast, and defensive when stressed. Too much handling early on can cause stress; build trust slowly.
Always scoop from below—never grab from above. Support the full body, keep them facing outward, and be ready for quick movements.
Show suitability:
Friendly individuals can be good display animals, but not ideal for handling by small kids due to speed and sharp claws.
They can do multiple shows per day if warm and comfortable.
They tolerate heat well and do not poop excessively, but they may scratch handlers if they try to run.
Use as a “look-and-touch the back gently” animal rather than a “hold in the lap” animal.