Blue Tree Monitors for Sale
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Varanus macraei
The Blue Tree Monitor is one of the most visually striking monitor lizards in the world, featuring a jet black base color scattered with brilliant electric blue scales across their entire body. Native to Batanta Island, Indonesia, these highly intelligent arboreal specialists reach 36 to 42 inches in total length, with roughly two thirds of that being their incredibly long, muscular prehensile tail. Their exceptional intelligence, inquisitive nature, and breathtaking coloration make blue tree monitors the most sought after species among experienced monitor keepers worldwide. What truly sets them (and the rest of the tree monitors) apart is their intelligence and problem solving ability, displaying interactive behaviors that most reptiles simply cannot match.
We produce captive bred blue tree monitors right here in our North Carolina facility. Unlike wild caught imports that arrive stressed, parasitized, and struggling to acclimate, our monitors hatch with us and grow in optimal conditions from day one. Every blue tree monitor we offer is feeding well on gut loaded insects, established, and comes with our comprehensive health guarantee and ongoing care support from our breeding team.
Blue Tree Monitor Overview
Blue tree monitors are exceptionally intelligent reptiles that become quite interactive with consistent, gentle interaction. Juveniles start in 3 feet wide by 2 feet tall by 2 feet deep enclosures where they feel secure and comfortable. Adults require a minimum 4 feet wide, 4 feet tall, 2 feet deep setup, though larger is always better for environmental enrichment. These are arboreal animals spending 90% of their time climbing, so both width and vertical space matter equally. Their high metabolisms mean you'll feed every other day, alternating between crickets, roaches, quail, eggs, and varied insects.
For detailed husbandry including enclosure construction, temperature gradients, feeding protocols, and breeding information, view our complete Blue Tree Monitor Care Guide.
About Blue Tree Monitors
Adult blue tree monitors reach 36 to 42 inches total length, with approximately two thirds of that measurement being their prehensile tail. Snout to vent length, which is the actual body size, measures 14 to 16 inches at maturity. Males trend slightly larger than females, averaging 38 to 42 inches compared to females' 36 to 40 inches. They reach full adult size around 18 to 24 months with proper nutrition and housing.
Blue tree monitors are not recommended for first time reptile keepers. They require specific humidity requirements (maintaining above 70% consistently), substantial space needs (minimum 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall by 2 feet deep enclosure), an ambient temperature of 78-80°F, and daily maintenance routines. As with all tree monitors, sharp claws do not make for the most pleasurable handling experience.
Hatchling to seven month old blue tree monitors start in 3 feet wide by 2 feet tall by 2 feet deep enclosures where they feel secure and comfortable. Adults require a minimum 4 feet wide, 4 feet tall, 2 feet deep setup. Most keepers go through two or three enclosures from hatchling to adult, which is normal and expected. Width is just as important as height for tree monitors, they need horizontal space to move and establish temperature gradients, not just vertical climbing area. Larger is always better if your space allows, with 6 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep being ideal for optimal quality of life.
With proper husbandry, captive bred blue tree monitors typically live to 15 years in captivity, with exceptional individuals reaching 20 plus years. Longevity depends heavily on diet quality, enclosure conditions, stress levels, and genetic factors. Captive bred specimens generally outlive wild caught imports due to better initial health, absence of parasite loads, and reduced stress from never experiencing capture and importation. Regular veterinary check ups, varied diets, and appropriate environmental parameters all contribute to maximum lifespan.
We strongly advise against housing blue tree monitors together except for supervised breeding attempts with same species pairs during breeding season. They are solitary animals in the wild and territorial in captivity, which can lead to stress, injuries from fighting, or one animal dominating all food resources while the other becomes malnourished. Each monitor should have its own dedicated enclosure for daily living and optimal health.