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Water Monitor

What is water monitor?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Scientific name Varanus salvator[1]
Type lizard[1]
Common name Asian water monitor[3]
Habitat borders of streams[1]
Behavior swims actively[1]
Size may become five or six feet long[1]

A water monitor is most commonly a large lizard, specifically the Asian water monitor (*Varanus salvator*).

Context

The term 'water monitor' is most commonly used to refer to a large lizard, specifically the Asian water monitor (*Varanus salvator*), but it can also refer to a firefighting or plumbing device depending on the context [2].

Documented claims

  • Water monitor can also refer to a firefighting or plumbing device, depending on the context. [2]
  • The term 'water monitor' is ambiguous and can refer to different things across various sources and uses. [2]
  • Some modern sources treat 'water monitor' as a species complex within *Varanus salvator*. [4]

Questions and answers

Are water monitors legal in Canada?

The legality of keeping water monitors as pets in Canada varies by province and territory. It is essential to check local regulations.

What happens if a water monitor bites you?

A water monitor bite can cause injury and may become infected. Immediate medical attention is advised.

Are water monitors harmless?

Water monitors can be dangerous if provoked. They are powerful predators and can deliver serious bites.

What does a water monitor eat?

Water monitors are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey, including fish, birds, and small mammals [1].

Sources

  1. Water Sensors Toolbox | US EPA — epa.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. WATER MONITOR Definition & Meaning — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Water Monitor: Why the Obvious Meaning Misleads — frizzlife.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. The Water Monitor Complex, an Introduction — tetzoo.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Things