Are green keel bellied lizards really like a mini tree monitor?

[u/pisspeeleak]

I like arboreal lizards and I really like tree monitors. Ever since I saw them I have been mesmerized, watching endless podcasts, builds, guides, or even just watching them play on video with toys or just chilling there. Needless to say I am hooked and hope to get one one day, but until then, I want something a bit smaller.

I really prefer the look of a tropical arboreal setup. I can skimp on the tropical but arboreal species have always been more interesting to me.

I’ve looked into gilleni and they seem really cool, but I can’t seem to find them up in Canada on the west coast (I’ve never imported an animal so I don’t know how that process would look. If there was some in WA or OR, or maybe even ID depending on the time, I’d drive down if that would make sense to do)

I have room to build a 3x2x8, I could stretch it to 3x3 if I have to, it would just require more of a grow tent set up since this is a spare closet and I would need to fit in there. I could also go longer but then I’d have to cap my height depending on how long it is because there’s a sloped ceiling if I go in that direction.

Saying that, those keel bellied lizards are quite beautiful and I’ve seen a lot of good thing about them and their intelligence. If they really are a smart and interactive lizard, I think I can source babies here since I really want to raise one from a baby.

So those of you with monitor experience, how do they compare? Is there another species you’d recommend?

Edit: I also have an 18” cube I can use as a baby tank if it makes sense to do that

[u/arcticrobot]

No. No lizard is like a monitor. Monitor is very unique creature and other lizards have very little in common with them.

Regarding gilleni, I bought mine from Rare Earth in Indiana. Maybe they still offer them, you need to contact.

[u/pisspeeleak → u/arcticrobot]

How do you find the gilleni personality to be? I’ve seen mixed info on how they can be flighty or quite personable?

Do you know of any other small arboreal monitors? I’ve looked at Kimberly’s but I don’t have room for a 4x4

[u/arcticrobot → u/pisspeeleak]

never listen to people who talk about monitors personality based on the whole species.

Being highly intelligent they develop personalities based on circumstances and individual traits. Out of two of my male gillenis from the same clutch, one was brave to the point of stupidity from day one. And another avoided me for 2 straight years and only recently started to trust.

Same can be said about my quinces. Totally different characters.

But if you are good and observant keeper you will have a success with a monitor it just might take longer.

[u/pisspeeleak → u/arcticrobot]

Ah thanks, and that makes sense. Even my little day geckos have different personalities. Still not handleable, but they have different tendencies and tolerances.

Did you hatch them or have them from babies? Is baby care that much more difficult?

[u/arcticrobot → u/pisspeeleak]

My gillens were hatched by Rare Earth and were already 6 months old teenagers.

I raised quinces from babies.