The Water Monitor is a long lizard with a very long, whip-like tail, and stout, sturdy legs for running, leaping, climbing, and swimming. They are generally darkly colored, brown or black, with a spattering of blacks and deep browns. They have a few yellow spots on their underbellies that disappear as they age. Water Monitors weigh between one and three kilograms and can grow up to three meters in length. The large scales over their heads and the smaller scales on their backs are keeled.
Males are generally much larger than females, often twice the size.
Water Monitors are native to Southeast Asia, from Bengal to the Philippine Islands and even into Indo-Australian islands. They are such good swimmers that they are known to travel by water to other islands and continents. In places where they are common, local people may hunt them for meat, skins, or for use in religious ceremonies. Each adult will need at least six square meters of space. Provide them with a large water area that is atleast large enough for them to soak in.