If you are a reptile lover you have no doubt heard of the Argentine Tegu and Savannah Monitor. They are certainly some of the most popular options when it comes to larger sized lizards. There are many debates as to which is better between the Argentine tegu vs the Savannah monitor. Hopefully, you will be able to get some insight into these amazing large-sized pet lizards.
The Argentine Tegu is a better option than the Savannah monitor for most people. Tegus are generally less aggressive, easier to tame, and require less food and a smaller area. The Savannah Monitor is an advanced lizard that is not always tame. It requires a slightly larger enclosure as well.
That said, both the Argentine tegu and the Savannah monitor are not the easiest pet lizards for beginners. This is simply because of the sheer size of both the Argentine tegu and the Savannah monitor. That said, the tegu is probably my favorite choice when it comes to the larger species of lizards as pets.
That said, it would seem to be a personal preference which is the better pet. In fact, the tegu and the savannah monitor make it on my list of top giant lizards to have as pets. There are many different factors when choosing a pet lizard. Let’s break this down a bit more.
Comparing the Argentine Tegu and Savannah Monitor
When looking at the differences in these lizards, you need to start by asking yourself these questions:
- Are you experienced or is this your first time owning a reptile?
- How much money can you spend to keep your pet happy and healthy?
- Do you have time to spend with your pet?
- Does your landlord allow them?
The Tegu is a rather calm and peaceful lizard compared to many other lizards of similar size. This makes it better for first-time reptile owners compared to the Savannah Monitor. The Monitor has a very heavy tale which it loves to whip around especially when it gets mad.
Both the tegu and the Savannah monitor can be tame and peaceful pets. However, I would give the edge to the Argentine tegu when it comes to temperament.
Clint from Clint’s Reptiles has a great video comparing the Argentine tegu and Savannah monitor head to head.
The Argentine Tegu as a Pet
There are many factors that make an Argentine Tegu a better pet than a Savannah Monitor, such as:
- They are more intelligent
- Cheaper to house ( but still not cheap)
- Easier to feed ( but they do eat a lot)
- They will eat fruits, vegetables, and even meat
- Require a smaller basking area
- Easier to tame
- Passive unless provoked
The Tegu has a wide diet variety. A few of the things they can eat are:
- Live bugs
- Snails
- Worms
- Rodents
- Baby Chicks
- Melons
- Pears
- Bananas
- Squash
The adult Argentine Tegu can eat about three times per week. This is similar for Savannah Monitors but the Tegus eat less food. Tegus do require an enclosure that is roughly 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet long. If you are a crafty person, they are easy to build.
That said, the Argentine tegu does need a good amount of space. That said, a Savannah monitor needs at least the same amount of space if not more.
The Savannah Monitor as a Pet
The Savannah Monitor is a complicated lizard compared to the Argentine Tegu. They can be good pets but are quite feisty and can be hard to tame. They rather enjoy whipping their large, heavy tails around or giving you a quick bite that could lead to stitches.
Monitors are much more active and like to try to escape. It is important to have a closed-off area if you want to let them run around.
Their diet is much more restricted than a Tegu, and they do not eat fruit or vegetables. The diet must be full of protein. Here are a few examples of acceptable food for Savannah Monitors:
- Crickets
- Grasshoppers
- Roaches
- Small rodents
- King mealworms
- Low-fat foods from these examples
The Savannah Monitor can eat a lot more than the Tegu. They need low-fat protein three days a week and gut-loaded bugs five days a week. They also need calcium powder added to their food. It is important to watch how much you feed them because they will eat non stop if you allow them to.
Monitors require a bigger enclosure. It must be a minimum of eight feet by six feet. The basking spot must be much larger and they also require a good depth of substrate to burrow and chase their food in.
They can not handle temperature change as well as the Tegu so it is important to keep their home the proper temperatures. You can do this by using a reptile cage temperature controller. Be sure to get the removable one so you can check the temperature and humidity throughout the entire enclosure.
Argentine Tegu vs Savannah Monitor Cost
The cost of buying and keeping an Argentine Tegu is quite similar to a Savannah Monitor. Below is a table to compare the two lizards.
| Purchasing The Lizard | The Enclosure | Heating | Food Per Month | Substrate Depending What Kind | |
| Argentine Tegu | $100.00-$350.00 | $600.00- $3,000.00 | $40.00-$200.00 | $30.00-$100.00 | $10.00-$100.00 |
| Savannah Monitor | $40.00-$150.00 | $1,000.00-$4,000.00 | $40.00-$200.00 | $150.00-$300.00 | $10.00-$100.00 |
As you can see by the table above, the Argentine Tegu is more expensive to purchase initially but the Savannah Monitor is more expensive to maintain.
Getting a pet lizard can be exciting. Before you get one, you should make sure that you can care for them properly.
Lizards need certain temperatures to survive. Plenty of heating lamps or a strong one should be placed in the basking area and at least one should be in the other area of the cage. They both need a few hiding houses and a damp house to keep cool in.
Both the Argentine Tegu and the Savannah Monitor need UVB lighting to mimic the temperatures of the sun. This also gives them Vitamin D. Vitamin D and Calcium are a very important part of keeping your pet Tegu or Monitor. If they lack these two vitamins in their diet, they are prone to bone disease.
Argentine Tegu Vs Savannah Monitor Health
Both tegus and monitors are at risk for certain diseases. That said, Savannah Monitors are generally more prone to diseases than Tegus.
These can include:
- Parasitic infections
- Skin infections
- Respiratory illnesses
- Obesity
- Gastrointestinal disease
These diseases can rack up a hefty veterinarian bill. On the other hand, Argentine Tegus are less susceptible to illnesses and disease. This makes them better as they will not have so many visits to the expensive, exotic veterinarian.
So Which Is Better Between The Tegu And Savannah Monitor?
Considering all of this information we have gone over, the conclusion is the Argentine Tegu is better for most pet owners. It is considered one of the gentle giants in the lizard world and an ideal pet reptile if you are looking to get into keeping large lizards.
That said, they are both very large lizards that are not the best choice for first-time owners. If you have never owned a lizard but are looking to find a choice that is not too small I would suggest going for a bearded dragon or blue-tongued skink.
Tegus are more expensive in the beginning, but easier on the pockets in the long run, especially with their hibernation period. They love to be pet and scratched. Savannah Monitors are not so much into that. They would rather explore their territory.
Both of these lizards can live very long healthy lives if they are taken care of properly. Fifteen to twenty years is a big commitment so make sure you have the time and money to give your reptile friend the best life they can have.