The Mangrove Monitor is native to Australia, New Guinea & other surrounding islands. Mangrove Monitors are also known as the Western Pacific Monitor lizard and "Mangrove Goanna". The monitor's body is dark green or black in colour and covered with golden-yellow spots, with light colouration on the top of its head and a solid, cream-coloured belly lacking dark markings. It has a distinct dark purple tongue and serrated teeth.
The mangrove monitor attains different sizes in different parts of its range, but seldom if ever exceeds 1,5 metres (about 5 ft) in total length.