Varanus acanthurus, commonly known as Ackies or Spiny-tailed Monitors, are medium-sized monitor lizards with a typical snout-vent length (excluding the tail) ranging from 23-26cm in adults, although larger individuals have been recorded.

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The most prominent characteristic of the species is their rounded spiny tail. They also possess pale stripes on the neck and, in most cases, dark round spots or ocelli on their back.

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Ackies exhibit a wide range of coloration, often categorized as red or yellow types at a basic level. However, there is significant variation across different population locations and even within considered localities.

Examples of coloration variations include:

• Western Queensland (Mt Isa region): Some animals display a stronger, brighter yellow coloration, sometimes almost fluorescent.

• Northern Territory (Barkley region): Ackies in this region tend to have a black and white coloration.

• Northern Territory (North locality): Animals that range out of arid environments closer to tropical savannah exhibit a more broken pattern of ocelli and coloration closer to a duller yellow/green.

• Western Australia localities: Animals from WA, including those referred to as "Sandfire" based on the location of the Sandfire roadhouse, often display a redder coloration.

It is important to note that the coloration of juveniles is not a reliable indicator of how they will appear as adults. The parent animals provide a better indication, and coloration can also vary with seasons and can be influenced by UVB light sources and diet.

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Ackies are terrestrial, rock-inhabiting species (saxicolous) and are often found sheltering under large rocks in shallow burrows or wedged into rock crevices, where their spiny tail makes them difficult to remove. However, depending on the environment and their wide range, they have been found in hollow logs and termite mounds as well.

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Ackies are generally considered a beginner species of monitor lizard, partly due to their availability (they can be kept with a basic license in most Australian states/territories), medium size, and interesting coloration. They also tend to have a relaxed temperament, becoming easily habituated to human interaction and tong feeding.

They are relatively easy to care for and breed, and they do not require vertical space, making average-sized enclosures suitable.

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Enclosure size: It is recommended to provide a minimum space of 100cm in length and 60cm in width for an adult pair of Ackies.

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Substrate and furnishings: Sand or large pebbles are suitable substrates, and it is important to provide plenty of hides such as hollow logs and flat rocks for burrowing or hiding under. A tighter space will make the animal feel safer.

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Temperatures and lighting: Adequate UVB lighting is essential. An ideal setup includes a basking spot with a bright lamp directed onto a rock or tiles, maintaining a temperature range of around 50-65°C. The rest of the enclosure should provide an ambient heat gradient ranging from 28-33°C during the warmer, active months.

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Feeding: The primary food source for Ackies consists of crickets, wood roaches, and various insects, with regular dusting of calcium powder and vitamins. Occasional additions to their diet can include pinkie mice, chopped mice, lean turkey or chicken mince, chicken hearts, boiled chicken egg, quail egg, and chopped day-old quail. Providing a balanced variety of food is important.

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Life span: Ackies are typically recorded to have a lifespan of 8-10 years in captivity.