Northerns vs. Easterns

[osheam]

Which BTS would make a better pet? Can I get specific stats on both? In your opinion would a regular 55 gallon aquarium be ok temporarily?

[Jeff]

Both northerns and easterns should make equally good pets. I don't really notice a personality difference among the ones that I keep. They are both awesome. They are both the same species, just recognized as separate sub-species of scincoides. Some people don't think they should even be considered different.

In general, northerns get larger. It is common for them to reach 23-24", and weigh close to 1000 grams. I have not seen as many easterns as northerns, but the ones I have seen generally seem to max out around 20" and weigh 500-600 grams. Some of the Australian members say that there are much larger easterns in some parts of Australia, but I don't think any of the bigger forms exist outside of OZ.

I think a 55 gallon tank would work, but because most 55 gallon aquariums are very narrrow (around 12" wide) it is probably not ideal for an adult bts. It is plenty big enough, but because of the shape, it doesn't provide the best floor space. There are other tanks out there that hold less gallons, but offer better floor space. 30 and 40 gallon breeder tanks both have a 18" x 36" footprint which works well for an adult bts, although most people agree that the more space you give them, the better.

[critterguy]

Jeff: How big are all your Easterns? I don't think the size difference is as huge as it is made out to be. The average Northern on these forums seems to be 20-22 inches in length. I know of an animal or two that presumably have stopped growing at 3-4 years or so of age that are still around 18-19 inches TL.

[Jeff]

Joseph, my smallest full-grown northern is 20", but she is much smaller looking than any of my others. The others are all over 22". I have four adult easterns that are 19", and one that is 18". In general there is a very noticable size difference between my northerns and my easterns. Like I said though, I haven't seen nearly as many easterns as northerns. It is possible that my easterns are a little smaller than average. From talking with a few other people that keep them though, they seem pretty typical size wise.

[Richard.C]

northerns are generally bigger on average,though easterns can get big to,but jeffs corect,on average the size is small,i think north queensland easterns are bigger on average,in saying that,i have measured a wild eastern that was 61 cm long total length in southern victoria,so they can grow larger than 20 inches,but 19 to 22 inches is usually more the average id say

[LarissaLurid]

As everyone has said, there's not much difference. Northerns a little large, but same personalities. I wouldn't get a 55 gallon tank. Although it's long it's nowhere near wide enough. Since it's for fish, there is not enough floor space. If you go to glasscages.com i think it is, they sell 50 gallon wide ones for only like $100 which is way cheaper than the 55g and much more floor space. If not I'd get a 40 gallon wide breeder tank at the very least. I have a 5 month old Merauke in one, but I really think he will need to be moved into a 50g wide when he gets larger.

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

I would think Easterns cost more in the US...

[Richard.C]

i find easterns not as aggressive to other easterns as northerns can be to other northerns,there are exceptions,but easterns to me dont get as aggressive,ive raised babies together with easterns and never had any tail losses ect,northerns on the otherhand seem to just snap,but there are exceptions,others have had aggression with easterns

pet quality wise u cant go wrong with either,both capable of being friendly,from litters of both,ive found easterns to be slightly shyer as youngsters,more defensive,more willing to openmouth display,but they settle fast

out of australia,you will find northerns to be alot more common,hopefully we will see a few eastern litters this season