See Giant Monitor Lizards Tear Apart a Carp and Devour The Fish

Opportunistic feeders sometimes end up together in the oddest pairs. In the video at the bottom of the page, several crows gather to enjoy the bounty after two Asian water monitor lizards tear a carp apart.

Asian Water Monitor Lizard Overview

These types of monitor lizards are large reptiles native to the southern region of Asia. They inhabit a range of different habitats, including coastal areas as well as mangrove forests. They grow quite large, up to 10 feet long in some cases. They have distinctive markings on their bodies and their limbs are long. They’re adept swimmers, which is what earned them the name “water monitor.” They eat various food sources, ranging from birds and fish to small mammals and even carrion.

Do Asian Water Monitors Eat Crows?

As you’ll see in the video below, crows surround Asian water monitors while they feast. But it seems they’re comfortable being in the presence of these large predators. Generally, Asian water monitor lizards keep from turning crows into meals. However, they are opportunistic predators, meaning that no bird is safe in the presence of an Asian water monitor. This is especially true during times of prey scarcity as the Asian water monitor lizard is much less picky when the food sources are limited. It takes what it can get.

Giant Monitor Lizards Tear Carp Apart

When the video below starts, there’s a park and a pond just ahead. On the left side of the screen is a walkway and a road. On the bright green grass just ahead there’s also a park bench next to a tree. But the main event is right in the center of your screen. Two monitor lizards are on the grass, hyper-focused on something. As the camera zooms in, you can see that they’re both feasting on something. It’s a rohu carp. Instead of arguing over who gets to eat, the two tear the carp apart and focus on their own bits. They seem to be comfortable with sharing.

There are several crows surrounding the two Asian water monitors, also waiting opportunistically. They know there are bound to be scraps left behind from the meal and they’re waiting patiently for a chance to snag some bits and pieces. The crows hop around the two monitor lizards, getting awfully close for a chance to gain a snack. They’re quite bold in their approach — one, in particular, doesn’t mind being mere inches from the snacking Asian water monitor. Its bravery is rewarded as it manages to grab a few fallen carp pieces.

Watch the Video Below!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/heckepics