This lizard is a thick, stocky monitor with a wide head, short neck and tail. The tail tapers and has a double toothed crest. The basic color is grey to a light yellow. The head has often light yellow markings. There are symmetrical rows of circular, dark edged yellow spots across the animal's back. The tail has alternating brown and yellowish rings. The belly and the inside of the limbs are yellowish-grey or gray to brown in color. Its tongue is snake-like (forked) and blue.Savannah monitors are larger pet lizards that are known to be some of the more docile lizards of the monitor group. They aren't really active lizards but usually tolerate handling quite well.