Mertens question

[missllama]

How long can Mertens monitors stay under water for? Mine goes underwater while swimming for quite a while sometime and i have no idea how long they can be under for, without coming up?

Also if it makes any difference an adult or juvi if there are different lengths they can be under for

 

[itbites]

They can hold their breath for several minutes at any one time,
and their noses have a special valve that shuts tight when their under water...
I don't believe the amount of time would vary that greatly?
(perhaps another minute or so?) regardless of size/age.
They are a fascinating goanna
& the way they stalk their pray like crocs is amazing!
Definitely high on my list of goannas