The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is a large member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae). Nile monitors grow to about 1.5 to 2 meters (4.5 to 6.5 feet) in length. They have muscular bodies, strong legs and powerful jaws. The teeth are sharp and pointed in juvenile animals and become blunt and peg-like in adults. They also possess sharp claws used for climbing, digging, defense, or tearing at their prey. Like all monitors they have a forked tongue, with highly developed olfactory properties. Their nostrils are placed high on the snout, indicating that these animals are highly aquatic, but are also excellent climbers and quick runners on land. Nile monitors feed on fish, snails, frogs, crocodile eggs, birds, small mammals, large insects, and carrion. In Southern Africa they are commonly referred to as "leguaan", from the Dutch for iguana.