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Chinese Water Dragon Care Sheet
Introduction
The Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) is a water loving, semi-arboreal
lizard, making it the perfect addition to any large tropical vivarium. Also known as the green,
or Asian water dragon, these lizards originate from Southeast Asia (Thailand, Southern
China, Vietnam, Cambodia and surrounding areas). These beautiful green lizards can live
up to 16 years and grow up to 3 feet under the right conditions. While flighty as babies,
these lizards calm down as they age, making an awesome addition to any home or collection.
Enclosure
While a 60 gallon terrarium will house an adult water dragon, a larger enclosure is
recommended. Being semi-arboreal lizards, they love to climb! A hand built enclosure 6 feet
tall, 3 feet deep and 4 feet wide would be ideal. Using plexiglass for the sides and back will
help maintain humidity in your enclosure.
Building materials for your hand made enclosure can be found at your local hardware or
home improvement store.
Substrate
Your enclosure should have a type of substrate that your water dragon will not eat. This is
critically important due to the possibility of impaction. Artificial grass can be used, but the
lack of ability to hold moisture is a real drawback. An ideal substrate product is plantation
soil made of coconut husks. It holds moisture well and if ingested by your dragon, will pass
through without complications.
Water and Humidity
As their name implies, Water Dragons like it wet! Humidity should be kept in the 80% range
and a large, full water dish is also advisable so your dragon can go for a swim whenever
needed. Waterfalls, misters, and live plants all help to keep humidity up in your enclosure.
Hides and Décor
While hides are not necessarily required, lots of foliage will provide places for your dragons
to hide. Plants and branches should almost completely fill your enclosure. Provide branches
large enough to support their body weight as they climb and foliage dense enough to make
them feel as if they are in their native jungle.
Heat and Light
Being a divurnal reptile, UVB lighting is required in order for your water dragon to properly
absorb calcium. This can be achieved through a fluorescent bulb, or a special heat bulb
such as Powersun or Solar Glow. These bulbs should be replaced every year to ensure the
correct amounts of UVB are being emitted.
Daytime ambients should range between 84 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking are
of 95 degrees. Nightime temperature drops of 10 degrees are ideal. It’s always a good idea
to keep multiple thermometers in your enclosure in order to monitor temperatures properly.
Food
Water dragons are omnivorous, however, vegetable matter should only make up about 10
to 15 percent of their diet. Feed your dragons daily, if possible. They will consume a variety
of items such as crickets, mealworms, kingworms, waxworms, earthworms, roaches,
grasshoppers, locusts, feeder fish, and pinkie or fuzzie mice. Be sure to dust any food item
with a calcium supplement at least twice a week before feeding to your water dragon. “Gut-
loading” is also recommended 24 hours before feeding your dragon.
Conclusion
While water dragons may not be the easiest reptile to maintain, they are more than worth
the extra effort. Their beauty and wonderful personality, as well as active lifestyle, makes
them a wonderful pet and showpiece in any home or collection.
Introduction
The Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) is a water loving, semi-arboreal
lizard, making it the perfect addition to any large tropical vivarium. Also known as the green,
or Asian water dragon, these lizards originate from Southeast Asia (Thailand, Southern
China, Vietnam, Cambodia and surrounding areas). These beautiful green lizards can live
up to 16 years and grow up to 3 feet under the right conditions. While flighty as babies,
these lizards calm down as they age, making an awesome addition to any home or collection.
Enclosure
While a 60 gallon terrarium will house an adult water dragon, a larger enclosure is
recommended. Being semi-arboreal lizards, they love to climb! A hand built enclosure 6 feet
tall, 3 feet deep and 4 feet wide would be ideal. Using plexiglass for the sides and back will
help maintain humidity in your enclosure.
Building materials for your hand made enclosure can be found at your local hardware or
home improvement store.
Substrate
Your enclosure should have a type of substrate that your water dragon will not eat. This is
critically important due to the possibility of impaction. Artificial grass can be used, but the
lack of ability to hold moisture is a real drawback. An ideal substrate product is plantation
soil made of coconut husks. It holds moisture well and if ingested by your dragon, will pass
through without complications.
Water and Humidity
As their name implies, Water Dragons like it wet! Humidity should be kept in the 80% range
and a large, full water dish is also advisable so your dragon can go for a swim whenever
needed. Waterfalls, misters, and live plants all help to keep humidity up in your enclosure.
Hides and Décor
While hides are not necessarily required, lots of foliage will provide places for your dragons
to hide. Plants and branches should almost completely fill your enclosure. Provide branches
large enough to support their body weight as they climb and foliage dense enough to make
them feel as if they are in their native jungle.
Heat and Light
Being a divurnal reptile, UVB lighting is required in order for your water dragon to properly
absorb calcium. This can be achieved through a fluorescent bulb, or a special heat bulb
such as Powersun or Solar Glow. These bulbs should be replaced every year to ensure the
correct amounts of UVB are being emitted.
Daytime ambients should range between 84 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking are
of 95 degrees. Nightime temperature drops of 10 degrees are ideal. It’s always a good idea
to keep multiple thermometers in your enclosure in order to monitor temperatures properly.
Food
Water dragons are omnivorous, however, vegetable matter should only make up about 10
to 15 percent of their diet. Feed your dragons daily, if possible. They will consume a variety
of items such as crickets, mealworms, kingworms, waxworms, earthworms, roaches,
grasshoppers, locusts, feeder fish, and pinkie or fuzzie mice. Be sure to dust any food item
with a calcium supplement at least twice a week before feeding to your water dragon. “Gut-
loading” is also recommended 24 hours before feeding your dragon.
Conclusion
While water dragons may not be the easiest reptile to maintain, they are more than worth
the extra effort. Their beauty and wonderful personality, as well as active lifestyle, makes
them a wonderful pet and showpiece in any home or collection.
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