Archives of The Cold Blooded News

The Newsletter of the Colorado Herpetological Society

Volume 31, Number 2;   February, 2004

THS Herp of the Month

Chinese Water Dragon

Common Name:

Chinese (Green) Water Dragon

Scientific Name:

Physignathus cocincinus

Family:

Agamidae

Size:

18-24 inches

Age:

12 - 15 years

Active:

diurnal

Range:

Southeast Asia; South China, Vietnam, Thailand. Possibly Laos, Cambodia and Burma

Habitat:

Tropical forest or rivers edge

Captive care:

75 gallon or larger aquarium for single animal with lots of climbing and hiding areas. Water dragons like to soak/swim, so a large water bowl is essential, but must be kept clean.

Food:

Insects; crickets, meal worms, wax worms, earth worms, zoophoba, cockroaches, etc. as well as fish, pinkies and other protein items. Some individuals will eat chopped fruits, greens, vegetables. Feed mice sparingly if at all (can cause lipid deposits in eye).

Lighting:

Full spectrum-lighting required to help absorb calcium.

Notes:

Males are generally larger than females, with larger and wider heads as well as larger neck crests and large, bumpy femoral pores. Males have larger spines as well as an upward-pointing bony ridge under the skin.

References:

Bartlett, RD., and Bartlett, P. Anales, Basilisks and Water Dragons. Barron's Educational Series, Inc. Hauppauge, NY.
Bartlett, Patricia, Griswold, DVM, Billy, and Bartlett, RD. (2001) Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates: An identification and care guide. Barron's Educational Series, Inc. Hauppauge, NY. pp.279.
de Vosjoli, Phillippe. Green Water Dragons, Sailfin Lizards, and Basilisks - General Care and Maintenence Series.
"Tricia's Chinese Water Dragon Page" (No URL provided by author)