While many people associate people who think of the Chinese Water Dragon with only China, Water Dragons are actually a type of lizards originating from different regions in Asia which include Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.
They are bright green lizards with a long pointed tail. Similar to the Uromastyx This long tail can be used to defend against predators , and also to balance while climbing, running or swimming.
The majority of people who keep captive Chinese Water Dragons have been caught wild, which means that they aren’t as gentle as pets of lizards.
They are, however, inexpensive (around 50 dollars) and make great pets for hobbyists with experience.
If you think you’re able to manage this Dragon and would like to learn more about the best ways to care for them, you can take a look at our care guide in the following article… Chinese
Water Dragons are scientifically called Physignathus cocincinus.
Chinese Dragon Overview of Water Dragon Overview
Originating from the cooler woodlands of the southern Asia This lizard is found much of its time in the shores of lakes.
Chinese Water Dragons use water to shelter themselves when they are threatened they retreat and remain in the water until danger has gone away. A few have even been observed to keep their breath submerged in excess of an hour.
Comparatively to other species of pet lizards, Water Dragons can be difficult to handle in the wild.
The reason for this is their size with unpredictable temperaments, as well as the tendency to suffer from veterinary problems like infections caused by bacteria.
The majority of water dragons are caught wild. They are given the “vulnerable” conservation status, and their numbers are declining within the natural world. Since they’re still in the wild, they may be aggressive and flighty.
What We Love about Chinese Water Dragons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very active and active. | They need a big tank size. |
| Brightly colored throat. | High humidity and temperature requirements. |
| Intelligent, with a variety of distinctive behaviours. | Health issues are a common occurrence. |
Species Appearance
Chinese Water Dragons have very sensitive eyes. They are able to wake from deep sleeps due even the tiniest change in light.
Male and female Water Dragons are sexually dimorphic which makes them simple to differentiate:
- Males generally have larger spikes on the dorsal side and much larger heads.
- Males also have larger pores in the femoral region of their thighs than females.
The most obvious difference between males and women is color..
Females generally have blue stripes on their backs, and bright pink throats, while males are black with black specklings and bright orange throats.
Chinese Size of a Water Dragon
Males attain an adult height of around three feet the length and females tend to be slightly smaller. Females reach their full size at around 2 feet with a weight of just under two pounds.
They’ll reach their adult size at around two years of age , however they aren’t sexually mature until 2 to three years old.
The hatchlings measure between five and six inches long.
Different colors and markings
Chinese water dragons typically one of a variety in color, usually the color green (ranging between bright and aqua) with a brown/tan-banded tail.
Their throats are bright yellow, orange or pink.
For markings there are white scales on their jaws , and an angular row of spines on the dorsal side of their necks and their bodies.
There aren’t any known real morphs.
The Chinese Dragon Water Enclosure
In the wild they spend the majority of the day laying on branches and rocks along lakes in search of insects as well as other tiny living things.
In captivity, their environment should offer opportunities to allow them to perform the natural behavior.
A designated spot for basking is essential, and plenty of branches must be placed within the enclosure.
A water pan is another essential part of the tank as it provides them with a safe area to retreat to whenever they feel threatened.
Live plants may also be added to boost the humidity in the tank.
Enclosure Set-up
It is believed that the Chinese Water Dragon has very specific requirements in relation the enclosure they are kept in. Ideally, adults need a tank that is at least 75-gallons to be able. This could mean tanks that are 6-foot long, and four feet high.
Wooden vivariums are more popular than mesh or glass enclosures because of their ability to keep heat and water well.
- Tank Type: wooden vivarium.
- Tank Size 75-gallon.
- Light: UVB and UVA lighting for 10-12 hours per day.
- Substrate Topsoil, without additions.
Owners must make sure that the live animal they are using is large enough to allow normal behavior like jumping, running or swimming, as well as relaxing.
Chinese Water Dragon Chinese Water Dragon requires 10-12 hours of UVB and UVA illumination per day..
This light source is crucial for the Lizard’s ability process calcium. If they don’t have it, they could suffer from various health issues, including metabolic bone disease..
The origins of the Chinese Water Dragons are in rainforests in Southeast Asia, Chinese Water Dragons require an extreme temperature and humidity:
- Temperature of enclosures during the day 85° (for 10-12 hours).
- Night-time enclosure temperature: 75 degrees.
A place to bask should be made available that is just a bit cooler than the tank (minimum 90%). The humidity in the enclosure must also be maintained at a high level and over 70% all the time.
Topsoil is a good option for a substrate. It allows natural digging patterns and retains humidity extremely well.
In addition, because of this species’ like to jump from branches, it could make a comfortable landing should they experience an unintentional fall.
Cleaning and Misting
A water tank must be provided as well as the enclosure as well as the Chinese Water Dragon can be misted every day (if not twice per day). This will make sure that humidity stays at or above 70%..
It is crucial to clean the enclosure’s water on a regular basis since reptiles are prone to infections caused by bacteria:
- The water should be changed every day.
- The feces must be removed from the tank on a daily basis.
- The soil or any other substrate should be changed on a regular basis.
Every monthly basis, your tank must be cleaned thoroughly using hot water and soap. The entire tank should be cleaned after cleaning, and the substrate must be completely replaced.
Chinese Water Dragon Care
They are known for their vibrant green hue and bright green color, this kind of bird also sports a lengthy slim slender tail and vibrant orange neck (in males).
Chinese Water Dragon Diet
The species is omnivorous. their diet is mostly comprised of small fish, insects as well as small mammals and other reptiles.
The wild Water Dragons enjoy hunting and therefore providing them with fresh food is vital.
In addition, they may be picky eaters, so changing your diet regularly is crucial to ensure that they get the nutrients they require.
It is suggested to begin with feeding children every day, and gradually move to feeding adults every two or three days.
Juveniles require a diet composed of higher levels of calcium to support the growth of bones. To accomplish this, lots of newborn rodents as well as small fish must include in the diet of their children.
Chinese Water Dragons can eat an array of small creatures, such as the following:
- Mealwormsand earthworms as well as waxworms.
- Crickets, grasshoppers and even locusts.
- Fish that feed on minnows as well as feeders.
- Small rodents.
Owners may try offering small pieces of greens, berries, cantaloupe sweet potatoes, vegetables to the lizard. It should make up 10-15% of their total diet. But not everyone consume fruits and vegetables..
Foods should be taken out of the tank if it has not been consumed in the first 24 hours in order to keep the tank healthy and free of any bacteria.
Health Risks
Chinese Water Dragons typically have a lifespan of 10 to fifteen year living in captivity. But, with good treatment and husbandry they could live as long as 20 years.
In the wild, they are susceptible to a variety of health problems, including a variety of diseases.
Mouth rot is among the most frequently observed health issues that can be observed in the species in captivity. It causes an infection of the gums and mouth. It usually is caused by pus and inflammation.
Veterinarians can prescribe a regimen of antibiotics lasting 14 days to treat this ailment. The prognosis for antibiotics of mouth-rot can be positive. However, medication and vet bills for treating the problem can run around $200 USD.
It is not necessary to bathe to be done if a pot of fresh water is available daily.
If you want to bathe by pouring warm water over their bodies and tails is a good idea. Don’t pour the water directly on the head of your child because they may inhale the water and then develop pneumonia.
| The Signs of Health | The symptoms of sickness |
|---|---|
| Skin is clear and clear of acne-related blemishes | Sunken eyes |
| A balanced appetite | Inability to consume food |
| Active all day long, jumping and swimming | Lethargy |
| Normal colored and well-formed feces (black/white) | A snout that has been inflamed and red. |
The Typical Behaviour
Expected behavior for a Chinese Water Dragon in captivity are:
- Basking
- Jumping across branches
- Swimming
- Running
- Digging
- Hunting
They mostly communicate through physical actions like head bobbing and push-ups.
Chinese Water Dragons are social. It is best that they are kept in small groups when they are kept in captive. If they are kept in groups, they will form an order with one lizard dominating over others. The lizard with the biggest size is the one that dominates.
They are awestruck by climbing and swim, and they are energetic in nature. Being able to engage in these actions in captivity is vital.
Although they are not considered to be an aggressive animal generally they choose to run or hide instead of attacking so long as they have a route to avoid perceived dangers.
Afflictions can be seen in an increase in their throat puffing or tail whipping. biting.
Chinese Water Dragons will undergo the process of brumation in winter and their activity as well as food consumption will drop due to colder temperatures. This is an expected annual event.
Handling
If they are handled frequently, many owners describe the Water Dragons as being docile and welcoming. They can be handled as long as they don’t feel trapped or restrained.
If you compare them with green Iguanas, hey have significantly better temperaments.
It is crucial to begin taking care of yourself from a young age.
Handling is best introduced into their daily routine and treats could be used to help encourage handling.
It is recommended to start doing this for 5-10 minutes every day, and gradually increase the time (as they get more at ease).
Two hands are required to help adults. They should not be tied or shackled because this can cause them to suffer to be stressed.
Like all Lizards, Chinese Water Dragons should not be held with their tails as they could drop off as a defensive mechanism.
Chinese Water Dragon Hatchlings
Females lay as many as 2 clutches of 10 eggs every year.
Males draw females with diverse ways, such as push-upsand head bobbing the puffing of the throat as well as hands waving.
In the lead-up to when breeding time arrives, aquarium temperature needs to be decreased by 5 degrees to facilitate mating behavior. In addition, the light level is reduced by one up to two hours per day. This should be maintained for a period of one to one month (typical conditions for Brumation) Then normal temperatures and daylight hours can be restored to initiate mating.
The mating season begins in the spring, and can last for 2 to 3 months. It takes about 65 days for eggs to hatch and they typically have 10 eggs.
It takes about twenty minutes to allow the process of mating begin.
After are able to copulate, males and females must be separated to avoid stress, aggression and injuries. Some owners opt to allow a second mating to occur a couple of days later to make sure that the female has a breeding.
Females will lay their eggs in the ground and therefore having at minimum 10-inches of soil required. Eggs should be moved into incubators within the first day following the day they laid.
What is the Cost of a Chinese water dragon cost?
Chinese Water Dragons can be difficult to locate in pet stores due to their huge dimensions. They typically cost about fifty dollars. It is recommended to buy from a reputable breeder due to their ability to develop medical issues when not properly housed as well as the conservation status of their species.
Summary
| Important Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Chinese Water Dragon |
| Scientific Name | Physignathus cocincinus |
| Price | ~$50 |
| Size | 36 inches Vent length to snout of 2 inches when born. |
| Lifespan | Between 12 and 20 years old |
| Diet | Omnivores |
| Tank Size | 75 gallon wooden vivarium |
| Temperature and Humidity | Daytime temperature: 85 degrees Night-time temperature: 75 degrees Humidity: 70% |
| Popular Alternatives | Green Iguana, Asian Water Monitor |
Chinese Water Dragons are popular Lizards because of their distinctive color, their big size, and their ability to swim. They are very active, swimming and jumping. They also enjoy digging.
However, since they are susceptible to a variety of illnesses (and have particular food and housing requirements), Water Dragons do not make ideal pets for new owners.
For those with experience in reptile husbandry, that can offer consistent and consistent husbandry and closely monitor their enclosure This species could be an excellent choice.
They require regular handling and time outside their enclosures in order to avoid aggression.
