It is believed that the Australian Water Dragon belongs to the genus Physignathus according to George Cuvier in 1829. The name Physignathus actually means “puff-cheek” as it refers to the prominent appearance of the lower jaw and the throat that the Dragon has. The reptile is Australia’s biggest agamid lizard. It has been housed at the Australian Zoo collections as well as in private homes of keepers as well as for trade in private.
The lizard is huge and strong and can be found in the waters in the Eastern Coast of Australia down to up to South Coast. They are over one millimeter in length and are thought to be the biggest member within the Dragon family Agamidae which is found in Australia. They are able to live for up to 25 years old. They are a great species to display since their habitats encompass burrowing, terrestrial, aquatic and arboreal adaptations.
Appearance
One of the most striking features that distinguish one of the most striking characteristics in Water Dragon is the distinct long and angular head. as well as an apex that is composed of spinose scales. These scales are joined by the vertebral crest which runs along the length of the body until it reaches its tail. The larger spinose scales are visible on the lateral side however they are not evenly distributed among normal Keeled scales.
Water Dragon Water Dragon has large jowls as well as an ear that is visible and weighs approximately the same size as its eyes. Its dorsal ridge as well as its the tail have been compressed laterally. The lizard is strong and sturdy limbs, and especially long toes on its hind legs. If they are injured or by nature, they shed their tails, it is possible to regenerate it.
The color of this lizard varies dependent on the species. This particular species is greyish to brownish-grey hue above, and black stripes running along the dorsal ridge, and down the tail. It has an elongated dark stripe that runs along the horizontal axis of the eye across the tympanum stretching across the neck. The limbs of the tympanum are mostly black, with only some spots and grey stripes everywhere. While its ventral part is yellowish-brown. The chest and the upper belly become bright red as males reach maturity.
One of the major characteristics that distinguish one of the main characteristics that distinguishes Australian Water Dragon is its spiny scales that look like hair crests. The head’s angle is quite steep, beginning from the top of the head and ending at the point of the snout. The head’s scales join with the vertebral crest that extends to the long tail of the dragon, that, like other lizards, is regenerated.
Care Guide
It is important to know that the Australian Water Dragon is not an animal that is often kept as a pet. If you are considering keeping one as a pet you should be aware of the various guidelines and rules. The most important things are health and housing.
Enclosure
The lizard can grow quite large in the wild since they are mostly outdoor creatures. This is among the most important aspects as Water Dragons need very large enclosures with ample water space to swim in and appropriate furniture. In addition, you must have adequate ventilation, heating and lighting. It is best to talk to an expert, knowledgeable reptile shop or enclosure maker who will provide detailed guidance regarding the set-up.
Size
It is recommended to construct the largest enclosure possible because no enclosure is too large for this species of lizard. While a smaller enclosure might be appropriate for a hatchling to an adult lizard the minimum enclosure size is 3m two meters. Additionally, a larger enclosure will be more affordable in the end. You can construct a vivarium that has an opening that swings and air vents that are adjustable with transparent sides. Lizards feel open to dangers when it’s an entirely transparent enclosure. One water dragon requires at minimum a five feet enclosure, 24 inches in depth and 36 inches across.
Setup
If you’re creative then you could also include plenty of plants. Because lizards are often found in forests close to streams or rivers so adding some plants and an water source will give an appropriate amount of humidity. Include a moisturizing base layer, like coarse wood chips or fertilizer-free soil and peatmoss mix. The base will hold on to the moisture, keeping levels of humidity in the high range.
Include climbing surfaces such as huge branches of trees, pieces of cork wood and vines. Place them horizontally and separate from one another to create a network of paths that will ensure that your reptile can easily move around and explore the space. It is also recommended to build a shelters, such as an enclosure for reptiles. Plants can be used also in both artificial and live plants. Living plants can provide humidity, while plastic plants are less troublesome to maintain and easy to keep clean. Add a few pieces of resting rocks made from natural stone , or slate because they hold heat to provide some warmth in the belly.
Temperature & Lighting
Because Australia is a hot country and extreme heat, it is imperative to provide an environment that is similar to the Water Dragon because anything else can be harmful to the health of the animal. They regulate their temperature by moving around the different parts of the enclosure. Hence, it is essential to create an environment in which one part in the aquarium is more hot in comparison to the next.
You can install the use of a basking lamp to increase temperatures that range from 95 to 110°F. If your lizard doesn’t seem to be taking enough of a break in the basking zone you can reduce the temperature slightly to a lower level. Their body temperature typically fluctuates between 26.9 to 33.2o C with a mean of 30.1o C. So, you must equip outdoor enclosures with a heated hide, which can be a refuge during cold winter nights and days.
If the enclosure is inside maintaining a thermo-gradient that has a minimum temp at 25oC as well as a max temperature of 32oC is vital. If you own multiple lizards then you must offer more than one site for basking. This will reduce the likelihood of territorial behaviour over occasions to bask. In the case of basking let the lizard reach directly below the heating fixture, for example, the heat lamp, but within a certain distance. If the bulb’s power is 160W Oz the 40cm distance is enough. Cover the bulb with a mesh to stop burns. It is recommended to thermostatically regulate your heating device to prevent burning and overheating.
Water Dragon Water Dragon benefits from a every day rise and drop in temperature that mimic natural cycles. The average temperature is lower during the colder months to mimic seasonal changes for the animals, as it helps breed. There are other options to consider, such as UV fluorescent batons as well as globes or ceramic heaters to light. There are other options, such as auto-ballasted Mercury Vapour or Metal Halide spotlights can provide heat as well as lighting. This provides a suitable combination of UVA and UVB radiation for vitamin D production as well as assist in the metabolization of calcium.
Feeding
Australian Water Dragons are primarily carnivores but exhibit omnivorous traits. They are known to eat various kinds of plants and meat that is an important component of the diet they consume. When in the wild you’ll seldom see Water Dragons eating vegetation as they hunt for meat, which may include rodents, small mammals, invertebrates, fish or , at times birds. It is best to provide your Water Dragon a diet of live brown crickets, mealworms black crickets and brown crickets in captive. It is also possible to feed waxworms, mealworms, cockroaches and beetles.
To boost your nutritional in terms of vitamin and nutrition, feed the crickets gut-to-gut by letting them devour healthy greens , such as lettuce, and then feed your dragon. The lizard’s body takes in the nutrients crickets get by eating the leafy greens. It is possible to regulate the levels of phosphorus in crickets by dusting them with calcium. This can prevent the development of any osteoporosis metabolic disease. You can provide them with some shredded greens like carrots, squash, collards, beans & fruits when it comes to vegetation-juveniles, like smaller insects, like mosquitoes or flies.
Lifespan & Health Concerns
It is believed that Australian Water Dragons can grow in size of 36-36 inches, when they’re males, and 24 inches when they’re females. Their tails comprise about the length of two-thirds of their bodies. With the right care and nutrition they are tough and durable reptiles can live longer than other reptiles for at about 20 years. A lizard that is healthy and fit may also live to 25 years.
Common Health Problems
Obesity
As that they are active eaters everything from insects to different kinds of vegetation can act as food sources. When it comes to the time for feeding there’s a great chance of overfeeding the animals if you’re not mindful of their diet. This could result in an overweight animal. Similar to the other animal species, being overweight can be an indicator of risky and life-threatening illnesses. So, do not overfeed your dragon.
Bone disease
As with other reptiles and lizards Water Dragon is afflicted with osteoporosis, a metabolic disease. If the calcium levels decrease in the bloodstream of the dragon this could cause problems. It is also due to the higher levels of phosphorus found within the bugs they consume. Metabolic bone disease severely weakens the bones of the Water Dragon and can cause fractures, deformities and general muscle weakness.
Respiratory illness
The environment that dragons reside in must be well-maintained and balanced. In the absence of these the environment, they may be afflicted by respiratory ailments when they live in extreme humid or cold environments. Respiratory diseases often lead to weakness as well as a poor appetite and breathing problems. If you notice mucus while your Water Dragon has wheezed, it could be an indication of a respiratory illness.
Behavior
Social Behavior
In the wild dragons are extremely social creatures that live in large numbers. But, they may be aggressive and fight in captivity due to their smaller territorial space, particularly the males. To prevent significant injury and trauma, it is recommended to keep males separated from the females particularly during breeding seasons.
The loser can’t really run away and is likely to be targeted. They may even quit eating. Females generally do fine even in larger groups where there is a male dominant. Dragons of all kinds must have enough food to survive, as there is a hierarchy, even among females could lead to the bullying of others.
Habits of sleep
Because the Australian Water Dragons are diurnal reptiles, they’re the more active in the daytime when they hunt, and perform various actions. They rest and sleep in the evening. They’re most likely to be awake for around 12 hours before going to sleep for all day long. When the climate is dry they lie in water with their nostrils open so that they can breathe while they are asleep. They display the same behaviour in winter. They rely on the warm, natural warmth of the water, as opposed to the air, which is considerably warmer.
Water
The lizard species is a huge water drinker. In addition, they like to sit in water, and soaking their bodies. This aids in hydrating and moisturize their hard-working skin. The presence of a large water space will satisfy this need. You can keep a large plastic tub filled with water to quench the dragon’s thirst when there is an enclosed indoor space. It is also possible to move it inside and out of the enclosure as you clean. If the area in the water is big enough to allow the dragon to completely submerge itself in, then more so.
The big tub or bowl will allow them to enjoy an ample supply drinking water. It is believed that the Australian Water Dragons spend an all night inside their bowls of water according to the season and the temperature. Make sure they are able to get in and drink the water, as well as glide out. They are prone to drowning quite easily and a sloped bank allows for easier movement.
Development and Reproduction
It is believed that the Australian Water Dragon achieves sexual maturity around 4 to five years old when it comes to developing. But, they’re not in the optimal size to reproduce. Females must be forced to wait for an additional year before reproducing, and males at nine inches in length. Females are able to reproduce for a long time even after reaching the age of 25. In captivity, males could mature in captivity in just two years, compared to five years they live in the wild because they grow more rapidly.
Following the brumation, or ‘cool down’ time The sexual organs make the sperm. Water Dragons, like other reptiles, show a the determination of sex or TSD. It means the water dragon’s sex can be determined not by their genetic makeup , but according to the temp at the time they’re incubated. According to some research that high temperatures cause mostly female dragons, whereas middle-range temperatures cause the male-biased ratio of sex.
Breeding
Australian Water Dragons closer to each other in age make it easier to breed as male dragons are generally larger than a female. Dragons that aren’t of similar age can also be easily breedable. Wild, males confronts other males by pouting their cheeks to the maximum size in order to reproduce with female. In captivity, reproduction of Australian Water Dragons happens year-round. The period of breeding usually lasts several months before when the female becomes impregnated. The ideal situation is that a female impregnated is able to lay as many as 18 eggs at once.
How to Keep The Australian Water Dragon Safe?
Provide balanced diet
It is important to take care to guard your dragon from diseases. Becoming aware of health issues and illnesses that are common problems can reduce the likelihood of suffering your reptile. Make sure you provide a balanced and healthy diet for your dragon as they eat almost everything when in captive. Include various kinds of vitamins and minerals to boost your pet’s health. Although insects are the most common foodsource, you can also add nutrients like vegetables and fruits because of their vitamin content.
Safe enclosure
Keep the dragon in a safe space that is suitable for temperatures as well as humidity. This helps prevent the accumulation of harmful mold and bacteria within their enclosure. Clean up the area and keep it healthy.
Predators
The young Water Dragon often gets attacked by brown tree snakes that hunt them down in the tree branches while they rest. There are also Death Adders, Acanthophis Antarcticus and Acanthophis Antarcticus. They feast on these dragons. In addition, hatchlings are eaten in adult Water Dragons in some wild populations, so it is important to keep an eye for the dragons.
Examine for signs of problems such as old skin bits stuck to the hide, or restricting parts around the toes or tail visible injuries or damaged claws, toes or tail tips and then treat them promptly.
Does the Australian Water Dragon Pose a Threat to Humans?
Although they are not a threat to humans, the Australian Water Dragon does not necessarily present human danger but you shouldn’t think of them as a threat to humans. Adult dragons are friendly and confident however they also possess sharp claws. Young dragons can be skittish and tense, but they get used to human contact very quickly. They eventually get comfortable with handling if you’ve had enough time.
Sometimes, they may beg the enclosure to explore the area with you. If you gain their trust, they’ll stay with you even if they are sitting right next to you. Avoid sudden movements , and give ample support so that the lizards remain in a calm state. If you are handling them, you should support the lower part of the body, and leave the tail hanging. It is crucial to observe the way they behave in handling. If they seem anxious, let them go immediately.
Average Cost & Where to Buy a Australian Water Dragon
You can buy this Australian Water Dragon from reputable reptile specialty stores on the internet. Choose the best retailer for an animal that is healthy and free of any diseases. The majority of them are priced between 70$ and 100dollars. The juveniles, however, are sold at around $400.
Facts and Useful Information
| Common Name | Australian Water Dragon |
| Habitat | Forests that are near a regular body of water |
| Adult Size | From 2 feet to 3.5 feet for adults |
| Life Span | 25-28 years in captivity |
| Enclosure | Well-ventilated and large |
| Temperature | Hot and humid |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Temperament | Docile |
See more: Asian Water Monitor, Chinese Water Dragon
Keeping Australian Water Dragons in Outdoor Enclosures
Enclosure Setup
If you reside in a humid and hot climate it is possible to think about the possibility of an outside enclosure. If not, you’ll only be able to utilize the outdoor enclosure for a portion of the time.
To keep your pet content you need to provide them with a diverse environment that includes the following basic needs:
Outdoor Enclosure
Outdoor enclosures can be found in two forms such as aviary style or typical reptile pits constructed using sheet metal walls.
Aviary Style
Like the name suggests they have a screen or mesh above an unsupported base. Make use of 40 inches of sheet metal that is a distance from the ground and screen over the metal. It is not advisable to set the screening set too low, as the lizards could scratch their snouts against the mesh, causing harm.
Reptile Pit
They are sunken just a little below the surface and feature an enclosed wire mesh to ensure that the Australian water dragon doesn’t run away and get out. The sides should be at least 40 meters above the ground. Australian water dragons make great jumpers.
They also have the ability to climb the largest branches of the enclosure, and leap off, so you have to ensure that the top cover is secured and your pet won’t be able to escape and escape. The walls should be sunken at least a foot below the surface because water dragons are known digging as well.
In both enclosures, it is important to fill the flooring with plants, logs or slabs of rock to create a unique and interesting space.
Sides
The enclosure should have translucent sides, so that the lizard isn’t at risk from being exposed to all four directions.
Size
The minimum space is 48 inches long 24 inches deep and 40 inches tall. If you have space, a larger enclosure is recommended. 60 inches of length is recommended, since an enclosure that is longer will make more easy to keep a steady temperature range inside the enclosure.
Substrate
Floors must have a moisture-absorbing base, such as a mix of peat moss and soil to keep the humidity high. If you are using soil or sand, make sure it’s not calcium sand, beach, or any other material which has been treated with pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers.
Additions
This is the time to get creative. It is important to incorporate the tree’s branches into your landscape and some plants to provide shade. Place resting rocks in a warm area from above, as lizards enjoy to relax in the sunlight.
Plastic plants are acceptable since they can provide shade, but visually they’re more suited to people as lizards see the plants’ appearance as obstacles. Plastic plants won’t add to the humidity in your home as real plants.
Humidity Hide BoxThis kind of box is designed to boost the humidity of your pet to allow them to shed their skin as they get older. A DIY humidity box is made of simple plastic containers with lid.
Create an opening on the opposite side, so that your pet can easily crawl into it. Sand the edges to ensure they’re not sharp. Make sure the base is filled water-holding substrate such as sphagnum or sphagnum (paper towels are also a good option in the pinch). Keep the moss wet.
Water
Australian Water dragons from Australia are superb swimmers. They can swim for up to 90 minutes. Their long tails comprise about 2/3 of their length and assist them in swimming.
Australian water dragons actually rest in the water, by placing their noses over the water, allowing them to breathe.
Australian water dragons require water areas that are clean and have fresh water. You can make use of the tub from a plastic. Be sure that it is not smaller than three-quarters of the size of the pet. It is important to change the water often since lizards prefer to urinate in water.
In certain areas it is possible to install a thermostat that can control the temperature in your swimming pool.
Sunlight and Heat
Lizards require sunshine with UVB radiations. Without them, the bones turn soft. It is recommended to utilize a reptile bulb to provide lighting and heat. Australian water dragons require sun-soaked temperatures of 95 to 110 degrees F.
If your water dragon’s basking isn’t enough, you might need to reduce the temperature. Reptile bulbs that have Incandescent ceramic fixtures are available at pet stores or purchased on the internet.
Keep track of the temperature in your area frequently as you don’t wish to live in a too cold or hot climate. Australian water dragons are native to the tropical climate. They control their temperature by soaking in the sun, or cooling down in shade.
Australian Water dragons can be diurnal. Therefore, they require night and day cycles. If your lights are off, you should keep temperatures at or below eighty degrees F. It is possible that you will require an emitter of heat to ensure your pet’s temperature is comfortable in the evening.
Humidity
Australian Water dragons are thriving in areas with 70% or more humidity throughout the day. The environment must be misted frequently. It is possible to mist your environment twice or even three times per day, based on your temperature. It is possible to purchase a low-cost humidistat to gauge the humidity of your environment.
Food
Lizards are omnivores. They can be found in any environment from bugs to mice, including crickets. Dandelions, which are a plant-based ingredient and clover, as well as green beans(raw) and sweet potatoes are great. You will require a tray or tiles to place the food items out and clean it up between meals.
Fruit can be a matter of debate since certain Australian water dragons will eat up fruits like bananas and strawberries, while some won’t even touch it in any way. Young lizards aren’t likely to consume pet food, fruit or vegetables until they’re 20 centimeters in size.
Calcium
Australian fish have a demand for calcium that they are unable to obtain from their diet by themselves. Calcium powder containing vitamin D3 can be sprinkled over their food. Children Australian Water Dragons especially need calcium at least once per day.
Multivitamin supplements are available at least once or twice per week.
Cleanliness
Make sure your enclosure is clean Clean your enclosure regularly, do spot cleaning every day, and make sure to change the water regularly. Make use of a safe reptile disinfectant to get rid of any dirt or debris to give your enclosure one thorough clean-up every month.
NOTE it is not recommended to place more than one male as they’re territorial. A male living with females will increase the population of your lizards and could cause them to outgrow the enclosure.
Summary
In the end all, generally speaking, the Australian Water Dragon may be an intriguing and unusual pet. If you have big space in their backyard, and the ideal hot as well and humid conditions the animal will do very well. If you are able to manage the expense of maintenance and are a fan of exotic pets, then you must consider it. Be sure to establish an environment that is natural and healthy for the reptile so that it is able to live a healthy life.
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