Species:  Physignathus Cocincinus 

Natural Distribution:  China & South East Asia

Length:  36in (90cm) 

Description

Also known as Green Water Dragon, Chinese Water Dragon and Asian Water Dragon, these tropical lizards make a good choice if you are looking for a large lizard which won't grow to the size of an iguana.  However they do need specialist care and should not be taken on by beginners.  They need plenty of water and somewhere to climb and they need to be sprayed once or twice daily.

It is much better to buy these beautiful lizards as youngsters, as with a lot of attention they are easy to hand tame from young, where as an untamed adult is less likely to calm down.

Maturity is reached at 2 to 3 years. Males can be recognised by their larger crest and are generally larger in size. 

Vivarium Setup

Size:  min 48x30x36in (120x75x90cm) for a pair 

Design:  Arboreal                         Type:  Tropical woodland 

Substrate:  Mixed potting compost, leaf litter and sphagnum moss 4ins deep 

Temperature:  30°C (86°F) at cool end,  35°C (95°F) at hot spot, 

can drop to 24°C (75°F) at night

Light:  Full spectrum (UVB) light and basking lamp  

Humidity:  75% - 85% needs spraying daily

Feeding 

Carnivorous, will take most insects including crickets etc. supplemented by large earthworms, snails and occasionally defrosted rat pups and day old chicks.

Feed Adults only 3-4 times weekly or they could become over weight.