Common Name: Chinese Water Dragon
Scientific Name: Physignathus cocincinus
Adult Size: 2.5' to 3'
Distribution: China to South East Asia
Temperament:
May become tame with regular handling. Separate males to avoid territorial disputes.
Captive Enclosure:
An adult Chinese Water dragon will require at least a 40-gallon aquarium. Suitable substrates for your lizard's home include reptile carpet or reptile bark. Chinese Water dragons should be provided with climbing vines, real or artificial.
Temperature:
Chinese Water dragons are indigenous to tropical rainforest areas near water; therefore, it's crucial that they be provided a temperature range of 78-85°F during the day, with a basking area of 90°F and in low to mid to high 70's°F at night. This is necessary for the lizard's metabolism and immune system to function properly. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Lighting:
Full-Spectrum lighting that emits UVB is a must for captive reptiles. Reptiles depend on ultra-violet light to synthesize vitamin D3, which regulates calcium absorption in the intestine. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light and should never be used as an enclosure top. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Food:
Chinese water dragons are omnivorous. Their primary diet consists of crickets, mealworms, earthworms, vegetables, and fruits. DO NOT FEED SPINACH, CABBAGE, OR KALE. These vegetables block the absorption of calcium in the reptile's body. DO NOT LEAVE THE CRICKETS IN THE CAGE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
Water:
Mist the enclosure every other day, provide a very large deep bowl for drinking and soaking. They should also be kept at moderate to high levels of humidity.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
