Chinese Water Dragon

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Chinese Water Dragon

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Agamidae
Genus:	Physignathus
Species:	P. cocincinus

Binomial name

Physignathus cocincinus
Cuvier, 1829

Chinese water dragon (green lizard) Physignathus cocincinus. Males can grow up to 36 inches in length, females up to 24 inches. Its color can vary between a bright green and a dark brown, according to the stresses of its environment.

They are Native to Southeast Asia. They're also very good swimmer who sometimes submurge themselves for long periods of time, up to 30 minutes. They are capable of eating insects, small fish such as goldfish, small mammals such as "pinky" mice, and certain vegetation. Drops from branches into bodies of water when startled. Has been known to occaisionally escape predators on land by raising up and running on its hind legs.

Chinese water dragons are sometimes kept as pets, but require special accommodations. As arboreal creatures, they need large enclosures. Water Dragon enclosures must have plenty of branches and items to climb on, they also need a swimming pool. The dragon should be able to submerge at least 1/3 of its total body. Avoiding pine cedar(55 gallons for a juvenile, larger for an adult, 6ft tall 4ft long 2 ft deep minimal for adult), and a humidity of 80%, a daytime temperature of 84-88 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking zone of 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit, and a night time of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal in order to simulate their natural rainforest environment. As with most diurnal reptiles, they require both UVA and UVB lighting in order to properly absorb calcium. Chinese water dragons have an excellent temperament, rarely bite, and make excellent pets -- provided one is willing to invest the extra effort in care.