Common name: Chinese Water Dragon (sometimes called “Asian Water Dragon”)
Scientific name: Physignathus cocincinus
Origin: Southeast Asia (China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos)
Size:
Males: 3–3.5 feet long (including tail)
Females: 2–2.5 feet long
Weight: ~1–2 lbs
Lifespan: 10–15 years in captivity (sometimes up to 20 with excellent care)
Body: Slender, muscular, laterally compressed for swimming
Color: Bright green body, lighter underside; males often develop orange throats or pinkish coloration during breeding season
Head: Large with a distinct crest and a ridge of spines along the back
Tail: Long (2/3 of body length), strong, used for balance and defense
Unique features: Large expressive eyes, capable of changing skin tone slightly based on mood/temperature
Personality: Generally shy when young, but can become tame with consistent, gentle handling
Behavior: Arboreal and semi-aquatic — they love climbing and swimming
Defense: Can whip with tail, scratch, or bite if threatened, but usually flee first
Social: Can be kept singly; groups need careful management (males will fight)
Enclosure size: Very large vertical setup — at least 4–6 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide (think more like a small aviary than a terrarium)
Substrate: Soil, coconut fiber, bark; best in bioactive setups with plants for humidity
Temperature:
Basking spot: 90–95°F
Ambient: 77–86°F
Night: ~75°F
Humidity: 60–80% (regular misting, water features recommended)
Lighting: Strong UVB lighting is essential for calcium metabolism and bone health
Decor: Lots of branches, vines, basking spots, and a large water area for soaking/swimming
Type: Omnivore (insect-heavy)
Staple foods: Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, superworms, silkworms
Other protein: Pinky mice or feeder fish occasionally (not often — fatty)
Fruits/vegetables: Small amounts of soft fruits (berries, mango, banana) and leafy greens (collard, mustard, dandelion)
Supplements: Calcium + D3 and multivitamins regularly
