WATER DRAGON (Physignathus cocincinus)

FAMILY       Agamidae

DISTRIBUTION       The Water Dragon is found throughout most of south east Asia and the indo Australian archipelago.

SIZE     The average size of a mature adult Water Dragon is usually between 24 - 36ins most of which is the tail.

LIFESPAN       The average lifespan of  a Water Dragon in captivity is around 10-15years but there are some that have been known to live longer than this.

INTRODUCTION        With their bright green colouration and small length the Water Dragon has become a popular alternative to the iguana for many reptile hobbyists. Because of their captive bred availability they are also easy to find and obtain.

HOUSING      Hatchlings and small juveniles can be housed in a vivarium measuring at least 18ins long x 12ins deep x 18ins high, but adult sized specimens should be kept in a much larger size vivarium measuring at least 48ins long x 24-30ins deep x 36-48ins high, you could keep a pair happily in this size vivarium.There should be hide areas along with plenty of logs for climbing and a large water dish for bathing.

SUBSTRATE       A good substrate for Water Dragons should be able to hold moisture as to allow the humidity levels to rise. Therefore something like potting compost or forest bed would be ideal.

HEAT & LIGHT       Heat mats can be used to provide the background temperatures but it should be connected to a thermostat to ensure that it doesn't over heat, also the heat mat should only cover one third of the vivarium floor. The temperature range for the vivarium should be between 25-29°c (77-84°f) at night with the temperature rising to about 30°c(86°f)  at the cooler end during the day with a basking spot reaching temperatures of around 34°c (93°f).

The Water Dragon also needs to be sprayed daily to maintain a high level of humidity in the vivarium, they should have a level of between 65-85% humidity in the vivarium and the type of substrate you use can help to maintain that level.

Water Dragons need to be provided with full spectrum uvb lighting containing a uvb output of at least 8%, and they should have access to this lighting for at 12- 14 hours a day.

FEEDING      Water Dragons diet mainly consist of insects such as crickets, locusts, waxworms, and earthworms but they will accept some soft fruit such as strawberries, grapes and cherries along with some greens such as kale, green beans and small amounts of spinach. All the food should be dusted at least twice a week with a calcium supplement with hatchlings being fed daily and adults being fed 3-4 times a week.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS       There are a couple of common problems with Water Dragons the first is rostal abrasions, this is from rubbing their noses against the glass of their vivarium repeatedly and minor cases can be treated with a iodine solution being applied to the effected area but more major cases must be treated by a vet. Another common problem us metabolic bone disease from a lack of calcium in the diet and lack of uvb exposure, it is therefore vital to provide calcium supplements as well as uvb lighting. Another common problem is obesity from over feeding, as Water Dragons will eat for England if given the chance so it is important to monitor the amount of food being given per feed and also how often they are being fed.