Species Overview

Common name: Water Dragon (Chinese Water Dragon, Australian Water Dragon)
Species name: Physignathus cocincinus (Chinese) / Intellagama lesueurii (Australian)
Origin: Southeast Asia (Chinese) / Eastern Australia (Australian)
Lifespan: 10–15+ years with correct husbandry

Adult size:

  • Chinese Water Dragon: 75–90cm (30–36 inches) total length

  • Australian Water Dragon: up to 1m (39 inches) total length

Temperament: Generally alert and intelligent; can be shy when young but often becomes confident and inquisitive with regular, calm interaction.
Activity: Diurnal (active during the day)

Housing and Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

Water dragons are large, semi-arboreal lizards that require tall, spacious enclosures.

  • Juveniles: Minimum 4ft x 2ft x 4ft (LxWxH)

  • Adults: Minimum 6ft x 3ft x 6ft (LxWxH)

Enclosures must allow for:

  • Strong vertical climbing space

  • A clear temperature gradient

  • High-output UVB lighting

  • Both dry basking areas and humid zones

Height is essential to safely accommodate lighting, basking platforms, and climbing structures.

Substrate

Best options:

  • Organic topsoil mixed with play sand

  • Coconut coir

  • Bioactive soil mixes

Substrate should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Avoid:

  • Wood shavings

  • Any dusty or sharp substrates

Furnishings & Enrichment

  • Large branches, cork bark, and sturdy climbing structures

  • Elevated basking platforms

  • Dense foliage (real or artificial) for security

  • A large water area for soaking and swimming

Water dragons are strong climbers and jumpers, so all furnishings should be secure.

Temperature, Lighting & Humidity

Temperature Gradient

  • Basking area (Chinese water dragons): 32-35°C

  • Basking area (Australian water dragons): 38–43°C

  • Ambient daytime temperature: 26–30°C

  • Night-time drop: 20–22°C

Always use thermostats on all heat sources and confirm temperatures with digital thermometers.

Lighting

  • High-output UVB (10–12%) is essential

  • Provide full-spectrum lighting for 12 hours daily

  • UVB should cover at least two-thirds of the enclosure length

  • Replace UVB bulbs as per manufacturer guidelines

Humidity

  • Target humidity: 60–80%

Maintain humidity through:

  • Regular misting

  • Moist substrate

  • Large water features

Good ventilation is crucial to prevent stagnant air and respiratory issues.

Diet & Feeding

Diet

Water dragons are omnivorous and require a varied diet:

  • Insects: crickets, locusts, roaches, mealworms (appropriately sized)

  • Leafy greens: Mixed leaf lettuce, rocket, etc. Please see our Healthy salad list

  • Vegetables: squash, bell pepper, green beans

  • Fruit: small amounts of berries, mango, papaya

Juveniles require a higher proportion of insects, while adults should gradually increase their intake of plant matter.

Supplements

  • Calcium without D₃: 4–5 feeds per week

  • Multivitamin: Once weekly

Feeding Frequency

  • Juveniles: Daily

  • Adults: 3–5 times per week

Remove uneaten food promptly to maintain hygiene.

Water & Hydration

  • Provide a large water area deep enough for soaking and swimming

  • Change water daily or as soon as soiled

  • Maintain humidity gradients to support healthy shedding

Handling & Behaviour

  • Best handled calmly and minimally, especially when young

  • Always support the full body and tail

  • Sudden movements can cause stress or defensive jumping

  • With patience, many individuals become tolerant of gentle interaction

Cleaning & Hygiene

  • Daily: Spot clean faeces, uneaten food, and refresh water

  • Weekly: Clean decor and surfaces with reptile-safe disinfectant (e.g., F10, Safe4)

  • Monthly: Partial substrate replacement and enclosure deep clean

Maintain cleanliness while preserving humidity balance.

Health & Welfare Monitoring

Common Health Issues

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by inadequate UVB or calcium

  • Respiratory infections: Often linked to poor ventilation or temperature instability

  • Dehydration: Leads to poor shedding and lethargy

  • Parasites: Weight loss or abnormal stools — veterinary testing advised

  • Injuries: From falls if climbing structures are unstable

Regular observation of behaviour, appetite, and body condition is key to long-term health.