Water Dragons


Physignathus


The term water dragon refers to the two species of the genus Physignathus: the Chinese water dragon Physignathus cocincinus and the Australian water dragon Physignathus lesueurii.

Both species are sometimes bought as pets, with most specimens originating from Thailand or Southern China. The Chinese Water dragon can reach up to three foot long including tail, so plenty of space is needed to keep one.

Water dragons are semi-arboreal and semi-aquatic. In other words they need both branches to climb and water in which to swim. The water will need to be changed frequently to keep them healthy.

For more detailed information on the two species see these pages:

A similar lizard is Lophognathus temporalis, the "striped water dragon". This was originally classified in the genus Physignathus but has since been reclassified as Lophognathus. They live mainly in Indonesia and Northern Australia.
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