Australian Water Dragon - Physignathus lesueurii

 

Australian water dragons are active lizards that require relatively large enclosures (4' x 2' x 4')  as adults.   (Photo: Joshua V. Feltham)			Young water dragons are alert and wary lizards.  It takes persistent, non-threatening interaction to ensure that you end up with an easy to handle lizard.   (Photo: Joshua V. Feltham)			Australian water dragons feed primarily on insects; however, slightly overripe fruit such as cantaloupe, strawberries, bananas, and watermelon should be included in their diet.  (Photo: Joshua V. Feltham)

 

General Information

 

Distribution — Eastern Australia

 

Habitat — Water dragons, as their name suggests, are always located very close to water. This species is found in tropical rainforests at both high and low elevations throughout their range.

 

Adult Size — Most adult Australian water dragons are between 60 cm and 90 cm (24" - 36") in total length.  Males are typically 90 cm or more in length while females usually only reach lengths of about 60 cm.

 

Temperament — Australian water dragons are nervous when young. They may try to run or even jump in an attempt to escape. Older animals tend to calm down with regular handling as they grow. As long as you fully support them, adults will generally be content to sit comfortably when held.

 

Longevity — Australian water dragons typically live for 14-17 years in captivity; however, there are reports of animals living more than 20 years.

 

Captive Care

 

Rating: 2 — Water dragons are a good starter lizard - as long as you get one that is captive bred.
Their active nature and moderately large size require a large roomy enclosure.

 

Diet: Hatchlings and Juveniles - crickets, meal worms, wax worms, other insects, soft fruits such as banana, melon, and peaches: Adults - same as young animals and the occasional pink/fuzzy mouse. NOTE: Though some Water Dragons may not accept fruits at first, it is an important part of their diet and should be worked in. For those that don't accept the fruits right away, try making the salad look more appealing by adding mealworms and purple grapes (they love grapes).

Temperature: 20 to 38C (68-102F);  Bert Langerwolf, who has bred these lizards for over a decade, houses his lizards outside and reports that they have survived temperatures ranging from -15C to 39C (5F to 102F).

 

Required Space: Australian water dragons require a fair amount of vertical space, as they are skilled climbers and spend a fair amount of time above ground. For this reason, a 4"x4"x2" is great for an adult. Babies can be housed in a 20 to 30 gallon aquarium until they get a little larger.

 

Breeding: Australian water dragons may be sexually mature as early as 13 months of age. After a slight cooling period, breeding occurs with clutches of up to 20 eggs being produced. On average, eggs hatch 67 days after incubation at 29C to 30C.

Special Requirements: Australian water dragons stay at a manageable size, eat well, and are a generally hardy lizard. However, providing them with a water dish that is large enough for them to submerge themselves in and daily spraying are essential to their long term health.

 

Sources (Suggested Reading):

Bartlett, R.D. and P. Bartlett. 1997. Anoles, Basilisks, and Water Dragons. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 96.

de Vosjoli, Philippe.  2002.  Water Dragons. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Irvin, California. Pp.

Jes, Harald. 1987. Lizards in the Terrarium. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 87.

Rogner, Manfred. 1997. Lizards, Volume 1. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. Pp. 317.

 

 

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