Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Chinese water dragons are a type of big, green lizard that comes from Asia. Like other lizards, they enjoy climbing trees but are also good at swimming. People even keep them as pets because they’re so fascinating. Sophia Liu says,
“To behold a Chinese Water Dragon is to witness nature’s artistry at its most exquisite.”
These lizards are originally from southern China and Southeast Asia, and some types also live in Australia. While they’re popular pets because they’re small, taking care of them properly requires much attention. They’re known for being friendly and have interesting behaviours like standing on their back legs, nodding their heads, and being skilled climbers. In this article, we will discuss Chinese Water Dragons.
What Is A Chinese Water Dragon?
China’s Water Dragons are fascinating creatures. They hide when scared by diving into the water and staying there for 30 minutes. Bright green lizards can grow over 3 feet long. Their tails are banded. Green Chinese water dragons range from dark to light.
Their green or turquoise body stripes distinguish them. They feature white or pale yellow bellies with yellow, orange, and peach throats. Their tails are long and slender with green and brown streaks. Compared to females, adult males have larger heads and neck crests. Chinese Water Dragons have special needs. Thus, reptile care is necessary.
Behaviour and Personality Of Chinese Water Dragons
Chinese Water Dragons are friendly. They like being held by owners. Keep them from becoming violent by handling them regularly. If startled or threatened, they may bite or whip their tail. Active and curious, these lizards explore.
They adore climbing rocks, trees, branches, and plants. They are skilled swimmers and enjoy the water. Social Chinese Water Dragons thrive in pairs or groups. More than one only requires a little extra care, and they thrive in companionship.
House Of The Chinese Water Dragon
Despite the loneliness, keeping only one dragon if you’re unclear of its gender is ideal. Boys and females normally get along; however, two boys or girls may fight without a large home. Big fish aquariums are popular yet imperfect.
Choose something safe for their floor in case the dragon eats it. Both options are to clean soil with moss for humidity or dirt and mulch. Try indoor/outdoor carpeting or paper. Give the dragon lots of climbing and sunbathing branches in different directions. For appeal, add real plants like pothos, dracaena, hibiscus, ficus, and ferns.
Humidity For Chinese Water Dragons
Chinese water dragons need proper humidity. They need a large pool to swim and soak. It should be deep enough to submerge halfway. A large kitten litter box works great for this. Ideal enclosures contain half water and half land, which you can design with different materials.
Keep the water tub clean daily, especially if your dragon uses it as a toilet. If not, get a decent water filter. Maintaining 80 per cent humidity is good. Digital hydrometers can verify this. The enclosure can be sprayed daily to maintain humidity. Potted living plants can also increase humidity.
Heat For Chinese Water Dragons
During the day, maintain temperatures between 80 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 31 degrees Celsius), with a basking spot reaching 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Overnight, temperatures can decrease to 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27 degrees Celsius). Ensure a temperature gradient across the habitat, and regularly monitor temperatures on cooler and warmer sides.
Light For Chinese Water Dragons
To ensure your Chinese water dragons have the right amount of heat and light, you can use a basking light, ceramic heat element, under tank heat pads, and heat tape. In the summer, they need about 12 13 hours of light each day, and in the winter, a bit less, around 11 12 hours. Their bone health needs to get enough UVB exposure daily. Also, make sure nothing is blocking their light source in their habitat.
Chinese Water Dragons Diet
Healthy Chinese water dragons need food. You can feed those crickets, mealworms, waxworms, etc. Feed them insects every two to four weeks, not daily.
Avoid feeding them outside insects that may contain dangerous substances. Never feed them fireflies—they can become sick.
You can also offer those sliced carrots and greens. Young dragons should eat every other day, while adults can eat 2 to 3 times a week.
Every other feeding, add calcium to their food to keep them strong. Please give them a weekly vitamin supplement on a different day than calcium.
CHINESE WATER DRAGON LIFESPAN
Chinese water dragons usually live for 10 to 15 years in the wild, but when kept in captivity, they can live up to 20 years. Female Chinese water dragons usually lay six to 15 eggs at once, which hatch after about 60 to 75 days.
Chinese Water Dragons Size
Chinese water dragons need big homes. For an adult dragon, the enclosure should be 5 or 6 feet long, 2 or 3 feet deep, and 5 or 6 feet tall. This means you have to get a custom made enclosure, which can be expensive.
Chinese Water Dragons Mythology
There are countless enchanting stories and fantastical beings in Chinese mythology, all of which have great cultural importance. The Chinese Water Dragon is one of these interesting creatures; it represents stability, change, and strength. In this post, we will explore the fascinating world of the Chinese Water Dragon, its mythological roots, its symbolic meaning, and its long lasting impact on Chinese culture.
Home For Chinese Water Dragons
It would help if you did not keep Chinese water dragons in aquariums made of glass. The glass could confuse them, and they could accidentally hurt themselves if they touched or rubbed against it. A grow tent or cage is preferable instead.
These lizards require a spacious habitat due to their size. An adult sized house has to be four feet in width, two feet in depth, and five feet in height. However, for adult males, a height of six feet is ideal. A 40 to 55 gallon glass tank suits a baby dragon; however, a smaller enclosure would be better. Use paper to cover three sides of a glass tank and spray water inside frequently to maintain humidity.
Common Health Problems Of Chinese Water Dragons
Chinese water dragons can face a few health issues, such as:
- Mouth Rot: This is when the mouth gets infected or injured because of rubbing against the walls of the enclosure. It can lead to sores and swelling around the mouth or nose. If your dragon isn’t eating well, it could be a sign of mouth rot.
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): This is a serious condition caused by a lack of calcium in the dragon’s diet or not getting enough UVB light. It can be fatal if not treated.
- Skin Infections and Parasites: Skin infections happen outside the body and are often due to a dirty cage. Parasites, on the other hand, are inside the body. Both need a vet’s diagnosis.
- Dystocia (Egg Binding): Female dragons lay eggs, even without mating. Sometimes, an egg can get stuck inside her body. If you suspect this, see a vet right away.
Remember, taking good care of your Chinese water dragon is crucial for keeping them healthy.
Types Of Water Dragons
The following are different types of Chinese water dragons.
1: Eastern Water Dragon: The Eastern Water Dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) measures around half a meter in length and is characterized by rough scales, sharp spines, and an appearance reminiscent of mythical dragons. Typically grey brown with black banding, some individuals may feature a red belly and chest. A distinctive black band often extends through their eye, and a crest of spines runs from head to tail.
2: Gippsland Water Dragon: The Gippsland Water Dragon, a subspecies of Intellagama lesueurii known as Intellagama lesueurii hottie, shares the same morphology but displays different colouration and patterns. Dorsally, they exhibit olive green to brown hues with transverse black stripes. Notably, they lack the dark stripe extending from the eye to the ear.
3: Striped Water Dragon: Striped Water Dragons, originating from Irian Jaya, Indonesia, and also found in northwest Australia, have undergone changes in their scientific genus name over the years. Formerly known as Physignathus and later Lophognathus, they are currently classified under the genus Gemmatophora (sometimes spelt Grammatophora), while the species name, temporalis, remains constant.
4: Long Nosed Water Dragon: Long Nosed Water Dragons exhibit a range of colours from greys to reddish brown, featuring a prominent pale dorsolateral stripe and a pale stripe along the lower jaw. These arboreal lizards are commonly sighted on branches, tree trunks, rocks, and in eucalypt lined watercourses, basking on quiet paved areas in towns.
Chinese Water Dragons As Pets
Chinese water dragons are popular pets, but it’s important to be careful because if they escape, they can cause problems in new areas. Taking care of them involves ensuring they have the right home and food.
Are Chinese Water Dragons Friendly With Each Other?
Chinese Water Dragons may prompt you to consider getting another to keep it company. Technically, you can house two Chinese Water Dragons together, but there’s something you should be aware of.
Typically, Chinese Water Dragons of the same sex tend to get aggressive towards each other, so it’s best to avoid housing two males together. Occasionally, multiple females may get along, but this isn’t always guaranteed. However, it’s important to know your lizard’s sex before housing it with another Chinese Water Dragon.
Can Chinese Water Dragons Eat Meat?
Yes, Chinese water dragons can eat meat. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat a mix of plants, insects, and meat. While they can eat vegetation in captivity, they are usually more interested in insects and meat. In the wild, they catch small mammals, fish, and invertebrates. However, live insects are typically the best diet for Chinese water dragons in captivity.
Chinese Water Dragons Price
On average, Chinese water dragons cost around $50. It’s best to purchase your pet from a trusted breeder or pet store. Captive bred water dragons tend to adjust better to living in captivity than those caught in the wild. Moreover, wild caught water dragons often have many internal and external parasites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chinese Water Dragons Good Pets?
Chinese water dragons, Asian or green water dragons, can make wonderful pets. However, they have specific care requirements that must be met to thrive.
Are Chinese Water Dragons Aggressive?
Chinese water dragons are one of the friendliest lizard species you can find, even friendlier than iguanas. They enjoy being handled and need regular handling to prevent them from becoming aggressive. However, they may lash out by biting or whipping their tail if they feel threatened or scared.
Can Chinese Water Dragons Eat Fish?
Chinese water dragons can eat fish such as frozen silversides and tilapia strips. However, be cautious with live fish as they can carry parasites. It’s best only to feed live fish to your water dragon if you’re certain about the source.
Source
Toxicity of Fireflies to Lizards and Reptiles
Bacterial Diseases of Reptiles.
Exotic Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
What to Know About Chinese Water Dragons
I am a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, particularly skilled in the art of storytelling. My writing journey commenced during my college years, where I pursued journalism and unearthed my talent for creating captivating narratives.
