Scientific name

Physignathus cocincinus

This green lizard combines movement in trees with swimming. The pool and elevated supports are parts of the same habitat [2].

Origin

Mainland Southeast Asia, including southern China [2].

  • Arboreal
  • Semi-aquatic
  • Diurnal

At a glance

ADULT SIZE≈ 60–90 cm
Total length; males larger [2].
LIFESPAN10–15 years
Captive husbandry range [1].
LIFESTYLETrees and water
Diurnal climber and swimmer [2].

Adult size

Around 60–90 cm in total length; males are larger [2].

Lifespan

Around 10–15 years in captivity according to Tree of Life [1].

Lifestyle

Diurnal, a climber and swimmer [2].

Housing

BRANCHES AND POOL

Large custom enclosure — Veterinary reference: 122–183 × 91–122 × 183 cm (L × W × H), branches and pool [1].

Tree of Life describes 122–183 × 91–122 × 183 cm (L × W × H), with branches and an accessible pool [1].

Care parameters

HEATING ZONE

35–38 °C — [1] Local warm spot; air/surface convention not detailed.

AMBIENT · DAY

29–31 °C — [1] At night: around 24–27 °C.

Humidity

≈ 80 % — Captive reference from Tree of Life; ensure air exchange [1].

Heating zone

35–38 °C [1] Local warm spot; air/surface convention not detailed.

Ambient conditions · day

29–31 °C [1] At night: around 24–27 °C.

Humidity

≈ 80 % Captive reference from Tree of Life; ensure air exchange [1].

Night — ReptiFiles reference

ReptiFiles states 24–25 °C at night (75–77 °F). [3] Scope: captivity; indication from ReptiFiles. A reported limit is not a target or an established physiological threshold.

Feeding

AN APPROPRIATE DIET

Varied, suitable prey, supplemented with plants [1].

Feeding

Vary suitable prey and offer a proportion of plants. The pool must remain clean [1].

Behaviour and precautions

Repeated rubbing of the snout against walls can cause injuries. Monitor reactions to glass and escape attempts [2].

Daily monitoring

Record pool maintenance, meals and weights. Note snout rubbing as soon as it appears. Photograph routes to the pool and perches to check that they remain usable as the animal grows.

Checklist

  • Plan for the actual maintenance of the pool.
  • Secure large branches.
  • Check reactions to transparent walls.

Observations to record

  • Meals
  • Weight
  • Sheds
  • Temperature
  • Humidity

The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.

Related guides

Original guides in French

Sources

Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.

  1. Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center — Chinese Water Dragon Care
    Source accessed
  2. Maria Zayas, DVM, PetMD — Water Dragon Care Sheet
    Source accessed
  3. Chinese Water Dragon Care Sheet — ReptiFiles
    Source accessed