Scientific name
Intellagama lesueurii
Other names: Physignathus lesueurii
The former name Physignathus lesueurii refers to the same species. This profile concerns the Australian water dragon, distinct from the Chinese water dragon. [1]
Origin
Eastern Australia; waterways bordered by vegetation and perching supports. [1][2]
- Natural-history profile
- Diurnal
- Arboreal
- Semi-aquatic
- Omnivorous
At a glance
The former name Physignathus lesueurii refers to the same species. This profile concerns the Australian water dragon, distinct from the Chinese water dragon. [1]
| DOCUMENTED SIZE | 80–90 cm 80–90 cm total length according to the Australian Museum. [1] |
|---|---|
| LIFESPAN | To be documented Not retained: no sufficiently contextualised data in the consulted sources. |
| LIFESTYLE | Semi-aquatic It alternates ground movement, bathing and resting on branches or rocks near water. [1][2] |
Adult size
80–90 cm total length according to the Australian Museum. [1]
Lifespan
Not retained: no sufficiently contextualised data in the consulted sources.
Lifestyle
It alternates ground movement, bathing and resting on branches or rocks near water. [1][2]
Housing
ENVIRONMENT AND LAYOUT
Water and supports — Provide terrestrial areas, sturdy branches and a maintained pool. No universal terrarium format is established here. [3]
Provide terrestrial areas, sturdy branches and a maintained pool. No universal terrarium format is established here. [3]
Care parameters
CAPTIVE PARAMETERS
To be documented — Descriptions of the natural environment do not establish terrarium settings.
Humidity
To be documented — No sufficiently documented captive percentage is retained.
Temperatures and UVB
To be documented Natural-history data are not heating instructions.
Pool
Maintained water [3] The breeding account reports frequent defecation in water.
Feeding
FEEDING
Natural omnivorous diet: prey and plants vary with age. [1][2]
Natural diet and habitat
Museums Victoria describes a diet combining plants and animals. Prey and plant availability in nature is insufficient to define proportions in a domestic menu. [2]
Layout and maintenance
The Bebesaurus breeding account describes a large space with elevated supports and a pool. Water is changed daily when soiled. This older experience alone does not validate a complete current protocol. [3]
Seasons and reproduction
The Australian Museum describes egg-laying in soil and territorial conflicts between males. Seasonal rest observed in nature does not justify automatically reducing heating for a captive animal. [1]
Checklist
- Verify the animal's identity and origin before acquisition.
- Prepare housing and check measurements before arrival.
- Keep contact details for a veterinarian familiar with this group.
Observations to record
- Meals offered and actually consumed
- Weight, size and body changes
- Environmental measurements and maintenance
- Behaviours, observations and dated events
The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.
Sources
Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Australian Museum — Water Dragon
Source accessed - Museums Victoria — Intellagama lesueurii
Source accessed - Bebesaurus — Dragon d’eau australien
Source accessed