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Amboina sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus amboinensis)

Amboina sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus amboinensis), typical appearance of the species

Agamas · Difficulty: Intermediate to expert

Key facts and care guidance for Amboina sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus amboinensis) (origin: Indonesia (Moluccas, Halmahera) and New Guinea, always near water). Adult size around males 90–110 cm, females 75–90 cm total length (exceptionally up to 120 cm). Life expectancy 15–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Amboina sailfin lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 200×150×200 cm for one animal; for a pair from 230×150×200 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report) With a large water section.

Amboina sailfin lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C (locally up to 35 °C), basking spot 35–40 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

Amboina sailfin lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (rainforest-grade UVB).

Amboina sailfin lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–25 years.

Amboina sailfin lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Intermediate to expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature
26–32 °C (locally up to 35 °C)
Night temperature
22–24 °C
Basking spot
35–40 °C
Humidity
70–90 %
UVB
Essential (rainforest-grade UVB)

Enclosure

Minimum size
from 200×150×200 cm for one animal; for a pair from 230×150×200 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report) With a large water section.
Substrate
Damp forest floor or terrarium soil plus a large swimming basin

Feeding

Food
Omnivorous: in adult animals roughly half insects (grasshoppers, roaches, crickets) and half plant matter (leaves, flowers, fruit, vegetables), plus occasional fish. Juveniles eat predominantly animal food. Give calcium and vitamins via the food.
Feeding interval
juveniles daily, adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
males 90–110 cm, females 75–90 cm total length (exceptionally up to 120 cm)
Life expectancy
15–25 years
Origin
Indonesia (Moluccas, Halmahera) and New Guinea, always near water
Protection status
Annex B (CITES II since 2023) – registration required
Brumation
None
Cohabitation
Singly or as a pair; the males are very territorial and fight fiercely. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.

Notes

Very large, skittish and fast; a large swimming area and stable climbing opportunities are essential. Panic dashes cause snout injuries – visual screening is needed.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Amboina sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus amboinensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 200×150×200 cm for one animal; for a pair from 230×150×200 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report) With a large water section.), substrate (Damp forest floor or terrarium soil plus a large swimming basin), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: reptile.guide, Wikipedia DE, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, reptile-database.reptarium.cz, Wikipedia EN

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).