Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus)

Short answers

Chinese crocodile lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 150×60×80 cm for a single animal or a pair, 70–80 % of it water.

Chinese crocodile lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, basking spot 30–35 °C, at night 16–19 °C.

Chinese crocodile lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (T5 4–6 %).

Chinese crocodile lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years.

Chinese crocodile lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C

Night temperature

16–19 °C

Basking spot

30–35 °C

Humidity

70–85 %

UVB

Recommended (T5 4–6 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 150×60×80 cm for a single animal or a pair, 70–80 % of it water

Substrate

A large water area covering 70–80% of the space, 20–30 cm deep, with filtration. A land area of humus-sand mix, plus climbing branches that overhang the water — the animals spend most of the day sitting there.

Feeding

Food

Insects, earthworms, occasionally fish

Feeding interval

Adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

40–45 cm

Life expectancy

15–20 years

Origin

Southern China, northern Vietnam

Protection status

CITES Appendix I / EU Annex A — commercial use only with the yellow certificate and an unbroken chain of documentation

Brumation

Yes, 3–4 months at 8–12 °C. Lower the temperature slowly over about a week, sharply shorten the lighting period, and stop feeding. Without this rest period, reproduction won't happen.

Cohabitation

Single housing or a pair; never keep males together. Animals kept singly have the fewest conflicts, and for breeding the male can be put in with the female temporarily. A permanent pair often works, but some males harass the female so often that she becomes stressed and they have to be separated. Several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or permanently sits in the corner. Females often get along but each needs its own basking and hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

Semi-aquatic: it sits above the water and drops in when disturbed, so the water section is essential and not an accessory. To be kept markedly cooler than its appearance suggests. Acquire it only with valid papers.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Yellow-spotted night lizard (Lepidophyma flavimaculatum) – Intermediate
• Granite night lizard (Xantusia henshawi) – Intermediate
• Knob-scaled lizard (Xenosaurus grandis) – Experts
• Aeolian wall lizard (Podarcis raffonei) – Expert
• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
• Amur grass lizard (Takydromus amurensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×60×80 cm for a single animal or a pair, 70–80 % of it water), substrate (A large water area covering 70–80% of the space, 20–30 cm deep, with filtration. A land area of humus-sand mix, plus climbing branches that overhang the water — the animals spend most of the day sitting there.), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.