Chinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus)

Short answers

Chinese water dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 200 × 100 × 180 cm for a single animal; at least 250 × 150 × 200 cm for a pair, over 300 × 200 × 200 cm for a group — the water area can take up to half the floor space.

Chinese water dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 35–40 °C, at night 20–24 °C (briefly down to 18 °C).

Chinese water dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential; a lamp with 5–10% UVB, a UV index of around 3–4 at the basking spot, with the animal's back about 30–45 cm from the lamp.

Chinese water dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 15–20 years.

Chinese water dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

20–24 °C (briefly down to 18 °C)

Basking spot

35–40 °C

Humidity

70–80 % (up to 90 % at night)

UVB

Essential; a lamp with 5–10% UVB, a UV index of around 3–4 at the basking spot, with the animal's back about 30–45 cm from the lamp

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 200 × 100 × 180 cm for a single animal; at least 250 × 150 × 200 cm for a pair, over 300 × 200 × 200 cm for a group — the water area can take up to half the floor space

Substrate

Damp forest floor or terrarium soil; a water area of about a third of the floor

Feeding

Food

Insects, occasionally fish or rodents, little plant food

Feeding interval

juveniles daily, adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 60–90 cm total length, males at the upper end, exceptional individuals up to 100 cm (snout–vent length 20–25 cm)

Life expectancy

approx. 15–20 years

Origin

South-East Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, southern China, Laos, Cambodia)

Protection status

Annex B (CITES II since 2023) – registration required

Brumation

None as such; a slightly cooler, drier rest period is possible

Cohabitation

Keeping them singly is the least stressful option; this species does not need company. One male with one to three females only works in a considerably larger enclosure; males are territorial and must never be kept together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females usually get along, but each needs its own basking and hiding spots; if sizes differ, feed them separately.

Notes

A large paludarium with a water section and climbing branches is essential; it is fond of bathing. Shy animals rub their snouts raw on the glass (rostral injuries) – fit visual screening.

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 water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Gippsland water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii howittii) – Intermediate
• Eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii) – Intermediate
• Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) – Intermediate
• Eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) – Intermediate
• Bent's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx benti) – Intermediate
• Bintang mountain horned lizard (Acanthosaura bintangensis) – Intermediate
• Blue-headed tree agama (Acanthocercus atricollis) – Intermediate
• Boyd's forest dragon (Lophosaurus boydii) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Chinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 200 × 100 × 180 cm for a single animal; at least 250 × 150 × 200 cm for a pair, over 300 × 200 × 200 cm for a group — the water area can take up to half the floor space), substrate (Damp forest floor or terrarium soil; a water area of about a third of the floor), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.