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Eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata)

Eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata), typical appearance of the species

Agamas · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) (origin: Eastern and southeastern Australia: open woodland and scrub as well as dry sclerophyll forest, from Cairns in Queensland to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia). Adult size around up to ~50–60 cm total length (the largest Pogona). Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Eastern bearded dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150 × 100 × 80 cm (larger than P. vitticeps).

Eastern bearded dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–33 °C, basking spot ~40 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Eastern bearded dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (10–12 %).

Eastern bearded dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Eastern bearded dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
28–33 °C
Night temperature
20–23 °C
Basking spot
~40 °C
Humidity
40–50 %
UVB
Essential (10–12 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size
150 × 100 × 80 cm (larger than P. vitticeps)
Substrate
A sand-loam mix they can dig in

Feeding

Food
Insects plus plant food (wild herbs, flowers, vegetables)
Feeding interval
juveniles daily, adults insects 2–3×/week plus green food daily

Key facts

Adult size
up to ~50–60 cm total length (the largest Pogona)
Life expectancy
10–15 years
Origin
Eastern and southeastern Australia: open woodland and scrub as well as dry sclerophyll forest, from Cairns in Queensland to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia
Protection status
— (no CITES; an Australian export ban, captive-bred animals)
Brumation
Winter rest recommended: 2–3 months (December to February) at 14–18 °C; ramp down light and food beforehand over about two weeks
Cohabitation
Singly or as a pair with one male; the males do not get on. 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

A larger, good-climbing bearded dragon; otherwise care as for Pogona vitticeps with a desert climate, a high basking spot and UVB. A winter rest matters for health and breeding.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150 × 100 × 80 cm (larger than P. vitticeps)), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in), 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: Wikipedia DE, prpw.com.au, Wikipedia EN, bartagame-info.de, coolcompanions.com.au

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).