Eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii)
Agamas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii) (origin: Eastern Australia (coastal rivers and banks)). Adult size around up to ~90–100 cm (males), females smaller. Life expectancy 15–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Eastern water dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
250×100×200 cm for a 1.1 pair; juveniles from 120×60×120 cm, water area at least 50–60 cm deep.
Eastern water dragon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 35–40 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Eastern water dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (10–12 %).
Eastern water dragon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–25 years.
Eastern water dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–40 °C
- Humidity
- 60–70 %
- UVB
- Essential (10–12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 250×100×200 cm for a 1.1 pair; juveniles from 120×60×120 cm, water area at least 50–60 cm deep
- Substrate
- Terrarium soil or forest floor plus a large water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Omnivorous: insects, fish, small vertebrates plus plant food and fruit
- Feeding interval
- juveniles daily, adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- up to ~90–100 cm (males), females smaller
- Life expectancy
- 15–25 years
- Origin
- Eastern Australia (coastal rivers and banks)
- Protection status
- — (no CITES; an Australian export ban, captive-bred animals only)
- Brumation
- A cooler overwintering of 1–2 months (adapted to cold)
- Cohabitation
- A pair or group with one male; the males are territorial. 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 large, diving animal with an obligatory water section and plenty of climbing space. Do not pair it with the Gippsland subspecies (howittii).
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Gippsland water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii howittii) – Intermediate
- Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) – Intermediate
- Chinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) – 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
What you need to start
To keep Eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×100×200 cm for a 1.1 pair; juveniles from 120×60×120 cm, water area at least 50–60 cm deep), substrate (Terrarium soil or forest floor plus a large water 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: Wikipedia EN, australische-wasseragamen.de, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, eu_annex.txt (lokal, VO (EU) 2026/1383), gutachten.txt (BML 1997, lokal)
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).