Reptoria

Papuan sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus microlophus)

Papuan sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus microlophus), typical appearance of the species

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Papuan sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus microlophus) (origin: According to the revision by Denzer et al. 2020, southern Sulawesi (the southern tip); the trade name "Papuan" is misleading). Adult size around up to ~90–100 cm total length (most of it tail). Life expectancy 15–20 years (up to 25). The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

Approx. 200×100×180 cm (one adult animal), height matters; a large water section covering at least a third of the floor area.

Papuan sailfin lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 38–45 °C (basking spot), at night 24–26 °C.

Papuan sailfin lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: A high UVB requirement (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3–5); a strong UVB lamp for D3 and calcium metabolism.

Papuan sailfin lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years (up to 25).

Papuan sailfin lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
28–32 °C
Night temperature
24–26 °C
Basking spot
38–45 °C (basking spot)
Humidity
70–90 %
UVB
A high UVB requirement (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3–5); a strong UVB lamp for D3 and calcium metabolism

Enclosure

Minimum size
approx. 200×100×180 cm (one adult animal), height matters; a large water section covering at least a third of the floor area
Substrate
A soil, sand and leaf-litter mix, moisture-retaining and diggable; a large, deep water basin

Feeding

Food
Omnivorous: insects (crickets, locusts), earthworms, fish plus leafy greens, herbs, flowers and fruit (increasingly plant-based as adults)
Feeding interval
juveniles daily, adults animal food 3–4×/week plus plant food offered daily

Key facts

Adult size
up to ~90–100 cm total length (most of it tail)
Life expectancy
15–20 years (up to 25)
Origin
According to the revision by Denzer et al. 2020, southern Sulawesi (the southern tip); the trade name "Papuan" is misleading
Protection status
No CITES status (as of research in 2024/25); mostly wild-caught, with populations threatened by trade and habitat loss (an Appendix III listing has been recommended) → mind the origin and captive breeding
Brumation
None (tropical)
Cohabitation
Keep them singly, or as a pair only in very large facilities; territorial, nervous animals that flee; never keep males together

Notes

A large, shy animal prone to panic jumps → a risk of injury on the glass (a soft back wall and planting). The trade name contradicts the scientific distribution; the husbandry figures come from genus-level care. A very high space and equipment requirement.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Papuan sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus microlophus) in the marketplace →

Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Papuan sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus microlophus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (approx. 200×100×180 cm (one adult animal), height matters; a large water section covering at least a third of the floor area), substrate (A soil, sand and leaf-litter mix, moisture-retaining and diggable; a large, deep 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: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrosaurus_microlophus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Hydrosaurus&species=microlophus

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).