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Sulawesi sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus celebensis)

Sulawesi sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus celebensis), typical appearance of the species

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Sulawesi sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus celebensis) (origin: The Indonesian island of Sulawesi (Celebes), humid lowlands and tropical rainforest). Adult size around total length up to ~100 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

250×150×150 cm (one adult animal), larger is recommended; a water basin covering at least a third of the floor.

Sulawesi sailfin lizard: What temperature does it need?

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

Sulawesi sailfin lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

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

Sulawesi sailfin lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years.

Sulawesi 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
up to ~38 °C (basking spot)
Humidity
70–90 %
UVB
A high UVB requirement (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3–5); a powerful UVB lamp for D3 and calcium metabolism

Enclosure

Minimum size
250×150×150 cm (one adult animal), larger is recommended; a water basin covering at least a third of the floor
Substrate
A mix of soil, sand and leaf litter, moisture-retaining and diggable; a large deep water basin

Feeding

Food
Omnivorous: crickets, locusts, earthworms, fish plus leafy greens, herbs and fruit
Feeding interval
juveniles daily, adults animal food 3–4×/week plus plant food offered daily

Key facts

Adult size
total length up to ~100 cm
Life expectancy
15–20 years
Origin
The Indonesian island of Sulawesi (Celebes), humid lowlands and tropical rainforest
Protection status
No CITES status (as of research in 2024/25); mostly wild-caught, under pressure from trade and habitat loss → mind the origin and captive breeding
Brumation
None (tropical)
Cohabitation
Keep them singly, or at most as a pair in very large facilities; territorial, nervous animals that flee; never keep males together

Notes

The largest of the three species. Very high demands on space, equipment and experience. It swims and flees into the water → a large, deep tank is essential. Shy → a risk of injury on the glass, so soft structures and dense planting.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Sulawesi sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus celebensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×150×150 cm (one adult animal), larger is recommended; a water basin covering at least a third of the floor), substrate (A mix of soil, sand and leaf litter, 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_celebensis, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Hydrosaurus&species=celebensis

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).