Description:

Water dragons are medium sized lizards which can grow up to a length of 3 feet; youngsters are around 4 inches when they hatch. The tail can be over half the length of the lizard. The general colour is various shades of green, sometimes with slight white bands around the body. Pink and blue can be found under the chin of adults but it is more prominent on males. A well defined vertebral crest extends from the neck to the tail, again this is generally more distinct on males.

Distribution:

Asian water dragons originated from the jungles and rain forests of Southern China, Thailand , Vietnam and Laos. The water dragon will always be found near or around water.

Feeding:

The water dragon feeds mainly on insects, commercially produced black and brown crickets, locust, mealworm and wax-worm are readily available. Crickets and locust should be the main live- food offered whilst mealworm and wax-worm can be offered for variety.The water dragon may take some vegetation such as watercress and rocket but this is quite rare. Live foods should be offered at least every 3 days and there should always be a couple of insects in the vivarium so the lizard always has access to food. All insects fed to your chameleon should be gut loaded with the appropriate food and a suitable vitamin powder should be used 3 times a week.

Water:

As the name suggests water dragons spend much of there time in and around water, a single drinking bowl isn't enough for water dragons, an area big enough for the dragon to lay and turn around in is the minimum requirement. In general the bigger the water area the better. Water dragons do seem to like moving water so if a pump or even better a pump with a filter can be fitted, not only does the animal prefer this it will also stop the water from stagnating. Even if the water is filtered it will still need changing on a regular basis to prevent a bacteria build up caused by faeces.

Vivarium:

The minimum size for a single adult water dragon is 48 x 24 x 24, but as these lizards are quite active, for a pair it's a good idea to go up to a 48 x 36 x 24. After a few months , hatchlings can go into a 48 x 24 x 24 but to start with it's a better to house them in a 36 x 18 x 18 so you can gauge how much they are eating. If you have a large bathing or swimming area for the dragon be aware that they will splash around and water will spill so the wood used to make the vivarium and any joints has to be sealed. Your vivarium will need sufficient ventilation if there is a large water area so the air doesn't become stagnant and cause the lizard any respiratory infections.

Heating:

Water dragons require a day time air temperature of 90º F with basking areas of 100ºF - 115ºF, this is best achieved with the use of reflector spot bulbs. The spot bulbs should be light in colour as these lizards seem to associate heat with light. These bulbs should be on for between 10 and 12 hours. All of the heating should be positioned at one end to create warm and cool ends. At night a thermostatically controlled ceramic heat bulb is ideal as it emits no light. The thermostat wants to be set so the warm end of the vivarium sits at around 75ºF at night with all the other lights off. WARNING: If all lights are not turned off at night it may cause stress to your animal which can lead to health problems.

Lighting:

Water dragons require U.V.B lighting weather it be a U.V.B. tube, compact U.V.B lamp or a mercury vapour lamp. U.V.B is essential for your dragons bone growth and general health. If this lighting is not available it could be extremely detrimental to the animals health resulting in weak or deformed bones and ultimately death. These lights need to be on for between 10 and 12 hours a day, it is essential lights are turned off at night so the animal gets a day/night photo period.

WARNING: These lights should be within 12 inches of the animals basking areas as this is the maximum range of U.V.B. output. All tubes and compact lamps must be changed at least every 10 months preferably sooner so the animal receives sufficient levels of U.V.B.

Substrate:

Beech wood chips are a suitable substrate as they are mite and dust free and are easily available. Bark chips can also be used and do not discolour when wet . Sand, aspen bedding and hemp bedding are not suitable as when the animal is wet the substrates will stick to them causing irritation to the lizard.

Decoration:

Water dragons require some decoration such as some climing branches and basking rocks. Plastic greenery is a good idea for hatchlings as it can give them somewhere to hide and feel secure. When using branches always ensure that there are no sharp points or thorns that the dragon can cut or damage itself on.

Potential Problems:

Water dragons don't encounter many problems provided the heating, lighting and feeding is correct but there are some issues to be aware of; If a water dragon is unable to bathe properly it may have a problem shedding its skin. Large water areas can be a breeding ground for bacteria so a regular water changing regime must be strictly adhered to. Keepers must be aware of the date the U.V.B. bulb was last changed so there will be no problems with metabolic bone disease. Finally be cautious when housing water dragons together as males can fight and damage each other.