Asian Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus)
At a glance
| Adult size | Males 36 in · Females 24 in |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Enclosure | 4×2×6 ft minimum (vertical) with water section |
| Temperature | Ambient 80-85°F · Basking 95-100°F |
| Humidity | 70-80% with misting + water feature |
| UVB | Mandatory · T5 HO 10-12% |
| Diet | Insects + occasional pinky mice + greens |
| Handling | Variable — some tolerate, others don't |
Why this species
- Visually striking — bright green arboreal lizard
- Active and visible during the day
- Can use a real water feature — natural swimming behavior
- Smaller commitment than green iguanas
Why not
- Tall enclosure (6 ft) is unusual furniture
- Snout-rubbing is common in inadequate enclosures
- Humidity demand is real — daily misting at minimum
- Many pet store individuals are wild-caught — buy captive-bred only
Frequently asked questions
How big do Asian water dragons get?
Males 36 inches including tail; females 24 inches. About 2/3 the size of an adult green iguana.
How long do Asian water dragons live?
10-15 years with proper care. Some individuals exceed 18 years.
Do water dragons need a swimming pool?
Yes — a water feature deep enough to soak and submerge improves welfare significantly. They use water for drinking, soaking, and as a stress refuge.
Are Asian water dragons handleable?
Variable. Some captive-bred individuals tolerate moderate handling. Wild-caught animals rarely tame and should not be bought.
Why does my water dragon have a sore nose?
Snout-rubbing against glass is a classic sign of inadequate enclosure size. The fix is a bigger enclosure with visual barriers and arboreal cover.