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Reptile Basic Care Guides

Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus)

Care level: Advanced

Temperament: Can be friendly and personable with regular handling/interaction

Behavior: diurnal, arboreal/semi-arboreal, solitary

Minimum enclosure size: 6×3×6’ (2×1×2m)

Basking spot temp (surface): 90-95°F (32-35°C)

Cold side temp: 78-85°F (26-29°C)

Nighttime/minimum temp: 70-77°F (21-25°C)

UVB: UVI 3-4/Ferguson zone 3 (e.g. Arcadia T5HO 12% at 16-18” (40-46cm) away with no mesh or 12-15” (30-38cm) over typical mesh)

Humidity: 80%

Diet: Mainly insects with a small amount (10-15%) of vegetables

Adult size: 2-3′ (0.6-1m)

Wild Distribution: lowland/highland forests of southern China and other parts of southeastern Asia

(care guide written with contributions by mandi#6740)


Other Resources:

Reptifiles Guide – Chinese Water Dragon

Dubia.com Guide – Chinese Water Dragon