Chinese Water Dragon

Physignathus cocincinus

A bright green, agile lizard that swims and climbs — needs a huge, humid, semi-aquatic setup.

Up to 3 ft including tail10–15 years

Habitat

Enclosure

6×3×4 ft for an adult — a big commitment

Temperature

Basking 90–95°F · water 75–80°F

Humidity / Water

70–80%

Heating & lighting

Halogen basking bulb plus linear UVB over the branches, and an aquarium heater for the water area. Big, humid, and tall — the enclosure is the real commitment.

Diet

Feed these

Crickets and dubia roaches
Earthworms
Silkworms
Collard and mustard greens
Occasional small fish

Never feed

Wild-caught prey
Fireflies — fatally toxic
Avocado, onion and garlic
Rodents (too fatty for regular feeding)

Mostly insectivorous with some greens. They need a water basin big enough to fully submerge in — clean it daily or run a filter. High humidity plus real airflow prevents the nose damage they're known for.

Cohabitation

Can live with

Female Chinese water dragons — only in very large enclosures

Never house with

Two males — severe fighting Any different species

A male with females can work in a huge enclosure; males alone fight and injure each other. Glass-front tanks cause nose-rubbing injuries — use mesh or a solid background.