Description

Green Water Dragons originate from South East Asia. Males are larger than females and can ascertain up to 36" length including the tail. Males have bigger jowls than females. These lizards do allow to be handled for short periods. As adults they have a striking appearance, with a beautiful green body with black marking behind the eyes and a bright purple colour under the throat.

Housing

These are semi arboreal lizards so a suggested size of vivarium for an adult pair 72"x36"x36" giving plenty of climbing access is highly recommended, which will bring out many of this fascinating reptile's interesting behaviours. These lizards should be provided with a large water tray which will enable them to bathe in. This water tray will need to be emptied and refilled with fresh water daily as they may defecate in it. A substrate of orchid bark and decoration of climbing branches and plants for extra hiding places.

Lighting

UVB lighting is essential for Green Water Dragons and a 5% light tube is adequate for providing this. The enclosures lighting should be kept on for 10-12 hours each day and the light tube replaced every six months. This is because overtime the emission of UVB light diminishes.

Temperature and Humidity

A basking area must be provided for Green Water Dragons with a temperautre of 86-90°f. This can be achieved using a ceramic heat bulb controlled by a thermostat such as the Microclimate B2 Pulse Thermostat, and if you would prefer a night time drop (although not essential) can be achieved using a Microclimate B2ME Pulse Thermostat. The bulb should also have a heat guard around it to ensure the Water Dragon cannot injure itself. Daily misting of the enclosure will help with keeping the humidity level up.

Feeding

Green Water Dragons will feed on crickets, hoppers, giant mealworms, pinky mice and mixed vegetable, bananas and strawberries can be offered. The insects should be dusted with a calcium supplement powder before feeding.