Australian Water Dragon
(Physignathus lesueurii)

The Australian water dragon has the same body shape as its Chinese cousin and is mostly brown in color. The head is lighter in color with a bar extending past the eye. In female Australian water dragons the head is slightly darker and lacks the contrast that male Australian water dragons possess. Male Australian water dragons also typically have a larger head and crest. The crest runs from the base of the head down to the end of the tail. The body also is marked with bands of light colored bands, giving and overall general banded look to the Australian water dragon. The throat and belly of the male Australian water dragons is red while these areas are generally white or cream in female Australian water dragons.

Difficulty

MODERATE:Because of the Australian water dragon's caging requirements and lighting requirements, these lizards may not make the best choice for novices.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (10 gallons or larger, depending on the size and number of Australian water dragons kept) with a secure lid with clamps
• Custom Caging

Substrate, such as:

• Aspen Shavings
• Soil
• Newspaper
• Indoor/Outdoor Carpeting

A heating element, such as:

• UV Producing Bulb
• Incandescent heat bulb
• Ceramic infrared heat emitters

Enclosure

Juvenile Australian water dragons can start in a 10-gallon tank but will quickly outgrow this enclosure. Adult Australian water dragons should be kept in an enclosure that is at least four feet long by three feet wide. The larger the enclosure the better since too small of an enclosure can cause the Australian water dragon to rub its snout until a bacterial infection occurs. As their name suggests, Australian water dragons should have access to a pool of water at all times for soaking and swimming. Australian water dragons also require high humidity and the enclosure should be maintained at 60% - 80% relative humidity, which may require regular misting of the enclosure. Planted non-toxic plants and sphagnum moss in the enclosure can also help maintain the humidity levels required.

Substrate

The substrate or bedding that you use is one of the most important parts of your Australian water dragon's home, since your Australian water dragon will be spending much of its time on it. There are many substrates that can be safely used. Indoor/Outdoor carpeting can also be used as an effective substrate for your Australian water dragon. Be sure to have at least two identical pieces so that you can simply place the clean piece of carpeting in the enclosure while you rinse and disenfect the soiled piece. You can then allow the newly cleaned piece of carpeting to dry for the next days use. It's important to note that you should completely rinse the carpet after cleaning it to be sure there is no residual chemicals remaining on the carpet that could irritate your Australian water dragon. Naturalistic substrates like soil, orchid bark, or crushed coconut shells can be used, but may require more cleaning. Be sure to clean it often to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Heating and Light

Australian water dragons should have daytime temperatures of 84°F to 88°F with a 90°F to 95°F basking area under a spotlight. Nightime temperatures should be 75°F to 80°F. A spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Ultraviolet lighting providing UVA and UVB is required for proper calcium metabolism and skeletal development for your Australian water dragon. Without the proper lighting your Australian water dragon will become sick and die a very painful death. Proper lighting can be provided utilizing fluorescent tubes specially made for use by reptiles as well as mercury vapor bulbs that also provide some heat as well. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures. We do not recommend the use of any kind of heat rocks as they can often lead to burns on your Australian water dragon.

Diet

Australian water dragons are omnivorous. They can be fed crickets, mealworms, super worms, earthworms, mice, comets (common feeder goldfish), and day-old chicks. In addition to animal prey, Australian water dragons also require some greens and can be offered shredded romaine lettuce as well as other various greens such as mustard, dandelion and collard. Other vegetables such as yellow squash, sweet potato, parsnips, green beans and carrots can also be given. Some fruit such as strawberry, raspberry, blueberry banana, and various melons can also be provided.