They prefer to eat small rodents, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects. Water dragons catch prey with their long tongues. While most other lizards lose and replace their teeth throughout their lives, the teeth of water dragons are permanently fused to their jaws giving them a precise bite more like that of mammals.
Danger to humans
Large adult Water Dragons will appear confident and friendly however they should not be approached as they have very sharp claws and can deliver a serious bite.
This lizard is found around creeks, watercourses and backyard ponds and is more often heard than seen plopping into water from its basking position. Don't approach water dragons as they have sharp claws and can deliver a serious bite.
Water dragons prey on rodents, birds, fish and invertebrates, supplementing this diet with vegetation and eggs. Their sticky tongue and small, pointed teeth aid in catching and holding on to prey.
Water dragons are social creatures and, in the wild, live in groups with one male and several females. Males can become aggressive with each other, though, so it's not good to keep males in the same enclosure.
Chinese water dragons are among one of the friendliest lizards out there—friendlier even than iguanas. They enjoy being handled and actually require regular handling to prevent them from becoming aggressive. If a Chinese water dragon feels threatened or is scared, it may lash out by biting and whipping its tail.
Typically, they do enjoy being handled. Regular handling is essential to prevent them from becoming too aggressive. If the Chinese water dragon is scared or feels threatened, it may bite or whip its tail. They are pretty active in their environment and like to climb on rocks, up trees, on branches, or in plants.
Water Dragons can sleep in the water, with just their nostrils protruding. In cold weather before they go into their winter dormancy (hibernation), sleeping in the water overnight, is actually warmer than sleeping in the open.
Australian water dragons are omnivorous meaning that they can eat a varied diet of vegetation, insects and meat. Though they can eat vegetation we only provide a small dish of leafy greens as this species is normally far more focussed on insects and meat.
Water dragons are diurnal lizards, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. The lights, therefore, need to go off at night. For this reason, a lightless heat source, such as a ceramic heat emitter for day and night heating might also prove beneficial.
Water dragons are known for their timid natures which can make them easy to tame. For this reason, they can make excellent pets – under the proper care! They are active and intelligent animals that need plenty of space to move around and explore.
handling Eastern Water Dragons. They can be very territorial and can scratch or bite if handled. disturbing dragons sunning themselves on paths, terraces and other warm places.
Species Summary
The Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) is a reptile that easily adapts to the presence of humans. Docile and easy to tame, these lizards make excellent pets for even novice enthusiasts. As their name would suggest, the Australian water dragon is native to Eastern Australia.
Water Dragons can bite hard so always keep your fingers away from their mouth. Remember, lizards may also scratch and some species (water dragons) may attempt to whip their tail. Lace Monitors should only be handled by people that are confident and experienced in restraining them as they are extremely strong and quick.
Like other reptiles, water dragons can carry Salmonella. Always wash your hands after handling reptiles or items from their enclosure. Chinese water dragons are known for rubbing their faces against glass and causing damage to their nose and face.
Feed Water dragons a variety of gut-loaded insects such as crickets, king mealworms, silkworms, and waxworms, as well as grasshoppers, roaches, and earthworms. Pinky mice and small fish may also be fed occasionally. All produce offered should be fresh, high quality items fit for human consumption and pesticide free.
Human introduced animals; cats, dogs and foxes can also cause death and injury to Water Dragons. Predatory birds such as Kookaburras, Butcherbirds and Currawongs are likely to prey on the young hatchlings and small juvenile Water Dragons.
Male vs. Female Water Dragon: Coloring
Just below their throats, you will see colorful orange or yellow markings on male water dragons. You will also see a bright pink color around the bottom edge of the male's mouth. Neither of these bright colors will be present on female dragons.
They require fresh drinking water at all times. Drinking water should be checked daily as dragons in general, but water dragons in particular, have a tendency to defecate in water.
On average, Chinese water dragons can live for 10 to 15 years, although in captivity they may live up to 20 years. Female Chinese water dragons usually lay six to 15 eggs at a time, and they hatch after 60 to 75 days.
Females can lay up to two clutches of 10–20 eggs each season, which are buried. The sex of each hatchling is determined by the temperature of the eggs during incubation. Water dragons can live up to 28 years in the wild and up to 40 years in captivity.
When stressed or angry, water dragons may puff up their throats, wave their arms, head bob, whip their tails or lick each other! Water dragons have a bad habit of banging their faces against the glass of their enclosure if the enclosure is too small.
Water dragons have plenty of stored fat, so they can go without eating for two months, although if you are keeping them as pets, keeping food from them is not recommended.
Therefore the tail can fall off when grasped sometimes when very little pressure applied. The tail will regrow as a cartilaginous rod.