Eastern Water Dragons love: Food – especially insects, frogs, yabbies and water insects. Overhanging plants – which provide safe haven around a pool, pond or creek and protection from predators.
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.
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.
Cage Furnishings
Live or artificial plants and leafy green foliage throughout the enclosure provide shelter and will make your water dragon feel more secure in its environment. If you choose to use live plants you might try Dracaena, hibiscus and ficus bushes, Pothos, Philodendron, and spider plants.
Adult eastern water dragons are omnivorous. They can eat many things but they prefer a mixed diet of insects, frogs, yabbies, fruit, flowers and berries. They forage (search) for food in many different places. On the ground for fallen berries and insects such as ants.
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.
Australian water dragons can adapt and aren't usually aggressive to humans, making them good pets. Like other sizable lizards, they have sharp claws and can deliver a nasty bite if they feel cornered, so some caution is needed.
Types of vegetation reportedly consumed include figs, lilly-pilly fruits, and other fruits and flowers. Water Dragons are believed to forage underwater, however this is based on one observation of diving Water Dragons returning to the surface and moving their jaws.
Artificial grass or indoor/ outdoor carpeting makes a good substrate that is easy to clean. Shredded paper can also be used. Avoid sand, corn cob, wood shavings or bark mulch which can cause an impaction if your water dragon swallows it.
Using gloves and/or a towel, you can restrain the dragon by its tail with one hand while supporting it from underneath with the other. 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.
Both males and females will occasionally express aggressive behavior toward each other in the form of arm waving, puffing up of the throat, head bobbing and, sometimes, chasing. Water dragons prey on rodents, birds, fish and invertebrates, supplementing this diet with vegetation and eggs.
Nesting: The female Water Dragons dig shallow nests in a sunny open position generally in a sandy soil. The nests are dug at a slight angle to the vertical to a depth of 10 to 16 cm and have a chamber at the end. The female Water Dragon lies above the burrow and deposits the eggs into the chamber below.
These lizards are one of the most friendly types. 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.
Heat mats and hot rocks are not recommended for most animals. Water should be provided at all times in a shallow dish and many dragons enjoy being gently misted with water daily. Water dragons need a larger dish to be able to submerge completely. Substrate should be easy to clean and change.
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.
The ideal Chinese Water Dragon substrate will be moisture retentive to aid in keeping the humidity in the enclosure high. Options like sphagnum moss, peat moss, coconut fiber, and coco chip are all great options since they hold humidity very well.
Water dragons can be preyed upon by various animals including snakes, birds, and feral animals such as cats and dogs.
Description. Adult Chinese water dragons are large and robust lizards; males can grow up to 90 cm (3 feet) in total length, including the tail. The tail is very long, exceeding 70% of the total body length.
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.
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.
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 can stay underwater for as long as 90 minutes. Their long tails make up 2/3rds of their length and help them swim. Australian water dragons can actually sleep in the water with their nostrils above the water so they can breathe.
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.
The diet of Australian water dragons depends on their age. Juveniles and yearlings tend to feed on small insects such as ants, spiders, crickets, and caterpillars. When they get bigger, so does their prey. An adult diet includes small rodents such as baby mice, although insects are still the most commonly consumed.