Reptile · Agamid
Amboina sailfin dragon care guide
Hydrosaurus amboinensis
The amboina sailfin dragon is a expert-level agamid from Indonesia (Moluccas, Sulawesi), New Guinea. Adults reach 100–120 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Room-sized enclosure with deep water. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 240 × 120 × 180 cm
- Temp Basking 35–40°C, ambient 26–30°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a amboina sailfin dragon cost in Canada?
Amboina sailfin dragon quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 100–120 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Indonesia (Moluccas, Sulawesi), New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 240 × 120 × 180 cm (94 × 47 × 71 in, ≈ 1370 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35–40°C, ambient 26–30°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – roaches, greens, fruit, fish
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Amboina sailfin dragon enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 240 × 120 × 180 cm (94 × 47 × 71 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Basking 35–40°C, ambient 26–30°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Required.
What does a amboina sailfin dragon eat?
Omnivore – roaches, greens, fruit, fish. Juveniles daily, adults 3–4 times a week with greens daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Flighty and strong; minimal handling.
Health watch: Snout rub injuries, metabolic bone disease and parasites.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a amboina sailfin dragon bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (240 × 120 × 180 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Amboina sailfin dragon FAQ
Is the amboina sailfin dragon good for beginners?
No – the amboina sailfin dragon is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Flighty and strong; minimal handling.
What size enclosure does a amboina sailfin dragon need?
At least 240 × 120 × 180 cm (about 94 × 47 × 71 inches, roughly 1370 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a amboina sailfin dragon cost in Canada?
Typically $600–1500 CAD to buy, about $6620–11530 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $700–1200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a amboina sailfin dragon need?
Temperature: Basking 35–40°C, ambient 26–30°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a amboina sailfin dragon eat?
Omnivore – roaches, greens, fruit, fish. Juveniles daily, adults 3–4 times a week with greens daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.