Reptile · Agamid
Australian water dragon care guide
Intellagama lesueurii
The australian water dragon is a advanced-level agamid from Eastern Australia. Adults reach 60–90 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Large water area and tall climbing space. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 180 × 90 × 150 cm
- Temp Basking 35–40°C, ambient 26°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a australian water dragon cost in Canada?
Australian water dragon quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 60–90 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Eastern Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 180 × 90 × 150 cm (71 × 35 × 59 in, ≈ 642 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35–40°C, ambient 26°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – roaches, crickets, small fish, some greens
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Australian water dragon enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 180 × 90 × 150 cm (71 × 35 × 59 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°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.
What does a australian water dragon eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, small fish, some greens. Juveniles daily, adults 3–4 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Can become very tame; large and strong.
Health watch: Snout injuries, metabolic bone disease and mouth rot.
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 australian water dragon bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (180 × 90 × 150 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
Australian water dragon FAQ
Is the australian water dragon good for beginners?
The australian water dragon is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Can become very tame; large and strong.
What size enclosure does a australian water dragon need?
At least 180 × 90 × 150 cm (about 71 × 35 × 59 inches, roughly 642 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a australian water dragon cost in Canada?
Typically $500–1200 CAD to buy, about $3500–6040 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $500–800 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a australian water dragon need?
Temperature: Basking 35–40°C, ambient 26°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a australian water dragon eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, small fish, some greens. Juveniles daily, adults 3–4 times a week.
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.