Reptile · Agamid
Chinese water dragon care guide
Physignathus cocincinus
The chinese water dragon is a intermediate-level agamid from Southeast Asia, S China. Adults reach 60–90 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Needs a large water area. Keep alone (males fight).
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 120 cm
- Temp Basking 32–35°C, ambient 26°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a chinese water dragon cost in Canada?
Chinese water dragon quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 60–90 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southeast Asia, S China
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 120 cm (47 × 24 × 47 in, ≈ 228 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 32–35°C, ambient 26°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, crickets, superworms, occasional fish
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Chinese water dragon enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 120 cm (47 × 24 × 47 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 32–35°C, ambient 26°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Required.
What does a chinese water dragon eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, superworms, occasional fish. Juveniles daily, adults 3–4 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Captive-bred become tame; nervous ones run into glass.
Health watch: Snout rub 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 chinese water dragon bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 120 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
Chinese water dragon FAQ
Is the chinese water dragon good for beginners?
The chinese water dragon is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Captive-bred become tame; nervous ones run into glass.
What size enclosure does a chinese water dragon need?
At least 120 × 60 × 120 cm (about 47 × 24 × 47 inches, roughly 228 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a chinese water dragon cost in Canada?
Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $1630–2800 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $400–650 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a chinese water dragon need?
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, ambient 26°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a chinese water dragon eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, superworms, occasional fish. 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.