Reptile · Agamid
Painted dragon care guide
Ctenophorus pictus
The painted dragon is a intermediate-level agamid from Inland southern Australia. Adults reach 20–25 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. Males are brightly coloured and territorial. One male per enclosure.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 40–45°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 20–30%
How much does a painted dragon cost in Canada?
Painted dragon quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Inland southern Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Basking 40–45°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 20–30%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, small greens
- Bioactive style
- Arid desert
Painted dragon enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a arid desert bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix15 cm
A deep, sandy mix packed firmly lets burrows hold their shape; keep only the deepest layer faintly moist.
Temperature: Basking 40–45°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 20–30%. UVB: Required.
What does a painted dragon eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, small greens. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast and alert; display animal.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking temperatures; refresh water (or mist lightly for species that drink droplets).
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Lightly moisten one deep corner so burrows hold and isopods survive.
- Check rock stacks are stable.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer; replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a painted dragon bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Painted dragon FAQ
Is the painted dragon good for beginners?
The painted dragon is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Fast and alert; display animal.
What size enclosure does a painted dragon need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a painted dragon cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $570–1010 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a painted dragon need?
Temperature: Basking 40–45°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 20–30%.
What does a painted dragon eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, small greens. Adults every 2 days, juveniles 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.