🐊 Green Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) Care Sheet

Green water dragons are energetic, semi-aquatic lizards known for their striking looks and playful nature. With the right setup and handling, they can become interactive, long-lived companions.

Origin: Tropical forests of Southeast Asia

Size: Up to 90 cm (3 feet), including tail
Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care
Temperament: Generally calm but skittish; can tame well with regular handling
Activity: Diurnal (active during the day) and arboreal

🏠 Housing

• Minimum enclosure size: 120 cm x 60 cm x 120 cm (4' x2' x 4') for an adult

• Tall, vertically oriented enclosures are essential

• Use absorbent substrates like soil mixes or cypress mulch to maintain humidity

• Include branches, vines, ledges, and plants for climbing and hiding

• Provide a large water area for soaking and swimming

• Maintain excellent ventilation to prevent respiratory issues

🌡️ Temperature & Lighting

• Basking spot: 32–35°C (90–95°F)

• Ambient (day): 26–30°C (78–86°F)

• Cool side: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

• Night: No lower than 20°C (68°F)

• Provide high-output UVB (10–12% T5) across 70–80% of the enclosure

• Replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months depending on brand

• Maintain a 12–14 hour day/night cycle year-round

💧 Humidity

• Ideal humidity: 60–80%

• Mist the enclosure at least once or twice daily

• Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels

• Add live plants and large water features to help with humidity

• Ensure good air flow to prevent mold or stagnant air

🥗 Feeding

• Insectivorous with occasional plant matter

• Insects: Crickets, dubia roaches, locusts, mealworms, silkworms

• Occasional greens: Collard greens, dandelion, endive

• Fruits (rare): Papaya, mango, berries as treats

• Juveniles: feed daily

• Adults: feed every 1–2 days

• Dust insects with calcium daily

• Use a multivitamin once per week

🧼 Cleaning & Maintenance

• Spot clean daily: remove waste and leftover food

• Replace water regularly, especially if used for soaking

• Deep clean monthly with reptile-safe disinfectant

• Watch for signs of illness: wheezing, lack of appetite, swollen limbs, or shedding issues