🦎 Green Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) Care Sheet

Difficulty: Intermediate
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Adult Size: 2–3 feet (including tail)
Enclosure Size: Ideally at least 4x2x4 ft (tall and spacious)
Temperament: Curious and alert; can be skittish without regular handling

🏡 Housing

• Enclosure Type: Tall, secure glass vivarium with good ventilation

• Substrate: Soil mix, cypress mulch, or bioactive setup for humidity retention

• Décor: Branches, cork bark, ledges, large plants (real or artificial), basking areas

• Water Feature: Large water dish or shallow pool for soaking and humidity

🌡️ Temperature & Lighting

• Basking Spot: 32–35°C (90–95°F)

• Ambient Temp: 26–29°C (78–85°F)

• Night Temp: 22–24°C (72–75°F)

• Lighting: Full-spectrum UVB (10–12 hours/day) is essential

• Heating: Overhead basking bulb with thermostat control

💧 Humidity

• Humidity Range: 60–80%

• Misting: Daily or use automatic misting system

• Hydration: Provide large water bowl for soaking and drinking

• Enclosure Tips: Live plants, moisture-retaining substrate, and good airflow help maintain balance

🍽️ Feeding

• Diet: Insects (crickets, locusts, roaches, mealworms)

• Greens & Fruit: Optional, but some individuals will eat leafy greens and fruit

• Feeding Frequency:

  • Juveniles: Daily

  • Adults: Every other day

• Supplements: Calcium (without D3) at most feedings; D3 and multivitamins 1–2x/week

✋ Handling

• Start slow — they can be jumpy or defensive

• Daily interaction helps tame them over time

• Never grab by the tail (can drop it under stress)

• Gentle and consistent handling builds trust

⚠️ Things to Watch For

• Nose rubbing (from glass pacing/stress)

• Dehydration or shedding issues in low humidity

• Metabolic bone disease without UVB or calcium

• Overheating if basking area is too intense without cool zones