Thai Water Dragons, Physignathus cocincinus, are also known as Asian Water Dragons, Chinese Water Dragons, and Green Water Dragons. A related species, P. lesuerurii, is often called the Eastern or Australian Water Dragon.

Natural Environment

Thai water dragons originate in both the lowland and highland forests of India, southern China, and eastern and southeastern Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma). They are diurnal (active during the day), largely arboreal (live in trees), and are normally found along the banks of freshwater lakes and streams. If threatened, Thai water dragons drop from the trees into the nearby water and either swim to escape or remain submerged for up to 25 minutes. They generally are not social animals, but live solitary lives. Their diet consists mainly of insects. Water dragons live in areas with an average humidity level of 60-80%, with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F.

Physical Characteristics

Male Thai water dragons may reach up to 3 feet in length, and the females are somewhat smaller. The tail makes up almost 2/3 of the length of the animal. They are bright green, with darker areas around the joints and head. There are usually 3-5 light bluish-green stripes running from the underside of the animal to the top of the back. The tail has alternating brown and green irregular stripes, and becomes progressively darker towards its tip. They have long clawed toes that aid them in climbing. The back legs are very muscular and used in climbing, leaping, and swimming. The strong tail provides balance and also helps propel them through the water when they swim. In addition, it may be used as a whip to defend the animal against predators. They have a sticky tongue and small teeth. Water dragons live 10-15 years.

Compared to the female water dragons, mature males are generally larger, brighter in color, and have a bright yellow or orange area on the throat. Adult males usually have larger heads, jowls, and crests on the back and the neck, and have larger femoral pores. They will also develop hemipenal bulges at the base of the tail

Habitat

Enclosure: Since Thai water dragons are arboreal, vivariums should generally be as high as they are long. They require cages at least as high and as long as two times their length. This means a full-size adult male needs a habitat 6 feet long and 6 feet high, with a width of about 3 feet. Cages should be secure with tight-fitting lids. The sides should be smooth to avoid abrasions of the nose. Wire cages do not retain heat and can also result in foot and nose trauma. Having a proper substrate in the cage (see below), making sure the cage is large enough, and using plastic coated wire mesh can lessen the possibility of injury.

Cages should be simple in design to facilitate cleaning. Cages made of wood must be sealed with polyurethane or a similar waterproofing agent and joints caulked to allow cleaning and disinfection. Fresh polyurethane must be allowed to dry several days and the cage thoroughly aired out prior to placing a reptile in it or toxicity may result.

Water dragons are somewhat notorious for injuring their noses and faces while attempting to get through the glass of vivariums. If this occurs, you may want to try using one-way glass or applying dark colored tape to the outside of the glass on the lower portion of the vivarium. Placing plants along the inside of the glass may also discourage this behavior.