Caring for your Australian Water Dragon
Australian Water Dragon
Australian Water Dragon
Basic Information:
The Australian Water Dragon is a semi-aquatic, arboreal lizard native to eastern Australia, where it inhabits forest edges, riverbanks, and rocky waterways. Adults reach 2–3 feet in length, with males being notably larger and more colorful. These dragons are diurnal, highly active, and excellent swimmers, often diving underwater when startled. Their alert personalities, impressive size, and fascinating behaviors make them popular for large naturalistic enclosures and display habitats.
Lifespan:
Keeled Lizards live 15-20 years in captivity with excellent care.
Sexing:
Sexing can be subtle:
Males develop larger heads, cresting, and brighter throat coloration. Mature males often show more prominent jowls and femoral pores.
Females are smaller with subtler patterning.
Enclosure:
Because they are highly arboreal and energetic, enclosure height is especially important.
Juveniles: 36” x 18” x 18” minimum
Adults: 6 ft x 3 ft x 4 ft or larger
Provide strong branches, elevated basking sites, and plenty of swimming depth. These lizards require both arboreal and aquatic features to express natural behaviors.
Substrate:
Use moisture-retaining, natural substrates such as:
Soil mixes
Cypress mulch
Coconut fiber
Loose, naturalistic substrates help maintain humidity and support digging behaviors.
Lighting & Temperature:
Basking Spot: 95–105°F
Ambient Temperature: 82–88°F
Cool Side: 75–78°F
UVB Lighting: Use a T5 HO 10.0 or 12% UVB tube for 10–12 hours daily. Essential for calcium metabolism and overall health.
Humidity:
Maintain humidity between 60–80%, with daily misting or the use of an automatic mister. Allow the enclosure to dry slightly between misting to prevent stagnation.
Food:
Australian Water Dragons are omnivores. Offer a varied diet of:
Insects (roaches, crickets, silkworms)
Occasional pinkies or freshwater fish
Dark leafy greens and vegetables
You can expand the diet with seasonal fruits as treats.
Water:
Provide a large, clean water area deep enough for swimming. Water should be changed frequently or filtered, as these lizards use it for drinking, swimming, and sometimes defecation.
Supplementation:
Calcium without D3: Dust feeders 3–4 times weekly
Calcium with D3: Once weekly if UVB is adequate
Multivitamins with D3: Once monthly in place of the D3 dose
These dragons are visually striking, interactive, and full of personality. Their energetic nature and distinctive swimming behavior provide endless entertainment, making them ideal for hobbyists seeking an impressive, engaging display reptile.
Are Captive Bred Australian Water Dragons for Sale Near Me?
Yes! In Fact, all Australian water dragons are captive bred! If you're in Frederick County, Maryland, stop by Critters, Reptiles & Exotics in Frederick to check availability on Australian Water Dragons and get expert help setting up the perfect semi-aquatic habitat. From UVB lighting to enclosure design, we’ll help you give your new dragon the best start possible. There’s always a new adventure waiting at Critters, Reptiles & Exotics!