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Imported species record

Source review pending · not a care recommendation

Chinese Water Dragon

Physignathus cocincinus · Agamidae

This page preserves an imported legacy dataset record for discovery. Values below are unverified and must not be treated as a ReptBase source-audited husbandry recommendation.

Read the imported record Open a source-audited guide
Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) transparent cutout

01 / Imported record summary

Legacy dataset reference only

Imported reference. Source review pending. Do not treat this page as a complete care recommendation. The imported legacy record has not completed a ReptBase section-level source audit.

The imported legacy record states: Semi-aquatic lizards that look like small green iguanas and require large enclosures with water features.

Imported native region: Southeast Asia (unverified)

02 / Recorded values

Recorded legacy values

Recorded legacy values below are imported and unverified. They are not ReptBase recommendations.

Imported care-level label
advanced unverified
Imported adult size
Up to 90 cm unverified
Imported lifespan
About 15 years unverified
Imported diet type
omnivore unverified
Imported habitat pattern
tropical unverified
Family
Agamidae
Imported enclosure dimensions
180 x 90 x 180 cmImported · unverified · length x width x height
Imported ambient band
80-85°FImported · unverified
Imported basking surface
90-95°FImported · unverified
Imported humidity band
70-80% RHImported · unverified

The imported legacy record states (enclosure): Needs a large vertical enclosure with a significant water area for swimming/soaking.

The imported legacy record states (diet): Ensure insects are gut-loaded. They need a high-protein diet with some vegetation.

The imported legacy record states (behavior): Excellent swimmers and climbers. Very prone to 'nose rubbing' in glass tanks.

The imported legacy record states (social): Can be kept in groups (one male, multiple females), but needs massive space.

Foods listed in the old dataset imported · unverified

  • Crickets
  • Dubia roaches
  • Earthworms
  • Silkworms

Signs listed in the imported record

  • Bright green color
  • Alert eyes
  • Strong grip
  • Active swimming

Imported · unverified

Concern signs listed in the imported record

  • Lethargy
  • Swollen jaw
  • Open-mouth breathing
  • Sunken eyes

Imported · unverified · not a diagnosis

03 / What has not been verified

This value has not yet completed a ReptBase source audit

  • Enclosure minimums and product recommendations
  • Heating, UVB, humidity and substrate protocols
  • Feeding ratios, schedules and supplementation claims
  • Social-housing claims
  • Health lists as diagnostic guidance
  • Setup-cost figures as live market prices

Do not treat this as a complete care recommendation.

04 / Questions to verify before using the record

Check before acting on any imported value

  • Which primary sources support this enclosure size for the adult animal?
  • Have heat, UVB and humidity been measured in a comparable enclosure?
  • Does a reptile-experienced veterinarian agree the listed signs are actionable?
  • Are diet notes current for the life stage you are planning for?
  • Is a source-audited ReptBase guide available for a better-supported alternative?

05 / General measurement and veterinary safety note

Measure conditions. Seek veterinary care when needed.

Outdoor climate and imported bands do not set enclosure targets. Enclosure dimensions, materials, ventilation, heat-source distance, thermostat control and measured warm/cool sides change every decision.

This is not a diagnosis. Sudden weakness, breathing difficulty, seizures, major injury or collapse warrants urgent contact with a reptile-experienced veterinarian.

Humidity gradient guidance

This imported band needs a measured humidity gradient

This record lists a tropical humidity band of 70-80% RH. Because that band sits above most indoor room air, plan a moist zone, a drier zone, ventilation, and drying cycles rather than relying on a single enclosure-wide reading.

Read the humidity gradient guide for tropical reptiles

06 / Editorial status

Imported species record

Current statusImported species record
Detailed source reviewPending
Page typeSpecies record · not a care recommendation

Care by location

Chinese Water Dragon care profiles by city

Seasonal setup-pressure estimates for each recorded city. Each profile links the species range to outdoor normals and is a planning aid, not a recommendation.