Chinese Water Dragon
Chinese water dragons are a species of lizards belonging to the agamid family, found in China and mainland Southeast Asia. They are diurnal and very much arboreal. They are good swimmers too.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Reptilia |
Order | Squamata |
Family | Agamidae |
Genus | Physignathus |
Scientific Name | Physignathus cocincinus |
Other Names | Asian Water Dragon, Thai Water Dragon, Green Water Dragon |
Length | Up to 1m |
Weight | 1 – 2 lbs |
Color | Light to dark green, sometimes purple, stomach is orange, body has turquoise or green diagonal stripes, tail has green and white bands from the middle to the end; white, off white, pale green, or pale yellow undersides while throat is blue and purple, or peach; presence of a small iridescent photosensitive spot between the eyes |
Distribution | China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma |
Habitat | Lowland and highland forests, banks of streams and freshwater lakes |
Diet | Mostly insects, sometimes small fish, mammal or reptile, also feed on vegetation |
Hibernation Fact | Undergoes hibernation |
Predators | Birds |
Breeding Season | End of winter or early spring |
Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous (egg laying) |
Clutch Size | 6 to 15 eggs |
Incubation Period | 60 to 65 days |
Reproductive Age | Males: Around 8 months Females: Around 1 year |
Average Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
IUCN Conservation Status | Not Evaluated |