It’s no marvel the Indo-Chinese language water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus), or just “Chinese language” water dragon is commonly wanted inside herpetoculture: shiny inexperienced coloration with an array of blue stripes, yellow highlights, and occasional pink tones alongside the decrease chin-shield scales, who wouldn’t need one?!
My ardour for water dragons started with a need for an additional dragon species, the Philippine sailfin dragon, Hydrosaurus pustulatus. Nevertheless, the smaller dimension and calmer demeanor of a water dragon drew me towards working with the species.
After a number of experiences by way of trial and error and recommendation from fellow keepers, I can say that immediately I’ve produced many water dragons by way of constant captive breeding. It’s my hope that by sharing my information and experiences with this species, I can promote others to work with them and encourage accountable breeding efforts. Elevated captive breeding would scale back the demand of imported animals and as an alternative provide the reptile trade with trouble free, wholesome captive born and bred specimens.
Pure Historical past
The Indo-Chinese language water dragon (additionally known as the Asian water dragon, inexperienced water dragon, or just: “water dragon”) hails from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam with some populations occurring inside Southern China (Stuart et al. 2019). The frequent identify of the species, Indo-Chinese language, references the area of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia which have been beforehand referred to collectively as French Indochina. That is the place the species is most prevalent (Van Hoang et al. 2018).
Inside their native vary, the Chinese language water dragon inhabits riparian environments. Photograph by Kongsak Sumano/Shutterstock
Many reptile keepers will merely consult with the lizard because the Chinese language water dragon which is arguably deceptive since this species has minimal native presence within the nation of China. Though there’s a longtime inhabitants inside Hong Kong, this inhabitants is the results of launched specimens that aren’t of native origin (Mo, 2019).
Asian Water Dragon Born Through Parthenogenesis At Washington’s Nationwide Zoo
Inside their native vary, they inhabit riparian environments (Nguyen et al. 2018). Elongated toes, pointed nails, and well-developed hind and forelimbs supply this lizard the right property to accompany its semi-arboreal way of life within the bushes. The sturdy hind limbs supply this species the potential to run bipedally to flee predators. The tail, which may make as much as 3/4 the overall size of the lizard, acts as a stability to help it in perching and climbing by way of bushes. Decrease areas of the tail are laterally compressed which aids in swimming within the occasion they should sprint away from predators and make a fast dive into the water our bodies which they carefully reside.
Between 2010 and 2018 in Europe, 62,962 Chinese language water dragons have been imported for the only function of supplying the worldwide pet commerce (Gewiss et al. 2020). The place are the 1000’s of adults? Why can we not see lots of of keepers with wholesome and mature specimens like we do with bearded dragons and crested geckos? The unhappy actuality is that regardless of their low-price tag, water dragons are a tough species to keep up in captivity. Thus, they’re steadily killed in captivity by inexperienced keepers who buy them. Conserving water dragons in captivity is finest left to skilled keepers with sufficient sources, area, and time to offer correct husbandry.
Chinese language Water Dragon Enclosure Suggestions
Regardless of being a medium-sized lizard, they’re extremely lively and would require customized constructed or manufactured enclosures. I keep my adults in giant, solid-sided enclosures that modify between 4 to 6 ft lengthy, 4 to 6 ft excessive, and two to 4 ft deep. Enclosures are constructed of PVC sheets or plywood which is sealed with a number of heavy coats of water-based polyurethane to stop the wooden from rotting. There are not any display sections on the tops of my enclosures, permitting me to keep up the excessive warmth and humidity ranges this species wants. Air flow is obtainable through slits on the perimeters of the enclosures to advertise sufficient cross air flow and recent air trade. The entrance of the enclosure is comprised of both sliding glass or swing-out doorways. I cowl all parts of glass with paper to stop the dragons from nostril rubbing.
A entrance view of one of many creator’s enclosures. A majority of the clear aspect is roofed to stop “nostril rubbing” behaviors as water dragons can’t comprehend clear obstacles. Photograph by Alex Myers
Nostril Rubbing
Water dragons are infamous for beating themselves up towards clear obstacles when maintained in captivity. Many keepers will blame enclosure dimension for the nostril rubbing behaviors towards clear obstacles. Nevertheless, I’ve discovered that one of the simplest ways to stop nostril rubbing in captive water dragons is by utilizing enclosures which are constructed of strong sided supplies and constructed to have minimal viewing areas. Glass, display, mesh, acrylic, plexi-glass, and any enclosure made out of materials that’s clear have to be prevented solely as these are insufficient choices to keep up water dragons. Utilizing such supplies for big viewing areas will solely result in a dragon nostril rubbing, or worse: extreme rostral abrasions that result in secondary infections. Due to this fact, one of the simplest ways to keep away from nostril rubbing behaviors solely is by minimizing using clear obstacles, or not offering any in any respect.
A younger water dragon starting its ontogenetic colour change from the everyday brown colour related to neonates to the basic inexperienced coloration related to the species. Photograph by Alex Myers
A good mixture of coconut chips and natural topsoil is my substrate alternative for water dragons. This varieties a pleasant humidity holding combination that may simply take up extra spray water and provides some cushioning ought to the lizards bounce all the way down to the bottom from larger perches. I solely use about two to 3 inches of this substrate as a result of I wish to discourage gravid females from laying eggs instantly on the cage ground.
Feminine water dragons ought to be supplied with a big nest field containing six to 12 inches of natural potting soil to supply a super spot to put eggs. By utilizing a nest field, I can be sure that breeding females will lay in a selected space, and I cannot miss amassing any eggs after she has laid.
Enclosure décor ought to consist of huge branches and different arboreal perches. I at all times attempt to intention for branches which are equal to or barely bigger than the lizard’s bodily girth to allow them to really feel snug whereas perched.
Dwell or synthetic vegetation will be utilized to create a naturalistic look throughout the enclosure. I personally select dwell plant species which are very hardy and may face up to trampling of dragons corresponding to Pothos (Epipremnum sp.), Arrowhead vegetation (Syngonium sp.) and Tradescantia sp.
Regardless of the identify water dragon, these lizards spend a lot of their time in bushes. Whereas many make the most of giant water sources with filtration, I personally select totes that may be absolutely cleaned and adjusted day-after-day. The primary motive why I make the most of easy water sections is as a result of it permits me to watch the feces of the dragons to test for any indicators of blood, parasites, and another potential points that will in any other case be missed if utilizing a filtered setup. Many skilled keepers have stored water dragons efficiently this manner with no points pertaining to the long-term captive welfare of the lizards (Langerwarf, 2006). Whereas many keepers declare this species wants shifting water, they don’t have any points recognizing nonetheless water in a deep bowl or pan and can eagerly soak, defecate, and shed as they’d with a bigger water supply.
Chinese language Water Dragon Heating, Lighting, and Humidity
Water dragons expertise heat temperatures year-round. Daytime highs usually peak with ambient air temperatures between 82 to 88 levels Fahrenheit (27.8 to 31.1 levels Celsius). Night time time temperatures will sit between 70 to 78 levels Fahrenheit (21.1 to 25.6 levels Celsius). All through my enclosures are a number of basking websites utilizing waterproof outside halogen flood lights. Floor temperatures instantly underneath the warmth lights vary from 95 to 115 levels Fahrenheit (35 to 46.1 levels Celsius). The extra choices you may give them the higher.
Along with UVB radiation, water dragons profit from having a number of basking websites to
regulate their physique temperature to their very own desire. Pictured is among the creator’s lighting setups with grownup feminine water dragon selecting to bask instantly underneath the warmth and UVB lamp. Photograph by Alex Myers
UVB radiation from specialty lamps is extremely necessary for water dragons as they make the most of UVB radiation of their strategy of metabolizing calcium. Excessive output linear fluorescent bulbs such because the Zoo Med T5HO ReptiSun 10.0 are my go-to bulbs for offering UVB. I place these bulbs subsequent to the warmth lamps to make sure that the lizards get each warmth and UVB radiation once they bask. Lizards can get inside 12 inches from the face of the lamp for ultimate UVB publicity. UVB is supplied 10 to 12 hours a day relying on the time of yr. If these lizards usually are not given sufficient UVB radiation, they’re susceptible to stunted progress and metabolic bone illness, to which extreme instances will end in demise.
Within the wild, water dragons are steadily uncovered to excessive ranges of humidity. Enclosures ought to be closely sprayed within the morning to realize ranges between 80 to 90 % relative humidity (RH), mimicking the morning dew or mist of their pure habitat. I’ve discovered that water dragons will take the chance to drink when sprayed with the working water. Enclosures dry out throughout the day sitting comfortably inside ranges of 70-80 % RH. Night time time humidity ranges rise immensely with the cooling of ambient temperatures. I intention for relative humidity ranges of 90 % or larger. If correct humidity ranges usually are not maintained, dorsal spines will fall off from caught shed, leading to captive water dragons by no means rising the true tall and spectacular spines which are steadily exhibited by wild specimens.
Weight loss plan in Captivity
In captivity, water dragons will eat quite a lot of feeder insect species. I primarily feed crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus), Guyana noticed cockroaches (Blaptica dubia) and earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris). I will even complement different feeders corresponding to tremendous worms (Zophobias morio) and horn worms (Manduca quinquemaculata). You will need to gut-load all bugs with recent, leafy greens and greens a minimum of 12 to 24 hours earlier than they’re fed to your dragon. This ensures your lizard is getting the perfect vitamin from the insect in addition to the plant materials contained in the intestine of the insect. I supply my grownup dragons meals each different day.
I complement all feeder bugs with a wonderful grade calcium carbonate complement every feeding since many business feeder bugs are excessive in phosphorous (Finke, 2013, La’Toya et al. 2017). Use of a multivitamin complement each different week helps make sure the dragons are getting all the things they want nutritionally. Current research have proven the absence of fish, mammal, or reptilian prey throughout the abdomen contents of untamed water dragons (Van Hoang et al. 2018).
Due to this fact, I don’t recommend following outdated recommendation of feeding fish, rodent, or reptile feeders to water dragons in captivity. Older literature means that captive water dragons are particularly susceptible to fatty liver illness (Köhler, 2006), which might be attributed to misinformed diets consisting of fatty rodents fed in extra.
Water Dragon Captive Breeding, Egg Incubation, and Rearing of Neonates
The creator holds a younger water dragon. Photograph by Alex Myers
Water dragons breed prolifically underneath ultimate situations. Breeding is finest triggered by mimicking seasonal adjustments of their pure setting. I’ve discovered one of the simplest ways to set off that is by decreasing the sunshine cycles to 11 hours of daylight within the winter months when enclosures will naturally dry out sooner, and 13 hours throughout summer time months as this coincides with the extended sunlight hours they expertise within the wet seasons. Mating behaviors and copulations begin throughout the center to finish of the dry season and can proceed all through the early onset of the wet season. Mating is initiated through the male head bobbing quickly adopted by pursuing females to copulate. Males will grasp the feminine by their nuchal crest, twist their physique alongside the feminine, after which insert one of many two hemipenes into the cloaca of the feminine for copulation.
A feminine water dragon laying eggs. Photograph by Alex Myers
Counting on behavioral cues from females might be a keeper’s finest perception as to when she is going to lay eggs. I’ve discovered females will both improve or lower their urge for food whereas gravid. It depends upon the person specimen. Females appear to choose cooler areas of the enclosure and perch on diagonally angled branches (maybe to distribute the burden of eggs inside them) as eggs develop and develop. The hip bones grow to be extra distinguished in addition to the legs taking over a flabby look.
A freshly uncovered nest inside a lay field. Photograph by Alex Myers
Take a look at holes within the nest field could happen previous to a feminine laying, although I’ve additionally skilled some females by no means exhibiting curiosity in a nest field whereas gravid. Wholesome feminine water dragons can lay as many as 5 clutches of eggs in a season, although most will solely lay two or three. I’ve discovered females common 5 weeks between clutches with some being barely longer or shorter by just a few days. Clutch sizes common from seven to 14 eggs.
A freshly dug up clutch of eggs, soil and vermiculite is the creator’s alternative for an incubation medium. Photograph however Alex Myers
After I can inform a feminine has laid by noticeable loss in physique weight, eggs are rigorously dug up after which positioned into plastic containers with dampened soil or vermiculite. Eggs are buried three-fourths of the way in which into the incubation medium with the tops uncovered. I poke two small holes on reverse sides of the container to permit a small quantity of cross air flow. This ensures eggs have sufficient air trade all through the incubation course of, whereas sustaining excessive ranges of air humidity throughout the container.
A neonate rising from its egg within the creator’s hand. Recent soil and vermiculite is the creator’s alternative for an incubation medium. Photograph by Alex Myers
I incubate eggs between 82 to 83 levels Fahrenheit (27.8 to twenty-eight.3 levels Celsius). At these temperatures, eggs will hatch at simply over 70 days.
Older literature suggests temperatures as excessive as 85 to 88 levels Fahrenheit (29.4 to 31.1 levels Celsius) for incubation (De Vosjoli, 1992). I’ve incubated eggs as excessive as 85 levels prior to now and whereas incubating at larger temperatures does end in shorter incubation instances, I’ve discovered that neonates hatched at these temperatures have been smaller and barely tougher to determine initially in comparison with eggs that have been incubated at cooler temperatures. I think that by offering an extended and barely extended incubation at cooler temperatures, the rising embryo can take up all of the yolk throughout the egg, yielding bigger and more healthy neonates which are able to tackle the world.
A bunch of younger water dragons basking.
Neonates are raised collectively in smaller enclosures with the identical parameters that I exploit for adults. I at all times have spare enclosures ought to any indicators of aggression happen as neonates develop. Like adults, I feed varied intestine loaded bugs dusted with a calcium carbonate complement. A multivitamin complement is supplied as soon as every week for neonates. I supply meals day-after-day by offering a ceramic bowl that’s stored consistently crammed with feeder roaches. Crickets additionally work splendidly for feeding neonates as they transfer across the enclosure and simply seize the eye of a hungry younger dragon. Enclosures are hand sprayed closely two to 3 instances a day to make sure the dragons have loads of alternatives to drink. Water bowls have to be cleaned day by day because the elevated metabolism of younger water dragons additionally ends in them defecating steadily of their water space. The little dragons develop up rapidly, and inside three years they are going to be absolutely grown, stunning adults.
The creator holds a younger trio of water dragons. The male is within the foreground. Photograph by Alex Myers
The Manner of the Water Dragon
I hope that the data shared on this article has introduced consciousness and extra appreciation to the Indo-Chinese language water dragon. They’re unbelievable lizards that deserve extra recognition inside herpetoculture. I can’t emphasize sufficient the significance of captive breeding efforts on behalf of personal keepers to make sure this species doesn’t disappear from the reptile trade as many different species have. Till extra keepers and large-scale breeders can see the true worth of this species, versus focusing solely on a budget price ticket that at present plagues imported specimens, I concern that this species could wither away. Maybe there are these now studying this text who can change that, and pave the way in which to make sure future keepers might be working with this species as I’ve.
Alex Myers has labored at quite a few private and non-private services caring for and breeding a large number of reptile and amphibian species. He focuses totally on Hydrosaurus, Physignathus, and different lizard species throughout the household Agamidae.
Assets:
- De Vosjoli, Philippe. Inexperienced Water Dragons: Plus Sailfin Lizards & Basilisks. Superior Vivarium Techniques Inc. 1992.
- Finke, Mark D. “Full nutrient content material of 4 species of feeder bugs.” Zoo biology 32, no. 1 (2013): 27-36.
- Gewiss, Laurenz Rafael, Hai Ngoc Ngo, Mona van Schingen-Khan, Marta Bernardes, Anna Rauhaus, Cuong The Pham, Truong Quang Nguyen, and Thomas Ziegler. “Inhabitants evaluation and influence of commerce on the Asian Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus Cuvier, 1829) in Vietnam.” World Ecology and Conservation 23 (2020): e01193.
- Köhler Gunther, and Köhler Gunther. Illnesses of Amphibians and Reptiles 13 Tables. Krieger, 2006.
- La’Toya, V. Latney, Barbara D. Toddes, Nicole R. Wyre, Dorothy C. Brown, Kathryn E. Michel, and Johanna A. Briscoe. “Results of assorted diets on the calcium and phosphorus composition of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor larvae) and superworms (Zophobas morio larvae).” American journal of veterinary analysis 78, no. 2 (2017): 178-185.
- Langerwerf, Bert. Water Dragons. TFH Publications Inc, 2006.
- Mo, Matthew. “Utilizing citizen-science studies to doc vary growth of the launched Chinese language Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) in Hong Kong.” Reptiles & Amphibians 26, no. 2 (2019): 128-131.
- Nguyen, Truong Quang, Hai Ngoc Ngo, Hoang Nguyen Van, Chung Dac Ngo, Mona van Schingen, and Thomas Ziegler. “First inhabitants evaluation of the Asian Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus Cuvier, 1829) in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam.” Nature Conservation 26 (2018): 1-14.
- Stuart, B., M. Sumontha, M. Cota, N. Panitvong, T. Q. Nguyen, T. Chan-Ard, T. Neang, D. Q. Rao, and J. Yang. “Physignathus cocincinus.” The IUCN Pink Record of Threatened Species 2019 (2019).
- Van Hoang, Nguyen, Ngo Van Binh, Ngo Dac Chung, and Nguyen Quang Truong. “Weight loss plan of the Indochinese water dragon Physignathus cocincinus Cuvier, 1829 (Squamata: Sauria: Agamidae) from Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam.” Russian Journal of Herpetology 25, no. 3 (2018): 189-194.
