Chinese Water Dragon
⚡ Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)
- Taxonomic Class: Reptiles (Reptilia)
- Dietary Niche: Omnivore (Insects, fish, frogs, vegetation, worms)
- Max Speed: 15 km/h (9 mph)
- Adult Weight: 0.6 - 1 kg (1.3 - 2.2 lbs)
- Typical Lifespan: 10 - 15 years
- Primary Habitat: Tropical riverbanks, rainforest stream edges
- Native Region: Mainland Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam, Thailand)
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
📊 Physical & Biological Metrics
🧬 Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Genus | Physignathus |
| Species Binomial | Physignathus cocincinus |
📖 1. Species Overview
The Chinese Water Dragon is a vibrant green arboreal lizard. Inhabiting branches overhanging tropical streams, they drop into the water to swim away when threatened.
🦿 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations
Bright green body, pink-white throat, crest of spikes along the back and tail, and long muscular tail.
🗺️ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range
Arboreal. They rest on tree limbs over water, diving into pools to escape predators.
🥩 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics
Hunt insects and small fish near water banks.
🐣 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy
Females lay clutches of 6-18 eggs in sandy riverbanks.
🛡️ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection
Vulnerable. Threatened by collection for pet markets and habitat clearance.
💡 Fascinating Facts & Trivia
- They can remain submerged in stream pools for up to 90 minutes to hide from predators.
- They possess a photosensitive 'third eye' (parietal eye) on top of their head to detect shadows of overhead birds.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Chinese Water Dragon.
The Chinese Water Dragon is scientifically classified as Physignathus cocincinus. It belongs to the genus Physignathus within the family Agamidae, class Reptilia, and phylum Chordata.
In the wild, Chinese Water Dragons inhabit Tropical riverbanks, rainforest stream edges. Their native geographic range primarily spans Mainland Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam, Thailand).
The Chinese Water Dragon is classified as a Omnivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Tropical riverbanks, rainforest stream edges.
A Chinese Water Dragon can achieve top speeds of 15 km/h (9 mph) and weighs approximately 0.6 - 1 kg (1.3 - 2.2 lbs). Its expected natural lifespan is 10 - 15 years.
The Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) is currently designated as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Cite this Article
FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) Species Profile."
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