Alternative Name
Malayan Sail Finned Lizard, Asian Water Dragon, Sail Tailed Water Dragon
Scientific Name: Hydrosaurus amboinensis
Basic Info
The Sailfin Water Dragon is a beautiful Lizard,typically green in color, splashed with tiny black spots. These lizards are named for the distinctive crest on their heads that connects to another large crest on their tails that resembles a fin. These crests are much more pronounced on males than females. They have stout powerful legs that are good for climbing, running, and swimming, allowing them to evade predators easily. Sailfin Water Dragons have a knob on their nose.
Health
N/A
Habitat
Very common in areas near streams
Behavior
A beautiful animal to keep, the Sailfin Dragon is a favorite among many reptile lovers.
The Sailfin Dragon, is an interesting reptile. They are large lizards that can grow to over three feet in length. Sailfins need relatively large enclosures, at least a 55 gallon terrarium for adults, and for some individuals this will be too small. Sailfins that are kept in enclosures that are too small have a tendency to bang and/or rub their noses against the enclosure walls. Sailfins like to soak and are excellent swimmers. You should provide a water area or dish large enough for them to get inside of. The cage needs to have hide boxes or plants and branches arranged so that the Sailfin has ample hiding spots. The ambient daytime temperature should be about 85 degrees fahrenheit, with a basking area about 90 - 95 degrees fahrenheit and a cooler area about 80 - 85 degrees fahrenheit. At night the temperature should be about 10 degrees cooler to adequately simulate a day & night cycle. Baby rodents can be fed live, but adult mice should be prekilled so they cannot bite your Sailfin. Most Sailfin Water Dragons can become accustomed to regular handling and can make good pets, but they can also be very flighty.
Origin
Asia
History
The Sailfin Water Dragon is very common in areas near streams. They are native to Asia and are particularly abundant in India. They are renowned for their ability to swim and tread water, and they can skip with ease across the surface of the water, quickly getting away from larger predators.
Common Foods
Sailfin Dragons are omnivorous. Their diet should consist mostly of insects and small rodents, and fresh fruits and vegetables should be offered occasionally.
