Reptile · GBIF taxon 2465402
Asian Water Dragon
Physignathus cocincinusAlso known as Chinese Water Dragon, Indochinese Water Dragon, Thai Water Dragon, Green Water Dragon
Asian water dragons spend their days draped over tree branches hanging directly above tropical streams, plunging into the water at the first sign of danger. Males display vibrant green scales, bright yellow or pinkish throat patches, and high spiky crests running along the neck and back. Their long, powerful tails make up two-thirds of their body length and propel them smoothly through forest waterways.
Semi-AquaticDiurnalArboreal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Small fish
- Crustaceans
Predators
- Large snakes
- Birds of prey
- Monitor lizards
ThreatsOvercollection for pet trade, local hunting, and deforestation
HabitatsSubtropical and tropical rainforests along freshwater streams
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAgamidae
- SpeciesPhysignathus cocincinus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May bite or scratch if cornered; observe quietly from a safe distance.
- What to notice
- Recognized by bright green coloration, long striped tail, and distinct dorsal spines along the neck.
- Support conservation
- Refrain from wild capture, avoid purchasing wild-caught reptiles, and keep observation locations private.
Responsible observation
- Scan Overhanging Branches: Search for green silhouettes resting on foliage above shaded forest streams.
- Listen for Splashes: Approach quietly, as alarmed dragons drop directly into the water to escape.
- Observe Sexual Dimorphism: Look for larger heads and taller crests on adult males compared to females.
Ecological Counterpart (c) Auradyme, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Auradyme · cc-by
Co-Occurring Agamid (c) Cheongweei Gan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cheongweei Gan · cc-by
Sympatric Predator Carlos Delgado / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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