Chinese water dragons are amazing lizards that have become quite popular as pets With their bright green colors, spiked crests, and unique behaviors, they attract reptile lovers from all over However, one common question that often puzzles new owners is determining the sex of their new dragon. Unlike some other reptile species, it can be tricky to tell if you have a male or female Chinese water dragon, especially when they are young.
In this helpful guide we’ll explore the key differences between male and female Chinese water dragons across various life stages. We’ll also provide tips on how to accurately identify the sex of your dragon. Let’s take a closer look!
Baby and Juvenile Chinese Water Dragons (Under 1 Year Old)
All baby Chinese water dragons look nearly identical at first They have small triangular heads, tiny crests at the base of their necks, rounded bodies, and small white femoral pores on their hind legs. Their sizes range from 3-12 inches long at this stage.
During the juvenile phase from 12-18 inches long, around 1 year old, they still maintain an androgynous appearance. Their sexual characteristics have not begun to develop yet. So during the first year, it is virtually impossible to determine the sex of your Chinese water dragon based on physical traits alone. Patience is key!
Tips for Juvenile Sex Identification:
- Assume all are female until proven otherwise
- Wait until 18 months old for sexual traits to emerge
- Consult an experienced reptile breeder if urgent sex ID needed
Subadults and Young Adults (1-2 Years Old)
Once your Chinese water dragon reaches 18-24 months of age and 16-18 inches long, their sexual characteristics will finally begin to emerge. This is when you can start to accurately identify males from females.
Males:
- Larger, triangular heads
- Taller dorsal crests with longer spikes
- Vivid yellow to orange throat coloring
- Wider, darker femoral pores
- Pointier body and tail base
- More aggressive temperament
Females:
- Smaller, rounded heads
- Shorter crests and spike stubs
- Paler throat coloring
- Smaller femoral pores
- Rounded body and tail base
- More docile temperament
Tips for Subadult Sex ID:
- Compare crest size and femoral pores
- Note throat coloring and temperament
- Females maintain juvenile look longer
- Consult a reptile vet if still uncertain
Mature Adults (2+ Years Old)
By the time a Chinese water dragon reaches mature adulthood at 2+ years old, over 18 inches long, the physical differences between the sexes are quite apparent.
Adult males develop very wide triangular heads with a prominent sagittal crest down the skull and high dorsal crests with long spikes. Their throats turn bright reddish-orange. The femoral pores are large, dark, and wax-filled. Their overall body shape becomes very angular and pointy.
Adult females look quite similar to juveniles but on a larger scale. They retain rounded heads and modest crests with small spikes. Their throats stay light yellow or white. The femoral pores remain small and pale. Their body shape stays softly rounded overall.
Tips for Adult Sex ID:
- Males have larger, spikier crests and big femoral pores
- Females keep smaller, smoother features
- Note angular vs rounded body and head shape
- Throat color is definitive clue for males
- DNA testing can provide 100% confirmation
Key Takeaways on Sexing Your Chinese Water Dragon
- All babies look identical at first, sex unknown
- Wait until at least 18 months old for sexual traits
- Males develop larger crests, pores, orange throats
- Females keep smaller, smoother features
- Body shape also differs, males angular, females rounded
- When mature, sex differences are very obvious
- Consult experienced reptile folk for help ID’ing
Determining the sex of your Chinese water dragon takes some patience at first. But with a keen eye for key traits and sexual growth patterns, you can learn to accurately identify males from females. This knowledge allows you to plan proper housing and be prepared for breeding if desired. Enjoy watching your stunning dragon develop and feel free to reach out to experts for help along the way!
Head Shape
- Males have broader, more triangular-shaped heads than females. Once they reach maturity, you’ll begin to notice that a male water dragon’s head shape is significantly wider than the rest of his body, while a female’s head is somewhat more proportional. These differences are even more clear if you have two dragons of different sexes, so that you can make a comparison.[6] Advertisement
- Female dragons tend to be smaller than males. As fully grown adults, male water dragons are generally around 3 feet (91 cm) long, while females are fully-grown at around 2 feet (61 cm). If you have two adult water dragons that are markedly different in size, you can generally guess that the larger one is male, and the smaller is female.[7]
Throat color
- Throats of male dragons are pinker than those of females. While females tend to maintain their beautiful green color all around their body, the throats of male water dragons can have a striking pink color instead. If your dragon’s throat seems really light in comparison to the rest of their body, they may be a male.[5]
Chinese Water Dragons: Differentiating Males & Females.
FAQ
How to tell if a water dragon is male or female?
Male eastern water dragons have a red chest, while females don’t, and male Gippsland water dragons have colorful markings on the throat, while females don’t. The term “water lizard” comes from them being semi-aquatic. They spend a lot of time in the water and will use the water as an escape from predators.
Are Chinese dragons male or female?
In Chinese mythology, the dragon is the most powerful creature. They are believed to be older than time itself, and according to many Chinese legends, the ancestors of the Chinese people. There are formally nine kinds of dragons, each associated with various powers, but all are generally considered to be male.
What does a female water dragon look like?
Including their tails, which comprise about two-thirds of their total length, adult females grow to about 60 cm (2 feet) long, and adult males can grow slightly longer than one metre (39 inches) and weigh about 1 kg. Males show bolder colouration and have larger heads than females. Colour is less distinct in juveniles.
What does a Chinese water dragon look like?
For the most part, male and female Chinese water dragons show off similar colors, which range from dark to light green. But the Smithsonian Institution National Zoological Park points out that the color of a male dragon’s throat ranges from bright yellow to orange. A pinkish color often extends around the bottom edges of their mouths.
What is the difference between a male and female water dragon?
The male and female water dragons have many visible differences that are only visible once they reach maturity. Can be more than 35 inches long. Typically do not exceed 23 inches in length. Green color, development of bright orange or yellow markings just under their throats, as well as bright pink around the bottom edge of the mouth.
Do Chinese water dragons have a crest?
Male and female Chinese water dragons both have a crest, but males are larger and they are more noticeable. The male’s spikes are also larger than the female. Head and Jowls A male Chinese water dragon will have a broader and larger head than the female. Males also have larger jowls with long spikes.
Do Chinese water dragons have sex?
Providing a balanced diet rich in nutrients and proper UVB lighting is essential for their longevity.” One common concern among Chinese water dragon owners is determining the sex of their pet. While some physical differences between males and females are apparent, such as size and coloration, it can be challenging to accurately sex young dragons.
Do Chinese water dragons breed?
Another trend to consider is the breeding potential of male and female Chinese water dragons. Breeding these reptiles can be a rewarding but complex process, requiring careful attention to temperature, humidity, and diet. Male Chinese water dragons are essential for breeding, as they are responsible for fertilizing the eggs.
How do you know the sex of a Chinese water dragon?
While juvenile water dragons don’t have any features to distinguish between males and females, when they’re about 16 inches (41 cm) long, or around 1.5 years old, there are a number of telltale signs that can let you know the sex of your dragon. We’re here to show you how to tell the sex of your Chinese water dragon in this complete guide.