Chinese water dragons are fascinating reptiles that make great pets for intermediate and advanced reptile keepers. Their vibrant green colors, intricate crests, and semi-aquatic nature captivate reptile enthusiasts worldwide
However, these large lizards require ample space and specialized care. Before bringing one of these beauties home, it’s essential to understand their full adult size and growth timeline to ensure proper housing and husbandry.
In this article, we’ll demystify the growth rate and eventual length of Chinese water dragons. We’ll cover:
- Typical adult sizes for males and females
- Growth rate during the first 2 years
- Identifying gender as they mature
- Factors impacting growth
- Enclosure and care requirements for juveniles and adults
Arm yourself with this knowledge so you can be fully prepared for your Chinese water dragon’s needs at every stage!
Adult Size of Chinese Water Dragons
Chinese water dragons are moderate to large-sized lizards when fully grown Here are the typical adult dimensions
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Males reach up to 3 feet (36 inches) in total length, with approximately two-thirds being the tail. They weigh around 2 pounds at their maximum size.
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Females are slightly smaller, reaching 2-2.5 feet (24-30 inches) total length and weigh a bit less than males.
These sizes make Chinese water dragons one of the larger pet lizard species. Their large adult dimensions are important to factor into their housing needs.
Chinese Water Dragon Growth Rate
Chinese water dragons grow rapidly during their first year of life, reaching 50-70% of their adult length in that timeframe. Their growth rate slows down in the second year as they approach maturity.
Here is an approximate growth chart for Chinese water dragons in captivity:
- Hatchlings: 1-1.5 inches snout-to-vent length (SVL), 5-6 inches total length
- 6 months: 2-3 inches SVL, 7-9 inches total length
- 12 months: 3-4.5 inches SVL, 10-12 inches total length
- 18 months: 4.5-6 inches SVL, 16-18 inches total length
- 24 months (adult):
- Females: 6.5-7.5 inches SVL, 22-26 inches total length
- Males: 6.5-9 inches SVL, 22-28 inches total length
As you can see, these lizards reach over half of their full length by one year old. Their growth rate slows down in the second year as they sexually mature.
Identifying Gender as They Mature
One of the most frequently asked questions by owners is how to identify the gender of Chinese water dragons.
There are several reliable ways to distinguish males from females:
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Adult size: Mature males are longer than females, often exceeding 28 inches in length.
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Head size and shape: Adult males develop larger, broader heads and prominent jowls.
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Crests and spines: Males have larger crests with more elongated spines.
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Color: Males develop vibrant yellow or orange throats, especially during breeding season. Females lack throat coloration.
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Femoral pores: These pores on the underside of the thighs are larger in males.
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Tail size/base: Males have thicker tail bases than females.
With these features, you can reliably identify the gender of your Chinese water dragon between 14-18 months old as they reach sexual maturity. Proper gender identification allows you to house them accordingly as adults.
Factors Impacting Growth Rate
While the above growth timeline is typical, several factors can affect the actual growth rate of individual dragons:
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Genetics: The genetic background of the parents impacts size potential. Some bloodlines are known for faster or slower growth.
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Incubation temperatures: Cooler incubation temperatures generally produce slower-growing dragons.
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Diet: Feed babies and juveniles daily with a high-protein insect-based diet to fuel rapid growth.
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Supplementation: Proper calcium and vitamin supplementation prevents metabolic bone disease that can severely stunt growth.
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Temperatures: Ensure proper basking and ambient temperatures so juveniles can properly digest food and absorb nutrients.
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Enclosure size: While enclosures don’t restrict adult size potential, cramped housing causes stress that may slow growth.
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General health: Parasites, illnesses, and other issues can negatively impact appetite and growth.
With attentive care and husbandry, most Chinese water dragons reach their genetically predisposed adult sizes. But environmental factors can influence actual growth timelines.
Enclosure & Care Requirements for Juveniles vs. Adults
To accommodate their rapidly increasing size, Chinese water dragons require larger housing and some diet modifications as they mature:
Juveniles:
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Enclosure: A 40-50 gallon tank or enclosure is suitable for the first year.
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Temperatures: 105-110°F basking area, 75-80°F ambient temperature.
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Diet: Feed 1-2 times daily, with insects comprising 85% of diet. Add small amounts of greens/veggies.
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Calcium supplement 2-3 times weekly to support bone growth.
Adults:
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Enclosure: Minimum 4′ x 2′ x 3′ for full-grown males; slightly smaller for females.
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Temperatures: 100-105°F basking area, 70-75° ambient.
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Diet: Feed adult dragons 2-3 times weekly. Decrease insects to 60-70% of diet; increase veggie intake.
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Supplement 1-2 times weekly with calcium and vitamins.
While babies and juveniles have some different care requirements, the core husbandry remains consistent. With the proper environment, most Chinese water dragons thrive and reach their expected adult dimensions!
Let Your Dragon’s Size Guide Your Plans
Chinese water dragons are stunning lizards, but require advanced care to meet their growth needs at every life stage. Use this guide to understand their typical growth timeline and adult size.
With this knowledge in hand, you can plan ahead for proper enclosures and adjust their diet as these agile lizards grow. Your diligent care will allow your Chinese water dragon to achieve its maximum genetic size and live a long, healthy life!
Chinese Water Dragon Temperature Requirements
Humans are warm-blooded, which means that our body temperature is regulated automatically. Chinese water dragons, however, are cold-blooded, which means that they have to move between areas of different temperatures to regulate their body temperature. In the wild, Chinese water dragons warm up by basking in a patch of sunlight. In captivity, the warmth of sunlight can be replicated with heat lamps.
- Basking area temperature: 90-95°F (32-35°C)
- Cool side temperature: 77-86°F (25-30°C)
- Nighttime temperature: 75-77°F (24-25°C)
Because Chinese water dragons are fairly large lizards, you will need to create a fairly large basking are to facilitate even heating and optimal circulation during basking. For this you will need at least three 75w Arcadia Halogen Heat Lamp bulbs housed in 8.5” dome lamps with ceramic sockets. However, if you notice that the basking area is too warm, dial down the heat down with plug-in lamp dimmers. If your basking area is too cool, you will need higher wattage bulbs.
The basking area should be sturdy branch directly under the heat lamp, placed in a way that puts the dragon’s back about 12-18” below the heat lamp, depending on your UVB placement. The warmest temperatures in the enclosure will be at the top (near the heat lamp), and the coolest temperatures will be toward the bottom. You will need to place branches at all levels of the enclosure to allow for proper thermoregulation.
Because recommended nighttime temperatures for Chinese water dragons are higher than the average home temperature, you will need a lightless heat source to provide a little extra warmth. The Vivarium Electronics 120w radiant heat panel connected to a Herpstat 1 proportional thermostat is a great solution to this problem. Secure the thermostat probe to the basking branch with a zip tie for best results.
To measure the general temperature of different areas of your terrarium, use an infrared thermometer (a.k.a. temperature gun). To passively track basking temperature, use a digital probe thermometer, with the probe secured on the basking surface under the heat source. The Etekcity 774 is a good infrared thermometer, and most reptile-brand digital probe thermometers function well.
Chinese Water Dragon Shopping List
These are products I personally recommend for setting up a functional Chinese water dragon enclosure. Some of the links in this care sheet are paid links — if you’d like to know why ReptiFiles uses paid links, visit this page.
Just How Fast Do Chinese Water Dragons Grow and How Big Do They Get?
FAQ
How long does it take for a Chinese water dragon to reach full size?
With proper care, water dragons reach their adult size in one to two years. You should gradually increase the size of your water dragon’s habitat as your lizard grows. Juvenile water dragons can begin life in a 40-gallon breeder tank or larger. A single adult water dragon’s enclosure should be at least 540 gallons.
How big is a full grown water dragon?
Asian water dragons typically reach lengths of 3 feet (1 meter), with the tail accounting for nearly 70 percent of its body length. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males.
Can a Chinese water dragon live in a 20 gallon tank?
Their striking green coloration and alert, daytime activity make them a pleasure to watch in a terrarium. If handled frequently, these lizards become very personable and friendly with their keepers. Hatchling Water Dragons can be housed in a 20 gallon tank. A single adult should have a minimum of a 60 gallon tank.
What is the lifespan of a Chinese water dragon?
On average, Chinese water dragons can live for 10 to 15 years, although in captivity they may live up to 20 years. Female Chinese water dragons usually lay six to 15 eggs at a time, and they hatch after 60 to 75 days.
How long does it take a Chinese water dragon to grow?
It takes a rather long time for Chinese water dragons to reach full size. In general, it will take at least 2 years to reach near to maximum full size, and up to 4-5 years to get to the full possible size (especially for males that get bigger). How long do Chinese water dragons live for?
What part of the Chinese water dragon’s length is mostly tail?
The average size of a full-grown Chinese water dragon is up to three feet for males, and two feet for females. Most of this measured length actually comes from the tail. The main body of the lizard is much smaller, making them easier to handle.
How to choose a baby Chinese water dragon?
It’s important when choosing a baby Chinese water dragon to remember that it can grow up to three feet in total length and live up to fifteen years. These can be very interactive and entertaining reptilian pets, suitable for all reptile owners. Be prepared for a large lizard before you bring your new pet home.
What does a Chinese water dragon look like?
Adult Chinese water dragons vary in color from dark green to mint, with brown and green banding on the tail. They may also have subtle stripes on the back and neck, and the bottom of the neck is typically covered in white or pale yellow scales.
How big should a water dragon tank be?
You will need a lot more space to keep pairs or trios – even single adults require a minimum 4x3x5 feet (LxDXH)! Two Chinese water dragons will need a tank that is at least 6x4x6 feet. Bigger enclosures are highly recommended, as green water dragons are very active and love climbing.
What factors affect the life expectancy of Chinese water dragons?
Many factors affect the life expectancy of Chinese water dragons. These reptiles can’t get by with a small environment and a poor diet. The average Chinese water dragon lifespan is 10 to 15 years if healthy.