Water dragon

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(Redirected from Physignathus)
Water dragons
Image:Eastern water dragon MJC02.jpg
Australian Eastern Water Dragon,
Physignathus lesueurii lesueurii
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Suborder:Sauria
Family:Agamidae
Genus:Physignathus
Cuvier, 1829
Species

Physignathus cocincinus
Physignathus lesueurii

Water dragons are large diurnal arboreal agamid lizards in the genus Physignathus. There are two species, the Chinese Water Dragon, Physignathus cocincinus, and the Australian Water Dragon, Physignathus lesueurii. They are sometimes kept as pets, especially P. cocincinus, though a full-grown male of that species will measure about three feet (1 meter) total length and thus requires a fairly large enclosure for proper care.

P. cocincinus is found throughout South-East Asia, in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and south China. These lizards are semi-aquatic, using their laterally-compressed tails to propel them when swimming. They are able to remain submerged for long periods of time. Like many lizards, water dragons have a parietal eye, a light-sensitive "third eye" located in the top of the head.

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