Discover the characteristics of the Chinese water dragon which is a reptile native to the highlands of China.
The Chinese water dragon is known as Physignathus cocincinus in Latin. On a broader level they are known as Asian water dragons, green water dragons and Thai water dragons as well. Another version of the Chinese water dragon is the Australian adaptation known as P.Lesuerurii.
Size & color
The Chinese water dragon is a rather unique reptile. At its zenith the dragon can grow to a maximum length of three feet in males and a foot shorter in females. The water dragon exists in a range of vivid greens ranging from extremely dark green to lighter tints of the color.
The body of the Chinese water dragon is striped with diagonal strokes of turquoise or green. The creature has a unique tail that has bands of alternating colors of green and brown. On the flipside the Chinese water dragon sports a white belly which can sometimes possess a white or pale yellow tint.
The most interesting physical feature of the Chinese water dragon however is its colorful neck. The range of colors found on its throat includes orange, peach and yellow. You will be able to find them in single color as well as in stripes.
The male dragon sports a much larger and triangular shaped head. It also has crests on its head along with the neck and tail. The tail of the Chinese water dragon is almost two thirds of the length of the body. The long tail serves a number of practical purposes and it also serves as a whip like weapon for the reptile. It makes use of the tail whip when it senses danger from its surroundings.
One of the most unique elements in the Chinese water dragon is the presence of a small photosensitive dot between its eyes. This is known as the pineal gland. It serves the purpose of thermo regulating the body. The so called third eye achieves this task by sensing the differences that occur in the level of light that the reptile is exposed to. The pineal gland is an amazing feature of the dragon and it also helps it to avoid attacks from hungry predators.
Natural habitat of the Chinese water dragon
This unique reptile is native to the lowlands as well as the highlands of a number of regions in Asia. As the name suggests China is home to the reptile but it is also found in India, Burma, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The dragons are most likely to be seen scattered around fresh water bodies and streams.
During the day time however you will find them to be spawning the trees looking for food and fun. When threatened in the trees the dragons dive into the stream and make a swim for it. The dragon has the potential to remain underwater for up to half an hour. The reptile thrives on a diet that consists of insects, vegetation, small fish and other small reptiles.
