Water dragon

Physignathus

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Sub-order:	Sauria
Family:	Agamidae
Genus:	Physignathus

The so-called water dragons are large diurnal arboreal agamid lizards in the genus Physignathus, which includes Physignathus cocincinus, the Green or Chinese Water Dragon, and Physignathus lesueurii, the Australian Water Dragon. They are sometimes kept as pets, though a full-grown male P. cocincinus will measure about three feet (1 meter) total length.

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, Physiognathus have a parietal eye, a light-sensitive "third eye" located in the top of the head.

External links

Extensive information on care of Chinese Water Dragons as pets