ABSTRACT

The Thai water dragon, Physignathus cocincinus, originates from India and eastern Asia. This arboreal, diurnal lizard grows to 90 cm and is a popular pet, requiring tropical environments of 25 – 35° C (77 – 95° F) and 60- 90% humidity. Basking light and heat sources, and broad spectrum lighting are essential, as is a varied and balanced insectivorous diet. Captive breeding is common with the average clutch of 8 to 12 eggs taking 60 - 101 d to incubate at 28 - 30°C (82 - 86 °F). Common diseases encountered in captivity include secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism (nutritional metabolic bone disease) with and without concomitant pathologic fractures, dystocia, abscesses, digit, and tail trauma, obesity, rostral abrasions, stomatitis, and gingivitis.