Chinese Water Dragon, The Best Pet Lizard?

The Chinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) is one of the most beautiful and interesting lizards on planet Earth, but is it the right pet reptile for you?
Clint examines the pros and cons of keeping these amazing lizards to help you make this decision.
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0:53 Chinese Water Dragons get an overall score of 2.8 out of 5.
1:01 Score criteria: Handleability, Care, Hardiness, Availability, Upfront Costs.
1:12 Handleability: How well does a Chinese Water Dragon do with handling?
2:30 Care: What is involved with caring for Chinese Water Dragons?
5:03 Hardiness: How hardy are Chinese Water Dragons?
7:18 Availability: How easy is it to obtain a Chinese Water Dragon?
8:08 Upfront Costs: How much does it cost to get setup with a Chinese Water Dragon?
9:24 Conclusion: Chinese Water Dragons deserve an overall score of 2.8.
11:16 Bloopers, out-takes, silliness.
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Clint is a professional biologist and educator, but above all, Clint LOVES reptiles and he loves to share that love with everyone he meets. Whether you're lover or a hater of reptiles, you can't help but get excited with Clint!
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You guys are so RAD!

[@idkAmanda]

I so wish I had this information six years ago before I decided to get a Chinese Water Dragon as my first ever reptile. I've never gotten another reptile just because my baby is so difficult to take care of, but I wouldn't change it for the world. It's good that you are straight to the point and factual because even though I love my Rockie with all my heart, it is so hard to make sure he's 100% at all times. The first three years we had him it was all trial and error. I didn't have an exotic vet anywhere and the vets I took him to were telling me all the wrong information. I'm still having the hardest time getting the right enclosure for him because when we had a huge one with branches and water at the bottom it was never warm enough and too dry so he was constantly getting URI's. I have him in a smaller tank now to keep the heat and humidity up but now he's constantly rubbing and scratching at the glass. It is so frustrating and I feel like the worst lizard mama ever because I feel like I'm constantly taking him to my exotic vets to make sure he's doing okay. Please, anyone who is going to a pet store and thinking they are a cute reptile and would be fun to have, learn from my mistakes and DO YOUR RESEARCH! Don't let the pet store associates convince you like me, and get everything they're going to need ahead of time. I've spent more money on my one lizard than I ever had on my all my other animals combined. That being said, Rockie is like my baby. I have to hand feed him and he loves being held, but it is so much work, so be prepared. Thank you, Clint, for making this video.

[@rurucaz]

i used to work at a pet smart and it would hurt my heart every time i heard kids beg their parents for the "only $30 lizard!!!" but, maybe for the humidity issue, you could look into a melamine enclosure? or pvc? those usually hold it pretty well even if its large, but you'd need a misting system that goes on every few hours. i wish you luck with Rockie

[@ummthatguy]

chinese water dragon was the first one I had as well. I also spent a lot of time with trial and error. What I ended up doing was having n acrylic and wood enclosure I built myself. On the inside of the "glass" I put screen mesh. I then attached moss to some areas and he loved it. He did not bump his face into the glass and he could also climb it. The water pool was what I had the hardest time with. I could not find a landscaping tub small enough and I could not find a pan big enough. The good news is I now feel liek I could care for and raise pretty much any lizard in the known universe

[@philsonofcoul5025]

I agree with you %100. I got my Dragon 3 years ago and it took a while to balance the enclosure. I went with a tall zoomed front opening tank. I converted the entire bottom of the tank i to an aquarium with fish, a heater and a filter. This helps sanitize, humidify and my dragon loves soaking. I put large sticks shooting from the base with large rock shelves on 3 tiers around the sides and back of the cage. 2 heating bulbs (1 is for night) and a UV-B. I put a platform on the tol of the cage and secured fake plants to it. The fake plants hang over the top on the outside of the tank. This gives him more security and stopped hin from rubbing too bad.

[@golden1_1dragon12]

It's good that ur lizard is still scratching the door. Do u ever take it out and just chill with it. Mine used to love the company. Mine just died today. Not happy about it. But I cherished the moment. I'd say the reason was the temperature wasn't good enough. I live in Canada n during the winter is when the problems all happens. Mine stopped scratching the screen to tell me she wants out last year due to cold weather last year. N I missed it. N she never continued during the summer.

[@anonymouspanda3323]

Where did you get yours? Because I’m interested and am wondering where to get it.

[@Eleanore.Rigbyy]

"if you're buying this lizard because it's cheap, you're wrong and you won't have that lizard very long" shout out to you for saying the hard truth that people need to hear. LOVE how amazing you are 💕 keep it up

[@Sarah_RDG]

I loved this so much. I feel like I need to have it as a sign at expos when people ask me why my animals "cost so much".

[@Eleanore.Rigbyy]

@@Sarah_RDG do people really do that??? You wouldn't go to Walmart and ask them why the groceries cost so much. Or to a pet store and argue the price of dog food. (Not that groceries and dog food are the same as amazing reptiles) I'm just not sure where the disconnect comes from; breeders need money so they can provide good husbandry and make a profit. Its a JOB. People always baffle me

[@papyrusthegreat457]

I know it will cost a lot, but once I have my own house and the funds,I'm gonna get one, and do my research. This is my dream rptile.

[@BlueFlame]

Eleanore Rigby shut the he’ll up

[@CornholioPuppetMaster]

I didn’t realize how expensive it would be but I never gave up on him, until I had to move and my new place didn’t allow pets

[@Aquarimax]

I love that you always tell it like it is...that is what we want and need to hear!

[@ClintsReptiles]

Thank you! I wouldn't want to make these videos any other way. There are people that say that I think every lizard is the best pet lizard. I think they need to watch more of our videos 😉

[@Aquarimax]

Clint's Reptiles Right! You include the question mark in the titles for a reason, and then you provide very clear and helpful information...as long as we watch the video! 😊👍

[@taeviansworldofreptiles3828]

Agreed!

[@mawehe63]

my sister's first pet reptile was a chinese water dragon when we were like 10. it was a big mistake that ended with some very sad 10 year olds because neither we nor the pet store knew what we were doing. I love that you made this video! and hopefully in the future I can have a chinese water dragon and give it everything it needs. they are beautiful creatures!

[@ClintsReptiles]

Hopefully our channel helps prevent a lot of sad stories from happening in the future. It is the resource I always wished existed. Now it does :)

[@ninadpuri9205]

No problems bro It's good you realized your fault What went wrong can't be fixed but you can give a lot of reptiles better lives

[@TheCharleseye]

Sadly, you can replace "Chinese Water Dragon" with pretty much any other affordable reptile and the story is the same all over the Country. This is why my kids don't have any pets that I'm not fully comfortable with taking over as my own, if need be. I don't expect my 10 and 12 year old sons to be expert caregivers for anything more than a pet rock. It's my job to teach them how to be responsible animal keepers. Unfortunately, most parents don't share this philosophy.

[@jenklinedinst1573]

So glad I watched this video. The other day I was in a pet store and instantly fell in love with one. I've never owned a reptile before and have wanted a lizard for quite some time. Decided to do some research before I made any decisions I might regret and now I know that right now I do not have the resources to care for this lizard. They are so beautiful and hopefully one day I could be the right kind of person for one.

[@JK-vy8vh]

Get a boa promise you will love them.

[@lizardfreak7758]

I got my water dragon years ago from a teacher that couldn't take care of her, and I wish this video was out before I got her!! Don't worry, she is healthy and loved. Thanks for the video!

[@getsthepetsxoxo5153]

Clint is amazing! He’s kept his child-like sense of wonder when it comes animals. He’s so genuinely happy to be holding/interacting with the different animals and educating people about them. I truly love this channel. Keep up the great work! 👍🏻

[@Cavegeckosol]

Someone, please do a comp of Clint saying "x reptile may be the coolest snake/lizard on the planet" lol

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

I need that video edit in my life. Clint needs a vine and memes.

[@thomasoneill4386]

Sarafina Delirium A- a- a vine?

[@realityshotgun]

@@thomasoneill4386 LOL he needs his content on VHS and a fan zine too!

[@justinhites1597]

I got mine from a friend that breeds his and it turned out pretty cool so far he's really tamed for a juvenile

[@ClintsReptiles]

That is the best way to do it!

[@justinhites1597]

Very expensive in closer to do but done right it looks really nice

[@justinhites1597]

I have mine set up like it is natural

[@jollyscarecrow]

@@justinhites1597 "in closer" XDDD

[@DjRjSolarStar]

Only saw this video after I spontaneously bought a chinese water dragon with my girlfriend at Petco. This video honestly freaked me out so much that we immediately began to purchase everything mentioned in this video to make sure our baby was ok. UVB lighting, ceramic heater bulb, sterile fir bark substrate, a large Tupperware container for a pool, a 40 gallon tank, etc. We helped solve the glass surfing issue by putting aquarium wallpaper with forest print on it on the outside of the tank, top to bottom in the rear, and 6 inches up from the ground everywhere else. He doesn't bang his head into the glass anymore, although he still occasionally tries to climb the glass. We have also experimented with a synthetic green felt as a soft barrier, but after he got trapped between it and the glass after trying to tear it off, we had to remove it. You must have a temp and humidity gauge and place it appropriately in the tank. Having two sets at either end of the enclosure is even better. We also recently made artificial branches from large wood hobby dowels and hung thick manilla rope from it for climbing. He has already cost us hundreds of dollars and as a juvenile eats 5 large super worms a day, but we still love him. Dont forget to dust at least one worm a day with calcium/D3 supplement. I agree with everything said in this video...these guys are not good pets for children or teenagers, they really are only for responsible adults with money to spare and a love for animals and reptiles.

[@wei5600]

Good on you! You're the best type of keeper, does something wrong, hears you did it wrong, willing to listen to it, changes your mistakes to give the animal the best life possible, good on ya! Keep it up

[@ruthlesslistener]

Have you considered possibly putting wire mesh on the outside of the enclosure so that you can see into the tank, but he will understand that it's not an open space? I don't have one (and probably won't unless I win the lottery), but that's something that was going through my mind the entire time he was talking about it, and I'm curious to hear an actual CWD owner's input on it

[@DjRjSolarStar]

@@ruthlesslistener Well, in the case of mine that probably won't work because he isn't very intelligent. He will rub his face into wallpaper covered glass even. You need solid material...or an obstacle that makes it hard, like a large water gap.

[@williewong8283]

I love how you are very straightfoward and frank with the cons. Its important that people know the difficulties in keeping certain reptiles for the good of the animal. Love fron malaysia! 🇲🇾

[@billstanton2409]

Thank you Clint, I've been waiting for you to do cwd since I found your channel. You hit the nail on the head, I am a well experienced reptile owner, and I waited till I was almost 40 to get one. My dragon is about a 1.5 years old now and healthy. This lizard has been both the most expensive reptile I've ever owned, and the most rewarding, and Ive kept water monitors so that is a saying something. Wish I could show a picture of my enclousure on here but I dont know how, but expect to pay $5000+ to build a proper habitat for them if you dont live in an ideal environment. All that being said my waterdragon is wonderful, great personality, seem to enjoy attention when he is in the mood. Thier price point is so misleading and criminal in my opinion, YOU ARE SO RIGHT it should be much more expensive, mostly this lizard is bought by inexperienced keepers cause it's so cheap, and then treated as disposable once people learn what's involved in keeping it. LOVE your show, your honesty, keep doing what your doing. And Love from Canada

[@TheCharleseye]

That's awesome to hear. If you want, you could upload a photo to a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Box, etc) and share the link, here. Alternatively, you could upload to another social networking site (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) and share that link. I prefer the cloud storage route, personally.

[@matthewotremba9230]

Get a free china cabinet and convert it . Bottom and top . If you are handy ,,,,,,, they come out great . Cheers

[@mandy1349]

I have many reptiles in my collection but my water dragons are the most time demanding for enclosure care to keep that water clean, for socializing they get BIG personalities and demand attention, and cost far and above any other animal I've cared for. I love them like kids but it's a big commitment.

[@chrisconway8406]

I live in the UK a lot of people buy them here when they are babies not realising how big they grow and how much care they need. People just don't do there home work and also pet store owners often don't give good advice. I always advise anyone who is getting there first lizard to get something that is easy to keep and fairly cheap to set up like a leopard gecko.

[@swampgoat6343]

Dang dude 5000 for an enclosure? I commend the commitment but I'm curious what it all went towards. I'm trying to go as above and beyond as possible, full custom foam vivarium build with all the bells and whistles at a slightly larger than needed size and I'm currently at a material cost of about 1000 dollars .

[@CJ-hh3gx]

Thanks so much for all the honesty in this video. I worked at a Petsmart for several years and these guys were among my favorites to handle and show. I can't tell you how many baths I had to give them to compensate for our terribly inadequate enclosures and no matter how much I tried to stress the importance of proper humidity and space, people wanted to fight me on it. You are doing good work that I wholeheartedly appreciate and if I still worked there, I would be recommending your videos, hands down.

[@Sinner487]

I USED TO BE OBSESSED WITH THESE. I remember after a crazy experience where they followed my finger as I dragged it across the glass at the pet store my dad said he would get me one when he could afford it, sadly it never happened but I'm almost old enough to have my own place. Thank you for reminding me of my favorite lizard. 🦎

[@reptilian_geneticist]

I had a healthy 3 foot Male Chinese water dragon for 12 years. They need a very large vertical enclosure. They need a large filtered pool of water. Still my favorite lizard I've ever had 🦎💚

[@albertconstantine5432]

You are a real pleasure to watch and listen to. You're not only informed, but your personality is very appealing and enjoyable. Thank you.

[@sasquatchnheat4920]

Good, honest info here. We got a water dragon about a year ago and she’s doing good. Glad to know we did a lot right since I was new to this species. We are going to build her an outdoor enclosure soon since we live in steamy east Texas and she can live outside about 7 months a year.

[@MorbidxxPassion]

As a kid, I had a CWD that my dad took in for a friend when they moved abroad. I don't remember much of the details - cost, care, etc - as my dad took care of all that. He build an enclosure for her, bought many types of insect for her, did quite a lot I think that Clint has recommended. But at the same time, some things recommended I know he never did. Despite that, our beautiful girl was almost 20 years old when she passed, and was always such a happy girl. I miss her. I'd love to get another now that I'm an adult, but I don't trust that I'd be able to achieve the right care for one.

[@dfitz5835]

Clint holding a cool reptile"This animal is awesome and so much fun." Also Clint, "You should not get this lizard, that is so much fun, because you will probably kill it." That said the truth is appreciated and maybe we should all start with a cactus and move up to animals.

[@ShawnyMinecraft]

Thank you so much for this video! I adopted two neglected water dragons, both with permanent problems from their previous home and very uneducated owners. I really hope more people will watch videos like these and educate themselves before getting into such a tough lizard to care for. They're absolutely amazing animals, and deserve a lot better than what they sadly most often get :(

[@ClintsReptiles]

If they were all $200 CBB lizards, they would be one of the best pet lizards on Earth. Still expensive to keep, but the right people would keep them

[@somuchsoul3041]

I'm so surprised (pleasantly) that my chinese water dragon has been with me for 5 years (it'll be 6 next summer!) It was my first lizard and was/still is very difficult to care for, but I love her and I wouldn't wish for anything to be different.

[@tafaritaylor19]

jus a bought a young one how are they difficult?

[@somuchsoul3041]

@@tafaritaylor19 They swim and need room to move around, need uv and heat lamp, get sick pretty easily. Etc. It's not to difficult anymore but it was tough for the first few years.

[@ocf_2287]

How big of a enclosure did you use?

[@somuchsoul3041]

@@ocf_2287 Right now its in a 3-4 feet by 2 feet and 4 feet tall

[@Awpenheimer]

clint is so underrated

[@ClintsReptiles]

Thanks. We're growing nicely, but we would love to grow even more. This might be our year. Thank you for your support.

[@lauracampbell9898]

I absolutely agree with you!

[@younginchoilee9837]

I know right

[@TheJLAMAR23]

I got my dragon 8 years ago from petsmart . She has had some shedding issues, the glass issue that I fixed mostly by adding scenery to her tank in the form of back drops and recently I got some bad feeders and she got worms. She’s still going strong. Very active and a big eater. The hardest part for me is keeping the humidity high.

[@mikezilla3100]

Thanks for this comment! I may have to rescue a smaller Chinese water dragon and the only set up currently available is a 55 gallon tank. With everything else required for the set up, I won't be able to afford a new enclosure so thanks for the backdrop tip!

[@donmountford797]

We use a grow tent to keep our 4 year old CWD. Most affordable way to provide a large enclosure. He is so personable and goofy. You are correct. He almost never eats fruits or veggies. We do give a variety of insects that are gut loaded and dusted with calcium and vitamin.

[@JTD19881369]

Finally Clint speaks on CWD!.. not finished with the video yet. But being a previous owner of a CWD. They require huge enclosures. And it needs a water feature.. a large one. If they feel threatened at all they jump into water. Also they prefer to poop in water. So i ended up building a plywood closet. 8 feet tall 6 feet wide 4 feet deep with an aquarium in the bottom.. this was a large under taking. But it was beautiful. I ended up having my S.O. paint the interior with a beautiful rainforest scene.. researching for the non toxic paint was also fun. Super expensive lights.. super expensive aquarium set up. Multiple foggers. A few drippers tons of climbing materials. And a small hopper tank off the side of the closet with insects. All sorts that walked through calcium powder on their way to the waiting maw of Draggo The Emerald Empress. All and all she was a great lizard and lived with us for years. But as you can imagine.. when we moved... moving a closet wasnt really in the cards so alas i rehomed her with another local herp fan who had set ups for emerald tree monitors. When i saw this guys herp rooms... rooms. I dropped the rehoming fee and just gave him Draggo. Lol

[@TheCharleseye]

Yeah, my sister has a Chinese Water Dragon. She loves him but he is a _lot_ of work compared to a lot of others (for instance, my niece's Bearded Dragon). Definitely not something I'd want to add to my collection but I like having one "in the family" that I can go see. More power to her!

[@eliasbartos5313]

Any random person: *sees a reptile* “oh cool” Clint: “cOuLd tHiS bE tHe bEsT pEt rEpTiLe????”

[@Vanrosea]

The Chinese Water Dragon was my very first reptile at 8 years old and while we did the best we could, including building his enclosure, I simply don't think we had all the information at the time and hearing this I feel bad looking back now, knowing what he lacked. As an adult I've had this guy very high on my list of reptiles to care for again and this video really puts into perspective the level of preparation I'll need for that day so it may be a ways off yet, if at all until we know how to get these guys captive bred and properly cared for into adulthood. Thanks a ton for putting this together!

[@spencerfoster9192]

This was an excellent video. I’ve worked in pet care for 6 years and I’m yet to see an adult Chinese water dragon. I’ve had friends that were successful reptile breeders who did everything correct in raising them but still had them suddenly die. Not saying it’s impossible but it’s definitely a extremely difficult task!

[@AlexsAgamids]

Spencer Foster Agreed! I got lucky enough to raise my adult pair of CWD’s and have them breed and produce successful offspring! It’s very challenging. But in the end (despite costs): Worth it.

[@abalt3019]

They are the emerald gems of the reptile world. Gorgeous.

[@CapturedByKen]

I’ve been having my water dragon for a few years now and my Veiled Chameleon for a few months now (separate enclosures ofcourse) ...absolutely love those 2 creatures!

[@lisakay2810]

Awesome video yet again. Thank you for being honest and blunt about the facts with these stinkin' rad reptiles! They are amazing, just can't wait until we know more about them to take better care of them 💚

[@ClintsReptiles]

There are some people doing a great job. CBB will be the key. Still expensive, but far better odds of success.

[@Badgersuchus]

My dad buys supplies from a nearby store, and they recently stopped selling their live reptiles. They had a juvenile water dragon no one was buying so they gave it away to us. My dad was already busy with the snakes and beardies so he gave it to me. This helped a ton!

[@MissPersephoneParker]

Clint, thank you so much for explaining. I worked at petsmart many years ago and they sold chinese water dragons when I first started. I didn't know much about reptiles at the time. The chinese water dragon seemed healthy. She would eat, had a clean enclosure, clean water, no nose rubbing- but she seemed very depressed. She would look me in the eyes like she wanted help and I almost cry just thinking about it. I would mist her, give her attention and fuss over her trying to fix what ever the problem was. I fell in love with that lizard pretty quick. Then one day, she was just dead without any obvious cause. I always wanted to know what had happened to her and if there was anything I could have done to save her. I bet she was an import after hearing you describe what happens to them. I wish she could have lived a happy life in a magnificent enclosure 💔

[@isaachylton23]

We got our Chinese Water Dragon from Petsmart and one day it stopped eating its crickets and mealworms. We had to forcefeed it with these drops and try to nurse it back to health but it passed away. Even though we didn't have him very long he was one of the coolest pets we've had. Don't mind me just reminiscing. Missin him a lot lately for some reason don't know what reminded me of him. RIP Bruce. 🙏🏽💯

[@theserpentoffire]

I recommend you do a video on the Sailfin Dragon

[@aidanlangford8154]

I had a Chinese water dragon for 8 years! Her name was penny and let me tell you, she was THE BEST lizard I had ever owned. She eventually passed of a lung infection. I loved her to bits. I remember one time I took her outside to get some natural light and a lady walked bye and screamed thinking I was holding a baby alligator. All that said yes I think water dragons are the best if you can get a healthy one, but that can be quite difficult. Great video!

[@ragonkeeper]

The most important thing with imported water dragons is a soon as you get one get it to a vet immediately to be tested for parasites and infections. most of them get shipped in with some sort of parasite.

[@2fsycho]

My guy is getting big, so I'm planning on custom building him a cage. I love my little guy, he's been so good and I'm so lucky to have him.

[@Oblivion420]

Things I wish I knew before I got mine several years ago. She's still going strong at about 8 years old and I'm hoping she still has a few more in her.

[@amyfeltnerpetermann3254]

This is absolutely one of my favorite reptiles. However, I will never adopt one due to the difficulty of care. I will admire them from afar. I appreciate you very much for informing people of the difficulty. Not many go into this. Thank you for your videos.

[@aBatwoman]

You could do it. Just do lots of research and gather information together. It's easy with a Grow Tent.

[@dabieisiofia2058]

Been waiting for this video for such a long time, so glad it’s finally here

[@ClintsReptiles]

I hope it was worth the wait :)

[@Katiekooleyes]

When I was about 6 or 7, the kid next door (who was a couple of years older than me) had one of these. I was so amazed at seeing it, and I fell in love with it at sight! My friend also had a Super Nintendo, so that was also cool haha (was early 90's). As you pointed out in your vid, the water dragon didn't live to adulthood. I can't remember what happened to him, but my friend was gutted! Still tho, I really enjoyed the chance to see one up close and to hold one at such a young age.

[@Elukka]

I had the most lovely water dragon for 13 years. Curiously he didn't like water all that much. I started out with a big water dish (for what was then a small lizard!) but he never actually cared to move around in the water. Get in, take a quick bath, get out. Didn't wanna spend time in water, didn't wanna swim, didn't care how big the water dish was as long as he fit. Goes to show their personality varies. This is not to say you shouldn't follow basic good practices, since this is definitely an exception! He also parked himself in the most central position he could find so he could follow people do their thing. So, yeah, the kitchen table became the lizard table, and acquired a UV and heat lamp so he could spend more time there. He was actually unhappy without people around.

[@thereptigade7507]

Cheers mate, been waiting for this so long! Always wondered why they're hardly ever shown on anyone's channel. Kept a pair myself way back in the early 2000s, they got between 15-17 y old and were truly awesome pets. But seeing your expert review, I probably just was lucky with them...

[@ClintsReptiles]

Out was probably a bit of luck and a bit of making the right choices for them. Great job!

[@aresvipers]

I had a Chinese water dragon, it was 2 months old. She died, she started to have a convulsion, and then she paralyzed. Two ours later, she died. She only spent two weeks with me, and I hate that I didn't know your channel when I had her. Thank you for making this video, a lot.

[@lejournalrevisite790]

Now we want the same for the Australian one ! :)

[@ClintsReptiles]

You got a deal :)

[@kaylawilko2416]

Yessss!!! Always waited for one for an Australian water dragon 😆

[@denisewhitney4819]

Hey Clint! I have a healthy adult male water dragon you can borrow :) He's 5 years old now and a complete sweetheart. I had a big pool for him (basically a large aquarium like you said) and even with the largest filter I could find I couldn't keep the water clean. I ended up taking him to the vet because he was getting some nasty buildup or slime or something around his mouth. The vet cleaned his teeth (dental health matters!) told us he was completely healthy otherwise, and the aquarium was gotten rid of. Now he has a cat/dog watering fountain. (moving water) A humidifier, and the bathtub. He was my second reptile, and I did my research beforehand, but I'm surprised people have as much trouble with them as the comments seem to show. He deserves at least the same score as the tegu. I accuse you of bias! ;) He and my tegu can be equally a nuisance or a joy depending. Plus Bonus! the water dragon cage is on wheels and can be rolled out the door.

[@ThatDamnDoyle]

Man did we have a lot to learn with ours. Didnt expect the level of care needed for these guys. We ended up getting a grow tent for a lot cheaper and decorated it with plants, moss to keep humidity, and a small pool inside for them to swim. It was an AWESOME project, but had i known the level of care needed for them prior to buying one, I likely wouldve gotten something else.

[@naz8315]

I was thinking at one moment of getting one but didn’t do research whatsoever and thank you for telling me!

[@ClintsReptiles]

You bet. They are so cool. I totally understand the temptation. Thanks for not making an impulse buy.

[@swampgoat6343]

I've found that covering any translucent surface with the same material they use for zoomed reptile ladder to be a solid solution to the nose rubbing, as well as a way to provide even more climbing space. Also for whatever reason, if you connect it loosely, the moisture that gets caught in between it and the surface it's on tends to linger, causing the enclosure to hold humidity better.

[@zulemazahir666]

Everytime I got these as a teenager they never lived much longer than a few years. I never wanted to get one again because of that, but back then books at my library weren't that helpful. It gladdens me so much that videos like these are so easily available now. Good husbandry is so important and back then my confidence was killed by my babies not lasting long. Which is a shame because I love lizards so much. Thank you so much for what you do Clint. You really helped spark that passion in me to keep reptiles again.🖤

[@straw83rry1203]

Have my for 3 years now and this information is so spot on. Like he said, they do make good companion. Mine sit on my shoulder while I watch t.v.

[@1991chapita]

I have an eleven y/o healthy female lizard and it’s the first lizard I’ve ever had. She has a good vet and I don’t think they need all of that to survive to be completely honest. You would be surprised how quickly they adapt. I don’t really have a mist or humidity system as too much can create fungus on their skin. I feed her from baby mice to all type of insects and she loves blueberries ❤

[@zyphyr7767]

I have one of these. Alot of people think other animals are stupid and just want food, but these water dragons are awesome. Thanks for the video

[@liquidfred]

My water dragon just turned two years old today! Immensely expensive to maintain and incredibly high maintenance but worth every bit of it.

[@silver_surfin7270]

I have heard the opposite that they're easy to care for, thankfully I have Clint for the facts!

[@latieplolo]

I had one when I was younger, before the internet, and didn't know how to set up the enclosure properly at all. She was a fantastic eater, though. Her favorite foods were little slices of Mandarin Orange skewered on a stick that she could chase around or our pet goldfish (thanks Dad).

[@donmountford797]

Our Mushu is 6 years old. The best enclosure we have found is a grow tent. Keeps humidity well, they feel more secure and the it's pretty affordable to provide the height, and temperature gradients they require. We were fortunate ours was from a gravid imported female. Had her literally the day she hatched!

[@hannahcarson5688]

I absolutely adore Chinese water dragons! They would have to be my #1 dream lizard! I really hope I can get one in the future because they are just so amazing! 💕 Thank you Clint for another awesome and rad video!

[@pepino--]

Water dragons are just amazing! Plz watch my new video I made my Bunk bed into a waterdragon terrarium!

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

I used to want one of these really bad as a teenager. Never got one. I gave up. Even though I would still jump at the chance if one came my way. I love that they get so big. I love big lizards.

[@Xolvi9]

Thank you for the info! I was looking for a lizard that loves water and climbing, i was going to go with a green basilisk, but i think chinese water dragon may be my next investment.

[@ciaradoyle5431]

Been on a bit of a reptile research binge recently and finally decided to look up Chinese Water Dragons. Mine died a few years ago and I miss him :( He was my first reptile and as others have said alot of trial and error. I'm in a colder climate and it was 9 years of struggling to keep the heat and humidity right. And damn was he expensive. Between upgrading enclosures, lightbulbs, many many insects, and expensive vet visits to the only exotic vet in our area 2 hours away. Would I get another one? Probably, yes. He was such a sweetie and so funny. But I think I need another few years to mentally recover. The comments others have made hit hard about feeling like a bad reptile mama. Honestly I still have dreams where I spend the night freaking out over him not eating! But In a few years Im going to invest in a magnificent set up and start the whole journey again, because I have never met an animal with a personality quite like Luka's.

[@hydrametr0n498]

Hi Clint, I know you made a video Australian Water Dragon vs Green Iguana, but can you make a video on the Australian Water Dragon? Keep up the good work.

[@AlexsAgamids]

I’ll say from personal experience. The Australian Water Dragons make a much better “water dragon” compared to the Chinese. Yes they’re more expensive. But you won’t regret getting an Australian Water Dragon if you do! :)

[@hydrametr0n498]

@@AlexsAgamids I'm still 19 and the only reptile i have ever had is a blue tongue skink. But I'm in love with the Australian Water Dragon and I would love to have one someday in my adult life.

[@RedLeader182]

This! I've been wanting an Australian Water Dragon video for forever.

[@neeneeesweet]

im late but I've been watching a ton of these videos and I think the Chinese water dragon is the one for me!! time to start my research on them and see if it's really meant to be. your videos have rlly helped me decide which reptile is best for me and my wallet. tysm!!

[@c.b.kansan1700]

As aquarium hobbyist I like that these guys like to swim. Filtering water is a breeze.

[@christygatto]

I briefly cared for a chinese water dragon over 20 years ago. I was a manager at petsmart when petsmart first started carrying them. When they came in they were full of parasites fortunately we worked with a knowledgeable Reptile Vet and fixed them up but one was not doing well he was particularly small so I took him home to keep an eye on him. Unfortunately the info I found on how to care for him looking back was terrible he only got fed crickets he did get fresh water everyday and had a heat lamp, UVB and I tried to keep the humidity high. He mostly recovered with just the basics but stayed small, until I found a knowledgeable reptile enthusiast to adopt him. Last I heard he was growing great! I have a lot more knowledge now and would love to try again! They are one of my favorite lizards!

[@sirwilliams7762]

I miss mine so much. She just kinda passed away one night (She was pretty old). Really threw me for a loop but I will be getting another one soon when I can hand build the perfect enclosure!

[@jarmstrong4539]

Another awesome video! I would love it if you would do videos on how to build enclosures like this. Also, showing how to build one for a Tegu would be really helpful.

[@ClintsReptiles]

That is a fun idea!

[@teaguebaldwin5882]

AMAZING video!!! Chinese water dragons have always been my favorite, I use to have one a few years back, hands down best lizard I've ever owned.

[@teaguebaldwin5882]

Also, nice shout out to animal ark! (I also live in Utah, so I'm always there!) It is a really great pet store, especially for reptiles/amphibians!

[@mountainenergy7121]

Thank you Clint! You’ve finally covered my favorite reptile!

[@Ulquiorra4163]

Neat lizard but will we see any videos on the more 'classic' moniters, like water moniters? I ask cause I keep getting nostalgic flashbacks to my uncle's moniter (for the life of me I can't remember the exact species) who was the benchmark for all lizards I see, he was insanely tame and calm to the point he crawled right into my lap when I was a kid and did nothing but lay there and let me pet him. I never heard a bad thing about him (bites, temper issues, etc) and even when I hadn't seen him in 4-5 years, he still remembered me after a visit. Maybe he was a very well tempered specimen but he showed how smart the species was with his solid memory and habits.

[@ClintsReptiles]

I do love me some monitors. Water monitors are definitely on our list.

[@Ulquiorra4163]

@@ClintsReptiles Fantastic! Hope it jogs my memory cause that guy was a treat of a scaled doggo.

[@catfrog1975]

I'd love to see an updated care video in the future, when you have your own dragon with all the care dialed in!

[@Acquittal]

Wow this proves how good you are this is the only video ever with 20000 views with less than 5 dislikes!

[@seanfoltz7645]

I picked up a pair of juveniles from a breeder - male and female - they are like night and day. The female just relaxes and chills and is quite happy and content to be picked up and be a nice, calm shoulder lizard. The male on the other hand is a lunatic, constantly running and climbing all over the place and refusing to stay still for longer than a minute - he will be on a leash when he gets older if he doesn't learn to relax a bit. Still, Sun and Tzu are a great pair of lizards and I look forward to having them as friends for years to come.

[@h_a_g_zv_i_r_t_u_a_l17]

Mine was my 5th lizard, but I took in a rescue who's tail was damaged. She was nearly fully grown, and fully healed. Such an amazing swimmer to watch, and care for. But this is an honest review.

[@P1015532oni]

This has got to be the most beautiful lizard I’ve ever seen. Hands down.

[@OlyChickenGuy]

When I was in about middle school, I had a friend whose parents had a family business of breeding reptiles, but specifically corn snakes were the animals passed down through generations. Their critters were generally some of the friendliest animals I'd ever met, but their Chinese Water Dragon would actively beg to be held and seemed to want nothing more than to be with her people. They even had a harness for her to go on walks with them, which she loved.

[@krekrinogaming4901]

Amazing video! I have my chinese water dragon male "Muto" for 5 years. I decided to buy one, when I saw some movie at the National Geographic TV channel. I didn't know, how hard is keeping these lizards. It cost me a lot of power, tears and money, but it was one of the best decides of my life. Maybe if I knew how difficult is keeping them before, I would probably never get one. I did everything I could to make him feel good and I think he is totally satisfied. Nothing is better than sit in the chair opposite the terrarium in the evening and relax :) I have a piece of jungle at home

[@michielverfaillie8331]

My adult water dragon loves fruit like mango, papaya, banana, figs, blueberries,..I think its a matter of trying typical tropical fruits. About enclosure size: I totally agree, these animals don't belong in a terrarium, they really need more like a whole room. I keep mine in a greenhouse and he uses every inch available. In Europe captive bred water dragons are not so hard to find anymore (in fairs).

[@wonky_shoebox7514]

I had one of these guys and I loved him! I had him for 12 years before he died. He took a dislike to my mom, possibly because she didn't like him. He got plenty of exercise and loved sitting on my head when I watched TV, probably because I've really thick hair He could snuggle into and he was up high. His favourite program seemed to be Lost, he'd just sit there for the entire thing. He used to catch and eat flys when he was out too, handy. I put him into an old bath to swim around in when I changed his cage, he used to just float there with a disapproving look until I was done. I loved him

[@checklatestvidfornewchanne9900]

I also adore your enthusiasm, Clint.

[@douglynch9012]

Great video. I wanted to offer a tip on "sterilizing" larger pieces of wood for reptile enclosures. After scrubbing in a large sterilite tub in a mild bleach solution, rinsing well and letting it dry in direct sunlight, I place them in my truck parked in direct sunlight for a couple of days in the summer months. On hot days I've had temperatures over 173°F. Thus far I've never had any issues with my reptiles. Of course this has to be done in the summer to achieve the highest possible temperatures. Luckily I have 2 vehicles and don't drive the truck very often.

[@ms_it_is]

On of the few humans where you can see their passion in their eyes

[@katherinestclair7607]

Thank you! My first reptile was a CWD. I did do lots of research before hand but until you get one, you don't know how hard it is to keep it doing well with all the husbandry requirements needing to be JUST RIGHT! It took almost a year before I stopped worrying that mine was on the verge of death and she started growing and thriving. It breaks my heart when I see these little guys at pet stores for so cheap, knowing that they most likely won't make it.

[@DieAlteistwiederda]

Cared for one of these called Pauline. That thing with their face is very true. Pauline came to us with her face rubbed raw and we were thought she wouldn't survive it it was bad. Thankfully healed up but you will definitely find a lot of them who have big scars on their face so I'm always surprised when I see one who doesn't have that. Pauline was about 5 years old when she came to us so they can reach adulthood and she did very well. We don't know if she was imported or captive bred though. Her enclosure was harder to keep than all the others and we had a bunch of different snakes, lizards, a green iguana and some spiders and other exotic animals. We used slightly tinted glass for her enclosure and that stopped her from rubbing her nose completely.

[@animalmania2381]

My mum adopted one last year and some times I think he is cuddlier than my dog because he will just nuzzle into your neck and let you pet him. He's a got a couple of kinks in his tail and he's not the most active lizard which we think is because he has been kept in too small enclosures for most of his life (we think he is between 10-15). However after being in his bigger enclosure for a good 9 months he is finally starting to get more use out of it. He can also be a very fussy eater but we've managed to get a few new things into his diet. I don't think he is ever going to be in perfect health but we are doing the best we can :D

[@6125Tiffany]

I rescued a CWD from the humane society that’s 10 years old already. The previous owners didn’t have a big enough aquarium so his full size is stunted. He’s doing really well and adjusted to us well.

[@StolenPw]

I used to take care of a water dragon at work and it was really fun.

[@sydneypratt7]

I just bought one! His name is Yoshi :) He's only a couple of months old, and still very small. But he seems to love being held in water whenever he gets really stressed. I read somewhere that they are some of the friendliest lizards, so he clearly loves the affection I plan to get him acclimated to traveling, so I can bring him on trips with me (I travel frequently). He loves going wherever I bring him so far, as long as he knows I'm nearby :)

[@TheGreatStKat]

I had one, Geoffery, he came from a breeder, he was very friendly. Loved him, a bit obsessed. Glass tank was less fun than the sitting room. Crickets bred well, and still chirrup around the house, apparently.

[@mickih2872]

What a beautiful, sweet baby. How heartbreaking how they’re treated once captured. So unbelievably sad that they pass away 💔

[@phrog1582]

I’m only 13 so sadly my parents don’t want a huge cage for a lizard. But I’m doing research now so when I have my own house and I am financially stable I can provide a huge enclosure for this amazing, beautiful animals :)

[@cristiaolson7327]

I still want a Water Dragon, but now I think I want one *after* I have a lot more experience with vivariums, and after I have bought a house where I can have a proper reptile room. Thank you for your honesty, because I don't want to try to keep an animal I cannot properly house from the beginning.

[@tyisha.bilger01]

I'm taking in a malnourished juvenile because the man hasnt been caring for him properly. I have a Tegu but their completly different. Happy I found this to prepare the enclosure right. Thank you ❤

[@miguelmendez7826]

You could always use a glass-sided enclosure and then drape some type of screen mesh or wiring on the outside so they can recognize that there is a barrier/obstacle while still keeping the humidity up. I think an opaque shower curtain would also work.

[@akaylagreene3199]

Yes! This is my dream lizard. I've been waiting for this!

[@realiagomorales]

This lizard reminds me of Godzilla because he swims

[@seymourmajor3183]

I got a Chinese Water Dragon when I was 12. Unfortunately the shop I got him from gave me absolutely none of the correct care information for him. Nothing they said was right; the feeding information, lighting, housing; literally nothing and he died about a year after I had him. Looking back on it now with all the knowledge I have of reptiles at this stage in my life makes me really sad because he had a pretty terrible life. I was very young but I feel responsible for his death. I’m glad there’s a lot more information widely available now on the internet on how to take care of them.

[@hannahblespecter5325]

I would love to have you as a university instructor. I'm planning on doing graduate school in zoology/biology/herpetology.... Maybe I'll get to meet you one day!

[@davidpo5517]

It's so beautiful tho, perfect color for a green reptile!