Eastern Water Dragon

This section showcases some draconic-related (in name and appearance) reptiles alive today.

Basilisk Lizard | Bearded Dragon | Chinese Water Dragon
> Eastern Water Dragon | Flying Dragon | Komodo Dragon

.. Eastern Water Dragon ..

A male Gippsland Water Dragon.

1. The Eastern Water Dragon and Gippsland Water Dragon are found in Australia. They can be up to 1 metre (3 feet).

2. Have long powerful legs and claws.

3. Tail forms 2/3 of their length and is almost all muscle.

4. Tail is laterally compressed to act like an oar when swimming.

5. The Eastern Water Dragon has a dark stripe from ear to eye, that the Gippsland Water Dragon lacks.

6. Eastern water dragons have a central row of enlarged spikey spines at the back of the head. These spikes continue down the spine, decreasing in size to the base of the tail.

7. The upper body is grey-green with cream and black transverse bands on the body and tail. Underneath the body is a creamy brown-grey.

8. Juveniles are light brown, with head and feet disproportionately large compared to the adults.

9. The females lack the bright colourations on the chest and throat, and have narrower, more delicate heads. The male dragon's head is much larger and angular.

10. Water dragons have been known to remain underwater for up to 90 minutes.

11. When underwater, they slow their heart rate and conduct some gas exchange across their skin, both O2 and CO2.

12. Their long powerful back legs and sharp claws help in their abilities to climb trees and dig holes for hibernation and nesting.

13. Are omnivorous. They generally feed on insects, frogs, yabbies, other aquatic organisms, fruits, berries and flowers. They can eat under water.

14. There have been recorded incidents of cannibalism occurring to young hatchlings.

References and image source:

> Australian National Botanic Gardens

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