Bearded Dragon & Water Dragon Care Guide
Species differences, housing and setup for New Zealand's two most popular pet dragons — from the country's longest-running reptile specialists.
Bearded Dragons and Eastern Water Dragons are two of the most rewarding reptiles you can keep, but they're very different animals with very different needs — one wants a hot, dry desert, the other wants to swim. Getting the species right, and the setup right for that species, is what separates a thriving dragon from one that struggles with respiratory infections or metabolic bone disease.
This guide covers both species: what they need, how to house them, and how they grow. Lighting and heating are big enough topics on their own that we've given them a dedicated page — see our Reptile Lighting & Heating Guide for full detail once you've read the species basics below.
Bearded Dragons (Pogona)
There are two types of Bearded Dragon kept in New Zealand:
- Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) — from inland western New South Wales and Queensland. Hates humidity and needs a hot, dry enclosure. If humidity runs too high, it can trigger a respiratory infection, and without prompt treatment this can be fatal.
- Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata) — from Australia's eastern coast, ranging from far north Queensland down to south-eastern South Australia. More tolerant of humidity and cooler temperatures than its Inland cousin.
Like turtles, Bearded Dragons need correct lighting, diet and specialised housing to thrive.
Housing Hatchling Bearded Dragons
An empty glass fish tank works well for hatchlings:
- Two hatchlings: 100 x 40 x 40cm
- Up to four hatchlings: 120 x 45 x 45cm
Set the tank up with a small water dish for drinking, bark substrate on the floor, plenty of logs to climb and hide under, a flat rock positioned under a heat lamp, and a UVA/UVB reptile light above.
Eastern Water Dragons (Physignathus lesueurii lesueurii)
The Eastern Water Dragon is native to Australia's eastern coast. They're tolerant of humidity and cooler temperatures, hardy, not fussy eaters, and — true to the name — they love bathing. They need a good-sized water pool or pond they can fully submerge in, and because they defecate almost entirely in the water rather than out of it, that water needs changing regularly.
Size & Lifespan
Water Dragons are a pet for anyone who wants something a little different — and large. Males can reach around 1 metre in length, females up to 80cm. In captivity they can live for approximately 25 years, provided they aren't forced to grow too quickly in their first two years — forced early growth roughly halves their life expectancy.
About 70% of a Water Dragon's length is tail — slightly flattened vertically and used as a paddle when swimming. Their tails are strong and, unlike a gecko or skink, won't drop off if grabbed. That said, never grab a Water Dragon by the tail: it can cause irreparable damage to the tail or the animal's spine.
Housing Hatchling Water Dragons
Like Bearded Dragons, hatchlings do well in an empty glass fish tank:
- Two hatchlings: 120 x 40 x 40cm
- Up to four hatchlings: 150 x 50 x 50cm
Set up a large water tray, bark substrate on the floor, a flat rock under a heat lamp, and a UVB reptile light above, again no more than 300mm from the basking spot.
Moving to an Outdoor Enclosure
A tank setup is a perfect home until Water Dragons are around 15 months old. Around this age they grow quickly and will constantly try to climb the walls to escape — this is your sign to move them into an outdoor enclosure. A design similar to a small bird aviary works well: strong ¼-inch mesh gives them plenty to climb on to find the best sunning position, and logs and plants make the space feel more natural while giving further climbing options.
Like Bearded Dragons, Eastern Water Dragons need correct lighting, diet and specialised housing to thrive — see our Reptile Lighting & Heating Guide for full detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an Inland and Eastern Bearded Dragon?
The Inland Bearded Dragon needs a hot, dry enclosure and is sensitive to humidity, which can trigger respiratory infections. The Eastern Bearded Dragon is more tolerant of humidity and cooler temperatures.
What size tank does a hatchling Bearded Dragon need?
100 x 40 x 40cm for two hatchlings, or 120 x 45 x 45cm if raising up to four.
How big do Eastern Water Dragons get?
Males can reach around 1 metre in length; females up to 80cm. They can live approximately 25 years in captivity if not forced to grow too quickly in their first two years.
Can you pick up a Water Dragon by the tail?
No. Unlike a gecko or skink, a Water Dragon's tail won't drop off, but grabbing it can cause irreparable damage to the tail or spine.
When should a Water Dragon move to an outdoor enclosure?
Around 15 months old, once they're growing quickly and trying to climb out of their tank. An aviary-style enclosure with strong ¼-inch mesh works well.
How far should a UVB light be from a dragon's basking spot?
No more than 300mm — UVB effectiveness drops off significantly with distance.
Questions about setting up your Bearded Dragon or Water Dragon? Get in touch — we're New Zealand's reptile specialists.