Neha Patil (Editor)

Physignathus

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Kingdom
  
Animalia

Order
  
Squamata

Subfamily
  
Amphibolurinae

Higher classification
  
Agaminae

Phylum
  
Chordata

Family
  
Agamidae

Scientific name
  
Physignathus

Rank
  
Genus

Physignathus calphotosberkeleyeduimgs512x768111111111111

Similar
  
Chinese water dragon, Reptile, Australian water dragon, Agamidae, Bearded dragons

Feeding physignathus cocincinus


Physignathus is a genus of large, diurnal, arboreal, agamid lizards, commonly known as water dragons. The two Species are the Chinese water dragon P. cocincinus, and the Australian water dragon P. lesueurii. They are sometimes kept as pets, especially P. cocincinus. Its generic name is Greek for "inflated jaw".

Contents

Physignathus Physignathus Wikipedia

Modern reptile tribute three physignathus water dragon lizard


Species

Physignathus CalPhotos Physignathus cocincinus Chinese Water Dragon

  • Physignathus cocincinus (Cuvier, 1829) is found throughout Southeast Asia, in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and south China. These lizards are semiaquatic, using their laterally compressed tails to propel themselves when swimming. They can remain submerged for long periods of time. Like many lizards, water dragons have parietal eyes, a light-sensitive "third eye" in the top of the head.
  • Physignathus lesueurii (Gray, 1831) males are easily distinguished from the females as they have red-coloured chests and bellies, which are mostly visible when they lift their heads in defensive mode. This species occurs in the eastern states of Australia, and is locally designated as the eastern water dragon. The species are usually shy creatures in the wild, that may only make themselves known to passers-by from the sound of them dropping into a waterway. However, in breeding season, the mothers may become more aggressive to distract any potential predators from capturing their young. Juveniles are very sociable, playful creatures and are usually found in groups ranging from three to eight young dragons.

    • Physignathus Physignathus cocincinus Chinese water dragon

    Physignathus FilePhysignathus lesueurii Adelaide Zoojpg Wikimedia Commons

    Physignathus Chinese Water Dragon Physignathus cocincinus YouTube

    Physignathus Physignathus cocincinus photo Reptarium

    References

    Physignathus Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA