Chinese crocodile lizard — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Chinese crocodile lizard get?

An adult Chinese crocodile lizard typically measures 35–45 cm.

Husbandry requirements

Chinese crocodile lizard — origin: Southern China (Guangxi, Guangdong) and northeastern Vietnam. Endemic to cool, shaded mountain streams and forest ponds at low altitude..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min15 °C

Cool side18–22 °C

Warm side22–26 °C

A COOL-CLIMATE SPECIES: never exceed ~26 °C; above ~28-30 °C, hyperthermia and death occur quickly. No powerful basking spot is necessary or desirable. In summer, active cooling of the room may be required. Cool nights are beneficial. A winter rest (brumation) of 2-3 months at around 10-16 °C promotes longevity and breeding. The water must stay cool.

Enclosure (adult)

90 × 45 × 50 cm

Paludarium (planted terrestrial section + large water area, with branches overhanging the water)

Minimum for 1 individual or a pair; plan larger for a group. Essential: a large water surface (at least 40-50% of the floor) and horizontal branches/perches above the water where the animal rests. Ventilated lid but maintaining high humidity. Hides on land and underwater. Avoid housing males together (territoriality, biting).

Humidity

70–90 %

High and stable humidity; daily misting, live plants and a large water surface all contribute. Good ventilation nonetheless, to avoid stagnant water and skin infections.

Substrate

Coconut fibreSphagnum moss (Sphagnum)Fertiliser- and pesticide-free potting soil/peatLeaf litterLive mosses

A bioactive-type terrestrial section that retains moisture, complemented by a large water area. Avoid fine, ingestible substrates near the feeding areas. Rigorous cleaning, as the animal defecates mainly in the water.

UVB

Recommended

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial (5-6% tube, UVI ~1-2 in the exposed area) with large shaded areas being essential. An understory species: avoid high intensities and any source producing excessive heat.

Water source

Always available

A crucial point: a large volume of clean, COOL (18-24 °C), dechlorinated and well-filtered water, renewed regularly. The animal spends a lot of time in it, hunts and defecates there; warm or soiled water quickly causes skin and respiratory infections. Provide easy access to leave the water and perches above it.

Origin

Shinisauridae

Southern China (Guangxi, Guangdong) and northeastern Vietnam. Endemic to cool, shaded mountain streams and forest ponds at low altitude.

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore (insectivore/vermivore, aquatic hunter) — Earthworms, snails and slugs, small fish (occasionally), aquatic invertebrates, insects (crickets, roaches, worms). Eats no plant matter.

Readily hunts in the water. Live, varied prey; calcium/vitamin supplement (including moderate D3) on the insects. Feed 2-4 times a week depending on age and temperature; reduce sharply during the winter rest. Do not overfeed (slow metabolism).

Breeding

Viviparous

Mating generally follows a cool winter rest (2-3 months at 10-16 °C); births in spring/early summer after several months of gestation. Young are independent at birth and should be raised separately (cool conditions, humidity and suitable prey). No egg-laying.

Health watch points

Hyperthermia / heat stress (a frequent cause of death above ~28 °C)
Bacterial skin infections and 'blister disease' linked to soiled or overly warm water
Respiratory infections (heat, poor ventilation, stress)
Internal parasitosis, especially in wild-caught individuals
Anorexia and weight loss caused by stress or unsuitable temperature

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Chinese crocodile lizard.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the chinese crocodile lizard.

How big does an adult Chinese crocodile lizard get?▾

An adult Chinese crocodile lizard typically measures 35–45 cm (total adult length, tail included. a lizard-type body extended by a thick tail with a double row of keeled scales reminiscent of a crocodile. males are often slightly more colourful (bright red/orange throat and flanks).).

What temperature and humidity does a Chinese crocodile lizard need?▾

A gradient of roughly 18–22 °C on the cool side to 22–26 °C on the warm side. Humidity 70–90 %.

What does a Chinese crocodile lizard eat?▾

Carnivore (insectivore/vermivore, aquatic hunter): Earthworms, snails and slugs, small fish (occasionally), aquatic invertebrates, insects (crickets, roaches, worms). Eats no plant matter..

Is the Chinese crocodile lizard a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. Sedentary and cryptic: can remain completely motionless for hours ('metabolic pause'), often perched on a branch over the water or submerged. Not very shy but bites and may drop into the water if forced. Handling should be reduced to the strict minimum (stress). Plan ahead: a lifespan of 10–15 yrs.

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