Philippine Sailfin Lizard (Water Dragon)
Scientific Name
Hydrosaurus pustulatus
size/weight/height
Length:
adults average 24 - 30" to maximum of 36"
adaptations/coloration
Body: slightly
compressed
Tail: long; male has large sailfins on back and tail; female has dorsal
fringe
Toes: scale fringes allow animal to run on to of the water on hind legs
( like pontoons); juveniles run on top of the water for short distances
Vestigal Third Eye: on top of head (parietal or pineal eye); clearly
visible; sensitive to angle of sun's rays; thought to be homing mechanism
behavior
Personality:
hand-raised individuals become very tame and seem to like being handled.
Defense: when threatened go into water to escape
reproduction/lifespan
egg layers
diet
omnivore
• fish, frogs, fruits, vegetables & insects
habitat/range
rain forests;
never far from water • Philippine Islands, Southern New Guinea
and Northern Australia
status
not listed
at this time
oregon zoo exhibit
education programs
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