Bearded Dragon vs Chinese Water Dragon

Side-by-side care comparison to help you choose.

Bearded DragonChinese Water Dragon
DifficultyBeginnerIntermediate
Adult size18-24 inches24-36 inches
Lifespan10-15 years10-15 years
Min enclosure40 gallon (36x18x18 inches)75 gallon / 48x24x24 in
Basking temp95-105°F95-100°F
Humidity30-40%60-80%
UVBYes - T5 HO 10.0 or 12% UVB (Ferguson zone 3-4)Yes - T5 HO 5.0 or 6% UVB (Ferguson zone 3-4)
DietJuveniles: daily insects (crickets, roaches) and greens; Adults: 80% vegetables (collard, mustard greens, squash) and 20% insects every other day.Juveniles: daily insects (crickets, roaches, mealworms) dusted with calcium; adults: every other day same insects plus some leafy greens.