Chinese Water Dragon vs Panther Chameleon

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

Chinese Water DragonPanther Chameleon
DifficultyIntermediateAdvanced
Adult size24-36 inches15-20 inches
Lifespan10-15 years5-8 years
Min enclosure75 gallon / 48x24x24 in48x24x24 inches (screen enclosure recommended)
Basking temp95-100°F85-95°F
Humidity60-80%50-70%
UVBYes - T5 HO 5.0 or 6% UVB (Ferguson zone 3-4)Yes - T5 HO 5.0/6% (Ferguson zone 3)
DietJuveniles: daily insects (crickets, roaches, mealworms) dusted with calcium; adults: every other day same insects plus some leafy greens.Insectivorous: gut-loaded crickets, roaches, worms; juveniles daily, adults every other day; dust with calcium+D3 and multivitamin.