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Amboina Sailfin Lizard
Hydrosaurus amboinensis
This magnificent, large semi-aquatic agamid lizard originates from Indonesia. It is particularly famous for the impressive sail-like crest present on the tail of mature adult males.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Agamidae
Subfamily:Hydrosaurinae
Genus:Hydrosaurus
Species:Hydrosaurus amboinensis
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Water Temperature
22 - 35 °C
Environment
Terrestrial / Semi-aquatic
Humidity
70 - 90 %
Day temperature
26 - 30 °C
Ambient temperature
26 - 30 °C
Night temperature
22 - 24 °C
Basking spot
35 - 38 °C
Adult size
35 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 1,500 L
UVB
High
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to eastern Indonesia (specifically the Moluccas, including Ambon Island) and parts of New Guinea. It inhabits dense rainforests, strictly along the margins of rivers, streams, and freshwater coastal marshes.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the family Agamidae, genus Hydrosaurus. It is the largest member of the sailfin dragon group. Recent phylogenetic research has resolved taxonomic confusion, separating this species from H. pustulatus.
Behavior and Habits: Diurnal, semi-arboreal, and semi-aquatic. These lizards are highly active and are exceptional swimmers, using their flattened tails for propulsion. When startled, they jump from overhanging branches into the water to hide.
Morphology: Adults can grow up to 100-110 cm in total length. Body is olive-green to dark grey with black mottling. Mature males develop a large, fan-like sail on the base of their tail, supported by elongated neural spines.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: An exceptionally large custom enclosure is required (minimum 200x100x200 cm for an adult). It must feature a substantial aquatic section (at least 40 cm deep) with a powerful canister filter, and thick branches for climbing.
Lighting and Heating: Provide high-intensity UVB lighting and basking spots. Basking area should reach 35-38°C (95-100°F) using halogen floodlights. Maintain ambient day temperature of 28-30°C (82-86°F) and a night drop to 22°C (72°F).
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels between 75% and 85% using misting systems or frequent manual spraying. The water pool provides primary hydration, and because they defecate in water, daily water changes are necessary.
Feeding and Supplementation: Omnivorous. Juveniles eat mostly insects (crickets, roaches, locusts). Adults transition to a diet heavy in leafy greens, dandelion, and tropical fruits, supplemented with fish or earthworms. Dust food with calcium and D3.
Compatibility: Males are territorial and will fight. Best kept individually or in a harem of one male and two females in a massive enclosure. They are shy and easily stressed, so handling should be kept to a minimum to avoid panic.
Health and Common Diseases: Prone to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) if UVB or calcium is lacking. Nose rubbing against glass is common if the enclosure is too small or if they feel insecure; provide visual barriers. Good ventilation is critical.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Native to eastern Indonesia (specifically the Moluccas, including Ambon Island) and parts of New Guinea. It inhabits dense rainforests, strictly along the margins of rivers, streams, and freshwater coastal marshes.
Origin
North AmericaAfrica and MadagascarSouth and Southeast AsiaAustralia, New Guinea, and Oceania
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 35 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 35 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 35 cm for this species, recorded as snout–vent length (SVL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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