Water Dragons of Australia

Our dragons may not be as big as the ones you read about in old legends but they're a good size just the same.

They don't guard treasure hoards or devour maidens although they will consume lots of insects and the occasional frog.

Australian Eastern Water Dragons are lizards. Shy little fellows who hang about on creeks, dams and rivers, keeping out of the way of predators and avoiding people as much as possible.

Here's a fine specimen of Water Dragon. He's living in the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane.

If you get the chance, spend a day at Mt Coot-tha, Queensland's premier subtropical botanic gardens. These 52 hectare gardens are only seven kilometres from the city.

Water Dragons are a grey-brown colour, with black banding and a row of spines from the crest of the head to the tail. You'll see a broad black stripe extending from her eye to the back of her head too.

Keep an eye out for Water Dragons near creeks, rivers, dams and lakes.

There are some to be spotted in urban areas too, in parkland near creeks or rivers. I've seen Water Dragons around the creek near me, and enjoyed the sight of them basking on rocks, logs or overhanging branches

Water Dragons eat fruit and berries, insects, molluscs and crustaceans as well as small vertebrates like fish.

They will eat hatchlng tortoises too, and even small mammals.

You can sometimes see a Water Dragon scavenging around picnic spots

Water Dragons are excellent swimmers and dive into the water if they're disturbed.

They can stay submerged under the water for about half an hour. By that time, the danger will have most likely gone way.

A moody black and white dragon design.The only extra colour is the yellow-green of the dragon eyes making them look even creepier.

100% cotton and hand dyed - the detailed dragon fantasy design won't wash out, it's actually embedded in the fabric of the shirt. Pre-washed, pre-shrunk and made with water-based inks and dyes, free of chemicals.

Black Dragon T-Shirt - $21.60
Retail Price: $31.60
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from: Australian Native T-Shirts