Instructions
Compare the body shape and size of your water dragons. Males are much more angular than females, with large triangle-shaped heads. Females have more rounded bodies and narrower heads. Male water dragons tend to be larger overall than females.
Measure the crest on the water dragon's neck. Males will have a taller crest with longer spikes. Females will have a low crest with small spikes.
Note the spikes along the back of your water dragon. Both males and females have spikes, but the males' are longer. Mature males also have a bony ridge underneath these dorsal spikes. Females lack this trait entirely.
Observe the spikes near your water dragon's tail. In females these spikes are small and unobtrusive, while in males they are nearly the length of those on the crest.
Find the pores on the underside of your water dragon's hind legs. These pores (called femoral pores) will be dark and noticeable in males, and will contain a waxy build-up. If you run your finger down the male's hind legs, you should feel bumps. In females, these pores are light colored and small. They do not appear as noticeable to the naked eye, and they feel smooth to the touch.
How to Tell the Difference in a Male & Female Water Dragon
Determining the gender of reptiles (or "sexing") can be more difficult than it is with other animals. Because many species lack secondary sex characteristics and house their sex organs inside their bodies, sexing is often a challenge. Water dragons (also referred to as Chinese, Asian, Thai or green water dragons) are an exception to this rule. Though it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between the genders when water dragons are young, mature water dragons demonstrate clear sex differences.