Can Bearded Dragons Swim? Everything You Need to Know

Bearded dragons have unique preferences when it comes to water activities? Some of these cute creatures simply love swimming, while others absolutely can’t stand it.

As a bearded dragon owner, you might already be familiar with your pet’s preferences. However, if your dragon is one of those that enjoys a good swim, you might be wondering whether it is safe for them. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about bearded dragon swimming.

Can Bearded Dragons Swim?

Seems like a strange thing for an animal that lives in arid/desert climates but sure enough yes, bearded dragons can swim. Although bearded dragons may not get many chances to swim in the wild, they are still capable of doing so.

To stay afloat, bearded dragons inhale air and then use their limbs to paddle through the water. Although they may not be the most elegant swimmers, they are capable of swimming nonetheless.

Remember that there are species of bearded dragons that do live nearby the water such as Pogona Microlepidota / Small Scaled or Drysdale and others that live in semi-tropical woodlands so it’s quite likely that they’ve commonly evolved to deal with water – if you watch them swim they use their tails much in the same way as a crocodile.

Do Bearded Dragons Swim in the Wild?

Bearded dragons are native to Australia and they mostly inhabit desert areas, although they can also be found in subtropical woodlands. In their natural habitat, they have access to various sources of water, and it’s not uncommon to see them swimming.

Despite their occasional swimming in the water, bearded dragons are not as fond of aquatic life as their cousins, the Australian water dragons, who love spending most of their time in or around water bodies.

Typically, wild bearded dragons swim only when necessary or when they come across an inviting pool of warm water.

Interestingly, bearded dragons cannot see water. Due to the way their eyes work, they can only detect water when it is in motion or if something is moving in it. They perceive the ripples created by water, rather than the water itself.

How Do Bearded Dragons Swim?

Did you know that bearded dragons swim in a similar way to crocodiles and alligators? It’s true! When swimming, they tuck their legs close to their bodies and move from side to side to propel themselves forward. You might notice them using their tail to steer, just like a rudder on a ship.

While they may not be aquatic creatures, bearded dragons are surprisingly good swimmers. They may even use a doggy paddle motion to help them along.

Although they tend to stick to the shallows, they’re not afraid to dive underwater when the mood strikes them.

One of the reasons bearded dragons are such good swimmers is because of their buoyancy. Before diving in, bearded dragons inhale air, which helps them float near the surface. So don’t be surprised if you see your bearde