Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,
I hope all is well with both of you, and that you both had a great Easter. Mine was nice and quiet. Anyway, I went back and grabbed the last grandis form the store. I actually got it for $20 instead of $30 because it wouldn't open its eyes. Tried to fly off and bite like a you know what, but just wouldn't open them. After convincing the clerk that I could probably handle it, (I have rescued more sick Acanthoasura than I care to remember) he sold it to me. It looks really great, but its eyes are a little sunken.

I an convinced that the eye issue was a result of lack of humidity, the cage looked a little dry. This is usually a great herp store, so they were concerned about the animal not the money when I asked about it. Nice for a change. Anyway, The clerk put drops in each eye and it was off with me! I soaked it in the shower for 30min upon arriving home, this seemed to really work wonders for the eyes, they opened and have stayed so since. I think it will be fine, it is the meanest little son-of-a-b**ch (excuse me) you ever met though. Really really aggressive. Like a tokay gecko almost.

I had it out with the female, side to side for a comparison of their heads, and it kept lunging, not gaping its mouth only, actually lunging at her. I reall ymean it, I have yet to come across a more violent little lizard.

That brings me to my next issue. I cannot, for the life of me, tell its sex. On one side it looks female, on the other, male! I will post pics as soon as I can, I sure hope you all can help with that. I am dumbfounded.

I have decided not to go with the other Gonos, as these seem to be growing at an alarming rate. I saw one of the males out a few days ago and was stunned at how much he had grown. I thought I was imagining it! So these guys will go in the huge tank that was for the others. I will also sell off 1 possibly 2 males, if the new one turns out to be a male. As soon as they are a little bigger and a little more acclimated. I would like to get them big and healthy and worthy of a "LTC" label before I sell them. I really don't want to though, the are absolutely gorgeous lizards! I am planning to move them into my large tank just as soon as I can get some pieces of wood big enough for it. Hopefully before week's end?

As I've said, they are doing wonderfully well, and are really beautiful animals. Thanks for all your help the two of you! I really am indebted!

Regards,
Robert

Hello Bob:
I am so glad that things are working out for your Gono's and I can't see that they will drop off either. If set up correctly these lizards will do really well and become worthy enough to carry the name "Dragon."
I'm sure the one left in the store was slowly dehydrating. Even though they may be a good reptile store they may have had no clue as to how much humidity these guys need in order to "survive" let alone thrive. A large water dish alone will not do it.
I also think you have really legitimised this forum though there are lots of similar examples over the various forums kingsnake has to offer. You came in asking questions about an animal that little is really known about it's care under contolled conditions. You followed the advice of people who have been in the trenches with these animals and you and your animals came out the winners. I really feel we have some of the most experienced people that deal with various Forest dragons in terms of terrarium care of any forum out there. This is the place to be for all experiences with "Tropical Dragons." Just remember this also includes Calotes, Lophognathus, Hydrosaurus, Japalura And a host of others. If any of you out there have any of these species let us know what you're doing with them.
And also... Don't forget to jot down notes about food, behaviour, activity, breeding, whatever. You may make an observation of something that nobody else has ever seen.
Bob, Have a Great Day!!!

Hi there!
Good to hear from you! Yes they are all doing well, the newestone is a little skinny, and is definitely a little dehydrated, but I think it'll turn around. The biggest male is such a beautiful animal. Ah, I love them!

The store is quite good, but the didn't have the substrate moist enough. Even the clerk noticed that. I have been giving him a little water orally each day, and he seems to lap it up wothout hesitation. He's got a huge water bowl and same set up as the others, so he should do OK given time.

I agree, these forums are defintely the best place for actual correct nfo on these critters. There are just so many lizards lumped into the "tree dragon" category that it is almost hard to not get dizzy! So I think you are right on the money as far as great up-to-date info goes! Thanks for checking in, and take care!

Until I have something else to report,
Robert