Smithsonian's National Zoo Welcomes Two Weber's Sailfin Lizards

The pair at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo arrived earlier this year from Audubon Zoo in Louisiana, said Matt Evans, assistant curator of reptiles. They haven’t been named, as staff have yet to determine the sex of each.

“It’s not uncommon in the reptile world for immature males and females to look similar.  Within the next 6 months, [staff] will be more confident in our sex determination,” he said.  

Still, the pair have settled in nicely to their new environment.

“They are acclimating quite well on exhibit at the Reptile Discovery Center,” Evans said. “We’ve seen them climbing, basking, running, and even swimming.”

And just under a year old, these juvenile dragons still have some growing to do. Hatchlings emerge without their trademark sails, but the crests become taller and more dramatic with age, making mature individuals look more dragon-like with each passing year.

Native to the Maluku Islands of eastern Indonesia, Weber’s sailfin lizards are typically found in warm, humid environments like rainforests, river edges, and wetlands—never too far from a water source.

Their crests are more than just for show. The shape acts like a built-in paddle, giving the lizards an extra push while using their tails to swim. And on land, the wide surface area of the sail helps expose more skin to the sun’s rays, giving these cold-blooded critters an easy way to warm up after taking a plunge. 

These reptiles are also excellent climbers, but even when they’re hiding in the treetops, they always keep the water in sight: they’ve been known to escape predators by diving from overhanging branches into the water below. Leapin’ lizards!

Interestingly, that dinosaur-like crest isn’t the sailfin lizards’ only curious feature. Like some other reptilian species, sailfin lizards have a ‘pineal’ organ, a light-sensitive photoreceptor on their head. While its precise function is a mystery, researchers think it is connected to a reptiles’ ability to regulate biological rhythms and hormone production through light exposure and temperature, helping the animals maintain sleep cycles and keep their bodies at a stable temperature.  

Another remarkable trait: just like the basilisk lizard, sailfin lizards can sprint across the surface of the water with the aid of their long, flat toes. 

In the wild and in human care, sailfin lizard hatchlings start their lives with a protein-packed diet, hunting for mice, insects, eggs, and even smaller lizards. As they mature, they expand into an omnivorous menu, incorporating more fruits, leaves, and flowers into what they eat. 

Staff at the Reptile Discovery Center replicate that natural menu—but have noticed a few pleasant surprises. 

“We’ve found that these lizards are not picky eaters, even as juveniles.  They do like to hunt live insects such as crickets, waxworms and mealworms, but they’re already eating plenty of finely chopped up greens and fruits,” said Evans.

In their native range, Weber’s sailfin lizards are considered vulnerable. Habitat loss from rising sea levels threatens their island homes, and hunting and collection for the pet trade are placing additional pressure on their populations.

By caring for these unique reptiles, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute helps raise awareness of the challenges faced by this species — and gives visitors the chance to come face-to-face with a real-life “dragon”. (Just leave your suit of armor at home!)

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is committed to conserving threatened and endangered species around the globe. Plan your visit and meet some of the amazing animals we’re working to protect!