Philippine Sailfin Lizard
Hydrosaurus pustulatus
Also known as Philippine Sail Finned Lizard
- Where to see one
- 5 U.S. zoos in our directory hold philippine sailfin lizard, confirmed against each zoo's own animal list.
Conservation status
Not Evaluated
This species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List, so it sits outside the threat scale entirely.
About the philippine sailfin lizard
The Philippine sailfin lizard is a large semi-aquatic agamid lizard found on all the major island groups of the Philippines except Palawan. It lives in heavily vegetated areas near coasts and low-lying rivers, particularly mangrove forests, as well as riverbanks and rice fields. Males grow to 3 to 4 feet (91-120 cm) long and are larger than females. The sail-like crest running from the base of the tail to the lower back is thought to help with swimming, territorial displays and regulating heat. It swims strongly, using a flattened tail and flattened, fringed toes, and can hold its breath for up to 15 minutes. Juveniles can run briefly across water, a skill lost as they gain weight.
Philippine Sailfin Lizard facts
- Juveniles can run briefly across the water surface, similar to basilisks.
- It can hold its breath for up to 15 minutes.
- Local names include layagan and balubid in Tagalog and ibid in the Visayan languages.
- A 2014 genetic study found six distinct genetic clusters within the species.
Where to see philippine sailfin lizard in the U.S.
5 zoos across 5 states
Find the closest one
Rank the 5 zoos holding philippine sailfin lizard by how far they are from you. Your location is used in your browser to sort this list and is never sent to us.
Kentucky· 1
New York· 1
Oklahoma· 1
Oregon· 1
Washington· 1
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Built from each zoo's own published animal list.
