A bearded dragon's tongue is typically a healthy pink to reddish colour, and persistent unusual colouration can be worth mentioning at a vet check alongside other symptoms
Occasional debris or minor colour variation from a recent meal is normal, but a consistently pale, discoloured, or swollen-looking tongue and mouth area is a reasonable prompt for closer inspection.
See the full facts guide, or browse all 467 info pages.
Unlike many popular pet reptiles, bearded dragons are fully day-active baskers native to the arid interior of Australia.
The dark, puffed-out throat that gives this species its name can signal several different things: feeling threatened, asserting dominance over another dragon, stress from handling, or simple excitement around feeding time.
The slow, circular wave of a front leg is a bearded dragon's way of signalling submission or acknowledgement — often seen when a smaller or younger dragon is near a larger one, or simply as a response to seeing another dragon (including a reflection).
A fast, sharp head bob is typically a dominance display, most often from males, sometimes directed at a reflection or another dragon.
Adult bearded dragons often slow down, eat less, and sleep more for weeks to a couple of months, typically in the cooler months, even in a climate-controlled indoor enclosure.
Darkening — especially on the beard and belly — helps absorb more heat during basking and can also signal stress or agitation.