The world is filled with fascinating creatures, some of which come remarkably close to the mythical dragons of legend. But the question remains: do dragons really exist? Would you believe me if I told you yes?
Join us on a thrilling quest to discover the ten creatures that come closest to the essence of dragons. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey that will leave you spellbound.
10. Axolotl
On our list of dragon-like creatures, the Axolotl takes tenth place. This remarkable creature bears a striking resemblance to the legendary dragons, with many similarities in appearance.
Although it is not a true dragon, the axolotl’s appearance often leads people to mistake it for a dragon’s young. Although its body shape is different from that of a dragon, it shares certain characteristics.
Both have slender bodies and short limbs, creating a sense of kinship. Some axolotls can grow to over 50 cm in length, a size that further reinforces the dragon association. In addition, their pale yellow or tan skin, covered with tiny scales, glistens in the light, reminiscent of dragon scales shimmering in the sun.
Amazingly, axolotls can survive for up to six years without food or water. They prefer to live in dark underground chambers formed by groundwater, creating an aura of mystery around them.
9. Green Tealbellied Lizard
Moving up to number nine, we have the Green Keel-bellied Lizard, also known as the Little Green Dragon. Its bright grass-green back, coupled with a distinct white belly, creates a striking contrast.
Female lizards, in particular, display even more striking shades of green. One of the most distinctive features of these grass lizards is their exaggerated tail, which can reach up to 30 cm in length – two to five times the length of their body.
Because of their long, slender tails and bright green bodies, they are often called little green dragons. Their entire bodies are covered in green scales that shimmer like the scales of a true dragon.
These scales not only enhance their appearance but also aid in their hunting abilities. Their green skin allows them to blend seamlessly into the branches of trees, allowing them to hide effectively and remain undetected by their prey.
Equipped with sharp claws, these lizards have the agility and climbing ability of dragons. Their claws allow for easy movement on branches and through vegetation, demonstrating their finesse and dexterity.
With their slender and sharp claws, these lizards can navigate their surroundings with ease, not unlike the mighty dragons themselves.
8. Skink
Skink Moving on to the eighth spot, we have the Skink, also known as the Little Earth Dragon. Skinks have elongated bodies and limbs, giving them a slender and elegant overall shape.
Skinks typically range from 10 to 20 cm in length, making them relatively small. However, despite their small size, they exhibit a dragon-like momentum in their movements.
Skinks have very dark bodies, flat triangular heads, and slender tails with numerous segments that allow them to shrink their entire body area. This flexibility is reminiscent of the legendary dragon.
Their skin often has a scaly texture, with thin and smooth scales covering their entire body. Its scaly skin and unique crawling behavior make it one of the closest creatures to a dragon in the real world.
The skink’s resemblance to a dragon begs the question: Were ancient depictions of the dragon inspired by creatures like the skink?
7. Crocodile
Seventh on the list is the fearsome crocodile. Often referred to as alligators, these reptiles possess characteristics reminiscent of the legendary dragon and are even known as “pig dragons” in certain circles.
Despite their fearsome reputation, crocodiles are surprisingly docile creatures that do not actively attack humans. With their long, flat bodies, sturdy limbs, and flexible stomachs, they glide effortlessly through the water, exuding a sense of self-importance that complements the legendary image of the dragon.
With their wide mouths and sharp teeth, crocodiles reign as the top predators in their aquatic domain. Known as living fossils, they demonstrate unparalleled dominance in their watery realm.
In addition, crocodiles play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, solidifying their status as an essential link within the ecosystem. As such, these crocodiles stand as guardians reminiscent of the dragons of legend, perpetuating their legacy as powerful and awe-inspiring creatures.
6. Giant Girdled lizard
Sixth on the list is the Giant Girdled Lizard, often called the “Little Earth Dragon.” This lizard-like creature resides in the vast lands of South Africa, where its rarity has earned it the highest conservation status.
Approximately 20 centimeters in length, it has a ferocious appearance, adorned with hard, dark yellow scales that resemble a suit of armor. When the South African Chief proudly raises its head from the sand, it exudes a majestic and dragon-like temperament.
These distinct characteristics have earned the creature the title of Little Earth Dragon, further emphasizing its resemblance to the mythical beasts of lore. Intriguingly, upon dissection, researchers discovered a dinosaur-like skeleton, a finding that caused a stir when it was shared on the Internet.
The Giant Girdled Lizard has another fascinating trait: when faced with danger, it instinctively bites its own tail and curls into a defensive ball.
5. Flying lizard
In the fifth position, we encounter the draco, now known as the flying lizard. These ancient reptiles are among the most dragon-like creatures ever discovered, with a history spanning at least 150 million years.
They were the first vertebrates to evolve wings, allowing them to soar gracefully through the sky. Some archaeologists believe they may have even preceded pterosaurs in this remarkable adaptation.
Despite their small size, with a body length of up to 60 cm, they possess unique wings that allow them to take flight. Flying lizards, though rare, provide a mesmerizing spectacle as they glide effortlessly, reminiscent of their Jurassic counterparts, the pterosaurs.
It has been humorously remarked that they resemble miniature pterosaurs. However, while they share similarities in flight ability and appearance with pterosaurs, there are striking differences in body structure, biological characteristics, and living habits.
The study of flying lizards has shown that their wings were the result of gradual evolution through natural selection. Although they are the closest relatives of pterosaurs, they are distinct entities.
4. African Bush viper
The fourth creature on our list is Atheris hispida, also known as the African bush viper. These venomous snakes belong to the suborder Snakeidae.
African bush vipers have bodies that are usually off-white or dark green, with some specimens exhibiting a light yellow coloration. Specific colors may vary depending on their range.
Their most striking feature, however, is their appearance. Their long bodies are covered with sharp, spiny scales, giving them an armored dragon-like appearance. The scales stick out like fried hair, especially on their heads.
These spiny scales, combined with the dark gray exterior, create an atmosphere of mystery and majesty. When African bush vipers raise their heads high in trees or bushes, they exude a dragon-like aura, seemingly proud of their territory.
This display can leave people feeling awed and in awe. It is often said that snakes practice for thousands of years to achieve their enchanting appearance. The African bush viper will lead us to the next creature as we continue our search for the ten closest creatures to dragons.
3. Javan Dragon Snake
The third creature is actually the Javan Dragon Snake. It belongs to a group of snakes found in Southeast Asia and is known for its dragon-like features, which led to its common name.
The Javan Dragon Snake, also known as the Javan Lightning Snake, typically prefers alpine areas. The snake is relatively small, about 50 cm long, with a thin and elongated body.
Its head and tail are distinct, and its body shape bears some resemblance to that of a dragon. The dragon-like appearance is enhanced by the unique scales on its back.
These scales form three prominent bumps, creating a structure that resembles a spine. This, combined with its dark gray back color, gives the Javan Dragon Snake a dragon-like appearance.
Interestingly, when the Javan Dragon Snake feels threatened or cornered, it uses a special defense mechanism. It becomes stiff and resembles a piece of wood.
This behavior can often mislead observers into thinking the snake is dead. Overall, the Javan Dragon Snake stands out among snakes because of its unique characteristics and its resemblance to a dragon.
2. Iguanas
Marine iguanas are often called the dragons of the sea. These remarkable creatures are unique in their ability to live exclusively in the ocean. While they may appear clumsy on land, their true agility shines through once they are underwater.
Using their powerful dragon-like tails, they swing and swim gracefully through the water. It’s not uncommon to see them basking on the rocks, a behavior unique to the Colon Islands.
Adult males can reach a length of one meter, and in exceptional cases, two meters. Weighing about 12 kg, their bodies are covered with thick scales in a variety of colors, forming a carapace-like appearance that seems indestructible, similar to dragon scales.
One cannot overlook the unique shape of their heads, which are characterized by their impressive size, sharp eyes, and jagged teeth. These features give them an appearance reminiscent of a startled dragon.
Their most amazing feature, however, is their ability to stop their heartbeat when confronted with the presence of sharks. This extraordinary adaptation allows them to avoid detection by their predators.
In a fascinating experiment conducted by scientists, a tiny remote-controlled detector was attached to a marine iguana that was then placed in the ocean. When a danger signal was sent from afar, the iguana’s heart immediately stopped, a pause that could last up to an astonishing 45 minutes.
1. Black Dragonfish
The Black Dragonfish, scientifically known as Idiacanthus atlanticus, is a fascinating and enigmatic deep-sea creature.
With its dark coloration and bioluminescent characteristics, this fish lives up to its name as a “dark hunter”. Equipped with sharp teeth and an elongated jaw, it is a formidable predator capable of swallowing prey larger than itself.
The black dragonfish’s ability to produce red bioluminescent light allows it to navigate and hunt in the dark without alerting other organisms.
Despite the challenges of the deep-sea environment, this species has evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive in its harsh habitat. Scientists continue to explore and study the fascinating biology and behavior of the black dragonfish, shedding light on its role in the complex ecosystem of the deep sea.
It is a fascinating creature that exemplifies the wonders hidden beneath the ocean’s surface. Thank you for joining us on this exploration of the world’s 10 most dragon-like animals