One of the most interesting lizards, if not animals on the planet, is the chameleon. Today we'll discuss types of Chameleons.
Chameleons are such unique creatures that if you try to describe them to someone who has never seen one before, they’ll think you’re lying.
This species of lizard has a tongue twice as long as its body and eyes that can revolve around it. It is also capable of changing the color of its skin. In addition, many varieties of chameleon actually make great pets.
A pet chameleon has beautiful colors, interesting behavior, and is an amazing lizard. If you’re considering getting a chameleon as a pet, you can choose from many different kinds of them. Iconic reptiles like these are a joy to own, so it’s not surprising that they’re so popular!
Although many species are available, you might not know which one is best for you since there are so many. Some kinds of chameleon might be more appealing than others.
Let's talk about chameleons and how they look. We then share the best pets, as well as how to choose one.
CONTENTS IN THIS ARTICLE
Types of Chameleons
Veiled Chameleon
Meller’s Chameleon
Panther Chameleon
Four-Horned Chameleon
Oustalet’s Chameleon
Carpet Chameleon
Senegal Chameleon
Jackson’s Chameleon
Fischer’s Chameleon
Flap-Necked Chameleon
Pygmy Chameleon
Parson’s Chameleon
Cuban False Chameleon
Ambilobe Panther Chameleon
Finally, we conclude.
Types of Chameleons
The chameleon is a beautiful and colorful lizard found only in trees. It is estimated that there are over 200 species of chameleons belonging to a family known as Chamaeleonidae.
In addition to the Brookesiinae subfamily, pygmy chameleons belong to this family.
A chameleon is one of the most interesting, unique, and entertaining animals in the world. Every chameleon shares unique features such as prehensile tails, vivid colors, and unique hunting techniques.
There are different types of chameleons, and some types are definitely less enjoyable to keep as pets.
A beginner pet chameleon, for example, would be a small and brightly colored species. These three costumes are great choices: The Veiled, Flap-Necked, and Jackson's Chameleon. One of the many Pygmy kids is an excellent choice if you want to keep a very small pet safely in a glass terrarium.
In that case, you might consider the Meller or Four-Horned, if you are a reptile keeper with a lot of experience.
You may also want a colorful, eye-catching lizard such as a Panther Chameleon, which comes in a variety of colors.
Veiled Chameleon
One of the most popular species of reptiles in the trade is the Veiled Chameleon and they make a great pet for beginners. They are easy to care for and offer beautiful coloration, in large part.
The body usually has bands of yellow, green, and brown. However, these lizards can change colors in a fraction of a second like most chameleon species. They seem to be quite stunning when they do!
Generally, Veiled Chameleons are easy to care for. They have a good range of temperature tolerance and thermoregulate when necessary.
The species also needs a constant humidity level of at least 50 percent at all times. Thankfully, that’s easy to meet with regular misting.
In contrast to what is commonly believed, Veiled Chameleons don’t appreciate being handled. When handled excessively, they can become stressed out.
Chameleons of this type prefer to live alone. In a good environment, these chameleons are calm and calm. However, when they are with others, aggressive behaviors may emerge!
Meller’s Chameleon
A beautiful reptile that can be tricky to care for, the Meller's Chameleon hails from the mountainous region of East Africa. Mellers destined for the pet market are generally wild imports. Reptiles like this lizard can take a while to get used to living in captivity, presenting a challenge to first-time and novice reptile owners.
Meller's Chameleons will show their comfort level by changing the color of their skin. They take on bright yellow and green colors when happy and healthy. But when threatened or anxious, they will dull their color or develop black spots.
This species of chameleon has a couple of other notable physical features. For one, they are quite large. As adults, they can reach lengths of up to two feet. Also, they have a signature scalloped ridge on their backs and a single rostral horn on their heads.
Tip from the experts.
This is the species to consider if you're an experienced pet owner looking to try something new. This chameleon looks quite different from most others, which makes them quite interesting to observe.
Panther Chameleon
Panther Chameleons are colorful creatures capable of taking on an array of vibrant colors. These lizards use color to communicate with each other and insulate one another from radiant heat. You will see the trees take on hues of turquoise, red, green, and more.
The males are generally more colorful than the females. Female Panther Chameleons occasionally alternate between gorgeous shades of pink and high-contrast shades of red or black. In most cases, the color changes in females are determined by their receptivity to breeding.
It is evident that males are bigger than females, too. Females usually stop growing after 12 inches, while males can reach lengths of up to 20 inches.
The Panther Chameleon is a solitary animal. They prefer to live alone in order to avoid being harmed by others.
Chameleons like this species aren’t too eager to be handled either. Although not particularly aggressive, excessive handling could lead to unnecessary stress.
Four-Horned Chameleon
The Four-Horned Chameleon doesn’t always have four horns on its skull, despite its name. There are some which sport a single horn or as many as six! Horns are the most distinguishing feature of this species.
Compared to other types of chameleons in the trade, this one is much more muted in color. Reds and yellows tend to be more natural tones.
Their patterns of scale are more varied as well. You'll see some purple, orange, or blue accents, but the rest is inhumanely natural-looking for easy camouflage.
Four-Horned Chameleons are more suitable to reptile enthusiasts with some experience. The reason for this is the species' strict demands.
They require warm and moist environments like their native habitats in Cameroon. The way you live with them must be perfect for them, so they will not tolerate huge deviations.
Oustalet’s Chameleon
The Oustalet's Chameleon is one of the largest species available. Maximum lengths for males can reach about 27 inches! Even though females aren't that big, even inexperienced owners will still have difficulty keeping them under control.
In addition to their size, Oustalet's Chameleons require challenging environments. Not only do they require large enclosures, but they also require a lot of humidity.
Humidity levels should be at least 70% for this type of chameleon. Because they come from the humid forests of Madagascar, their preferences are understandable.
Most owners shower their chameleons every week for an hour with warm water. It will help keep the lizard hydrated. But it doesn’t make up for the lack of humidity in their enclosure.
These lizards require a well-planted enclosure with plenty of moisture-absorbing substrates. It's important to mist the leaves regularly and keep the temperature relatively warm, too.
Carpet Chameleon
Carpet Chameleons are named for the color markings all over their bodies. There can be spots, stripes, and circles on all specimens.
Females with pregnancies don't have as many beautiful markings, but they tend to be more intense. Sometimes a female's body can have such intricacies when it comes to design that she resembles an Oriental carpet!
Males are generally less ornate than females, which is unusual for animals. Because of this, many owners prefer keeping females rather than males.
In general, males will be green, white, and yellow. Black marks might also be seen from time to time.
It is a smaller chameleon species. Most achieve adult lengths between six and ten inches. Carpet Chameleons do not require a massive enclosure because of their small size.
Still, they need a lot of decorations. This species is native to Madagascar.
A rainforest filled with lush vegetation is typically where you’ll find them. Although they can also come from mountain and desert regions, captive Carpet Chameleons tend to prefer an environment similar to a forest.
The pet chameleon has a very textured appearance that is best appreciated in person!
Senegal Chameleon
The Senegal Chameleon is a species of reptile native to West Africa, not a species you’ll find in lush rainforests. These lizards come from dry savannas, so they're used to more sunlight and grassy environments.
In captivity, a similarly decorated enclosure is essential. For these lizards, vertical climbing space, proper air circulation, and humidity are essential. A Senegal Chameleon stays hydrated by drinking from wet leaves and making use of the moisture in the air. It is important to have a system that mists or drips properly.
A Senegal Chameleon is a smaller size. It reaches a maximum length of about eight inches.
In contrast to other species, Senegals usually don’t have any horns. They don’t have a sizable crown, but they do possess some other chameleon-like features. The long tongue, joined toes, and conical eyes are among these characteristics.
The color of Senegal Chameleons can differ quite a bit. Most have subtle green hues with bands and spots. A gray or blue tint may appear on some.
Jackson’s Chameleon
Another species with a distinct look is Jackson’s Chameleon. The most identifying feature of this animal is its horns.
A male specimen has three horns on his face. A smaller horn sits on the nose while two large horns are situated below the eyes.
This chameleon also has thick spines that run all the way down its back.
At birth, these lizards take on a brown color. It takes only a few months for them to develop a distinctive green hue. The males appear more colorful than the females do.
There can be splashes of blue and yellow, but green is its primary color. These colors are most commonly seen around the face.
It is no surprise that Jackson's Chameleons are very territorial. The animals should be housed separately to prevent aggressive behavior and fighting. They do not like to be handled.
When you have set up their new enclosure, you should only handle them when you need to clean the enclosure. It is important that you still avoid undue strain and be gentle when handling the situation.
Fischer’s Chameleon
Scientists are still learning about Fischer’s Chameleon, a species that has been around since the dinosaurs. The pet trade often carries chameleons that are mislabeled by Fischer’s or subspecies of Fischers. Although true Fischer’s Chameleons tend to be quite rare,
It is easy to recognize this species by its color pattern and face. This lizard takes on a deep green hue. The spines of their backs are lined with soft spikes, and they have tall, rounded backs.
The base color is accompanied by vertical white stripes. You might also notice some light blue patches.
Fischer’s Chameleons have a distinctive horn on their face. Because of its texture, the horn is referred to by many as a tubercle. This horn has bumpy scales covering it. It's very similar to the texture of tree bark.
Fischer’s Chameleons are one of the smallest chameleon species at around 11 inches at the most.
Flap-Necked Chameleon
It is one of the easiest chameleon species to keep in captivity. The Flap-Neck Chameleon can cope with a variety of environmental conditions. Their preferred temperatures are in the upper 70s and relatively moderate humidity levels. These lizards will stay healthy as long as you stay within the accepted ranges.
It is possible to find several subspecies of the Flap-Neck. Generally, they are going to be shorter than one foot in length. Therefore, they’re very manageable in terms of enclosure sizes.
Most chameleons love vertical climbing space, just like a good chameleon should. It likes moist substrates and lots of vegetation as well.
They are found in tropical climates in South Africa. Coloration may vary greatly among the subspecies. However, the majority are going to have a bright green base color. Some subspecies will have black and white markings while others will have solid colors.
Pygmy Chameleon
Pygmy chameleons are one of the most unique chameleon species available. Based on their name, you may be able to guess they are very small. A maximum length of 3.5 inches is the maximum for an adult. They can fit in your palm!
Coloration is fairly muted in this species. Pygmies blend in better with forest floors than other species because of their lighter shades of green and yellow. Their bodies are mostly coated in shades of brown. During courtship, brighter hues are usually seen, but brown is the norm.
One of the interesting things about Pygmy Chameleons is that you can keep them in a group. But, you need to plan accordingly. They'll tolerate some company. You should not keep more than one male in a single enclosure. Otherwise, territorial behavior will emerge.
Parson’s Chameleon
There are some giants in the world of chameleons including the Parson’s Chameleon (Calumma parsoni).
The largest individuals of this species can grow up to 70cm in length, making them larger than any other Chameleon. Some individuals may require a large reptile enclosure due to their giant size. Besides that, caring for parson's Chameleons is very similar to caring for other reptiles.
Parsons is not immediately distinctive in its characteristics. Instead, these pet lizards have amazing colors.
The colors and patterns are extremely varied in this species. They are combinations of green, blue, white, yellow, and brown. On the sides, they have large, dark diagonal stripes. Some individuals are almost completely white with green stripes!
They are popular species because of their bright colors, but unfortunately, they cost a lot.
Most Parsons can sell for upwards of $1,000. This is due partly to their color and partly to the fact that they take far longer to breed than most acrobats do. Most eggs take about 18 months to hatch after being laid!
Cuban False
The Cuban False is actually a species of lizard belonging to a group known as Anoles, which are a subgroup of the family Dactyloidae.
Although they belong to an entirely different family, the Cuban False does have several similarities with Chameleons. Cuban False Lizards have a casque on their heads. They also can move their eyes independently, and the two species will usually entertain each other with this.
Contrary to most chameleons, Cuban False chameleons are usually an off-white to light-gray color. They do not possess vivid colors as Chameleons do.
No matter what color they are, they are very unique pet lizards.
Many species above are likewise much cheaper than Cuban False Anoles.
Ambilobe Panther
Among several Panther subspecies, Ambilobe Panthers are among the smaller species.
Panther Chameleon subspecies are the most popular type of Chameleon. They are thought to have some of the most beautiful colorations of any Chameleon. They also have all of the qualities that make Panther so popular: easy-care, large size, and easy handling.
Ambilobe species normally have exceptionally vivid colors. These lizards are normally combinations of red, green, blue, yellow, orange, and white.
Contrary to many chameleons, Ambilobes are considered one of the most docile species. A few males will climb on their keeper’s hands while their enclosure is being cleaned.
Due to all of these positive qualities, the Ambilobe is an expensive pet. An adult can cost $300 or more depending on its size and color.
Finally, we conclude.
The best types of chameleons you can keep as pets have been compiled in this list. We had great fun putting it together!
It’s no wonder that these reptiles are so popular. Their cool look, calming temperament, and overall ease of care make them a no-brainer for both experienced and beginner owners.
