Types of pet Chameleons

Carpet chameleons are the most common and plentiful species of chameleon found on Madagascar, which is off the coast of Africa. They live in varied habitats and favor humid areas in the central to southern regions, where most of the native population can be found.

Among the types of chameleons that can be kept as pets, Fischer’s chameleon is a good choice. This species is endemic (unique habitat) to Tanzania. These chameleons need special care, so if you are buying a chameleon for the first time opt for another species.

As with all chameleons, flap-necks will not drink from static water sources. For this reason, the cage should be sprayed once a day. Care should be taken to avoid creating pools of stagnant water which can lead to the onset of fungal growth and be detrimental to the chameleons health.

Four-horned chameleons can sport as few as one horn and as many as six or more in the wild and in captivity. The horns can break off. The high dorsal crest, or sail fin, travels along the back and part of the tail.

Size: Jackson's chameleons range in size from about 9 to 13 inches in length (including the tail). Males tend to be larger than females. Jackson's Chameleon Behavior and Temperament. Jackson's chameleons are territorial and should be housed individually.

Giant Madagascar Chameleons (Oustalets Chameleon) are very large. The majority of its size is in length, and reports up to 70 cm are almost common. The prehensile tail can grow up to 1.5 times the body’s length, and the tongue can be as long as both combined.

The Meller’s chameleon (Trioceros melleri) is a large and striking chameleon found in the mountainous areas of eastern Africa in the countries of Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi. Growing to an adult length of 2 feet or more, it is instantly recognizable by not only its large size but also the bright yellow and green coloring, scalloped dorsal keel, large occipital lobes and a single rostral horn.

Panther chameleons, like most other species of chameleon, is territorial; if two males are housed together in captivity, they change color and sometimes attack each other. In the wild, this is part of the ritual of males choosing female mates.

Panther Chameleons, Veiled Chameleons, and Jackson’s Chameleons are the most widespread species that kept as pets. Chameleons are solitary animals and they shouldn’t be kept with other pets. It is a very bad idea to keep two male chameleons together as they will fight and injure each other.