Panther Chameleon Care Guide

Species Info: Panther chameleons are native to Madagascar and are considered by many to be one of the more vibrant species in the pet trade. Males tend to be larger than females. Contrary to popular belief, they largely change color to reflect their mood, and do so via hormone regulation. Chameleons in general tend to get very stressed from constant handling and, while there are exceptions, handling should be done so sparingly. 

Level of Care: Medium-tough. Though a rise in captive breeding has resulted in much healthier stock, chameleons in general require very specific lighting, heat, and humidity, and ideally should kept by people with prior reptile experience. 

Size/Lifespan: Males reach average lengths of 15-20 in. and females tend to be 10-14 in. Males also tend to live longer (5-7 years with good husbandry) than females (3-5 years), being free from the burden of reproduction.  

Space/Temperature/Lighting Requirements: As arboreal (tree-living) animals, height is much more important than length in a chameleon cage. Babies should ideally be housed in a 16x16x20 or 16x16x30 tank to make feeding easier. Bigger is better for adults, but  females require a minimum size of 18x18x36 and males a minimum of 24x24x48. All-screen cages are recommended for any chameleon. Baby/juvenile tanks should have an ambient temperature of 72-78 degrees and a basking spot of 85-90, and adults should have an ambient temp of 75-85 degrees with a basking spot of 90-95. Nighttime temperatures should not fall below 68 degrees. UV lighting is crucial for a healthy chameleon’s overall growth, health and digestion, and they will likely develop metabolic bone disease without it.

Humidity/Water Requirements: Panthers require a minimum tank humidity of 60%, and should spike to 75-80% 2-3 times a day. This can be done via manual or automatic misting. Chameleons don’t tend to recognize standing water as a viable source, so installing a dripper on top of the cage is the easiest way to keep them hydrated. However water should not be allowed to pool at the bottom.                   

Tank Flooring: Unless you have a bioactive setup, loose substrate is not recommended as it tends to make cleaning more difficult and gives feeder insects plenty of hiding spots. However, any female over 6 months should have an egg laying bin with at least 12 in. of washed play sand and/or organic soil. Females can lay infertile eggs and do not require the presence of a male to initiate egg laying behavior.  

Tank Decoration: Live (like umbrella plants) and fake reptile-safe plants can both used, and live plants tend to ease the maintaining of proper humidity. Sufficient leafage will give your chameleon ample spots to hide and keep its stress levels low. Tropical and jungle vines as well as wood like bamboo and grapewood make suitable climbing objects. 

Diet: Panthers are insectivores, and a large variety of feeder insects is always prefered. Gut-loaded crickets and dubia roaches make good staples, with super and hornworms being a good occasional treat. Feeders should be dusted with calcium and multivitamins at least once a week.

Feeding Frequency: Babies and juveniles should be fed once a day as much as they will eat, as adults can be fed every other day. 

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