Types of Chameleons You Can Keep as Pets

More than 150 species of chameleons, a specialized branch of the lizard family, exist in the wild. Chameleons have unique stereoscopic eyes that can move independently from one another. They come in a range of colors and live in a variety of climates, from tropical to dry. Not all chameleons make good pets; those who do require owners experienced in herpetology. Among the 150 species, only a few are good choices for domestic pets in the United States -- partly because of their ease of care and partly because of their ready availability.

  1. Veiled Chameleon

    • Veiled chameleons will eat fruit and blossoms when hungry.

      Found in the mountainous regions of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the veiled chameleon is also known as the Yemen chameleon. The species is commonly light green but can vary from red-olive to blue. A breeding female is dark green with blue and yellow spots. The veiled chameleon changes color based on stress levels; a severely stressed veiled chameleon displays intense colors such as vivid yellow or black. This omnivore also changes color to match surroundings, which aids in hunting insects. Veiled chameleons make hardy pets and are good choices for first-time chameleon owners.

    Meller's Chameleon

    • The Meller's chameleon sports a small horn on its snout.

      The Meller's chameleon is one of the most common pet chameleons in the United States but is better suited for experienced owners, given his size and habitat needs. Also known as the giant one-horned chameleon, the average Meller's chameleon is around 2 feet in length; some reach 2 1/2 feet. The base tone of the Meller's chameleon is dark green, but this can change due to stress and surroundings. The Meller's is also striped and dotted in white coloring. When he's being fed or handled, he displays dark green or black spots. Meller's chameleons are obligate carnivores who feast on insects, worms and smaller lizards.

    Jackson's Chameleon

    • Jackson's chameleons have been introduced to Hawaii.

      The male Jackson's chameleon of eastern Africa is easily recognizable by the three horns on his head; females have no horns. Preferring cooler mountainous regions, the Jackson's chameleon requires a lot of humidity. Unlike other chameleons, the female Jackson's chameleon give birth to live offspring after a six-month gestation. The Jackson's is bright green, but temperature, mood and health issues can cause shade changes. This small chameleon reaches a foot at the longest and is considered more docile than other pet chameleons, making the species an excellent choice for less-experienced chameleon owners.

    Panther Chameleon

    • Ultraviolet light is on the visible spectrum for chameleons.

      Endemic to Madagascar, the panther chameleon is a territorial and aggressive lizard who spends the majority of his life in isolation. Sexually dimorphic, the male panther chameleon is more vividly colored than the female. When two panther chameleon males meet each other, they will inflate themselves to appear larger and will rapidly change colors. In some cases this show of dominance will escalate to physical confrontation but usually will end with one chameleon backing down, reverting to duller coloring. House the pet panther chameleon individually, with plenty of personal space. A unique chameleon that requires experienced care, the panther chameleon is more difficult than others, but not impossible, to manage.