The pygmy chameleon is a small lizard-that grows to be around 5 inches (ca. 13 cm) in length. Babies are tiny, as small as a fingernail. These are a great choice for experienced chameleon keepers, however, their small size and limited space requirements make them a popular pet among novas reptile enthusiasts.
Related: Chameleon size comparison guide
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to take care of a pygmy chameleon. We’ll talk about their diet and habitat requirements, as well as how to get them set up in your home. Then we’ll dive into how to spot common health problems, such as parasites and dehydration.
Pygmy chameleon general information
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Around 5 inches (ca. 13 cm) in length |
| Recommended keepers | Experienced chameleon keepers |
| Native region | Parts of East Africa, specifically Madagascar and Tanzania |
| Habitat | Ground-dwelling |
| Lifespan | 2-5 years |
The pygmy chameleon in the wild
Pygmy chameleons are native to parts of East Africa, specifically in the countries of Madagascar and Tanzania. They are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, grasslands, and savannas.
Pygmy chameleon appearance
Pygmy chameleons are popularly welcomed as pets and come in three distinct species: bearded, spectral, and pitted. All three are ground dwelling species. Their natural coloration ranges from green to brown to gray—an ideal camouflage for their native habitats! All pygmies sport a “beard” of scales above the chin that easily sets them apart. Pitted pygmies however stand out with their extra-large size resembling a leaf shape along with intricate patterns varying between shades of brown & gray.
Bearded Pygmy Chameleons
Bearded Pygmy Chameleons are quite the sight to behold, with their distinctive 8 cm-long body and scaly throat with two chin lobes. Not only do they have an amazing ability to change color when under stress or trying to attract a mate—displaying various hues such as brown, yellow, green, and orange; they can also play dead and mimic a dead leaf in order to protect themselves from predators who might be lurking around.
Spectrum Pygmy Chameleons/Spectral Pygmy Chameleons
With their prehensile tails and remarkable ability to change color from somber shades of gray or tan to a stunning array of streaks and blotches, these creatures can easily blend into the forested areas they inhabit. Despite their size though, males may be distinguished by wider tail bases – like other larger chameleon species sporting independently rotating eye sockets as well as opposable digits on both front and back feet!
Pitted Pygmy Chameleons
The Usambara Pitted Pygmy Chameleon, scientifically identified as Rhampholeontemporalis, can be found in Tanzania and display shades of brown, grey and green. These reptiles are generally seen scampering around amid the grasses or leaf litter at ground level close to bushes.
Lifespan: How long does a pygmy chameleon live?
The lifespan of a pygmy chameleon can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the species of pygmy chameleon, the conditions in which it is kept, and its overall health. In general, pygmy chameleons are considered to be short-lived reptiles, with lifespans that range from 2-5 years.
However, it is possible for some individuals to live longer if they are well-cared for and kept in suitable conditions. To ensure that your pygmy chameleon has the best possible chance of living a long, healthy life, it is important to provide it with a suitable habitat, a healthy diet, and proper care.
Pygmy chameleon care: building a good habitat
Pygmy chameleons are great for those with a limited living space who still want to keep exotic pets! They need warm, humid environments so can be easily replicated at home. Though small in size, they require an enclosure that replicates their natural habitat and facilitates good health – creating the perfect spot in your house for these scaly friends to thrive.
Here are all the basics when it comes to building a cozy home for your pygmy chameleon
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Tank size | 5-gallon glass tank |
| Preferred size | Horizontal – 6 inches long by 8 inches wide with 10 inches height |
| UVB light | Yes |
| Humidity levels | Between 60-75% |
| Temperature range | Between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 – 27 Celsius) |
| Substrate | Coconut fiber, 2-4 inches deep |
| Live plants | Weeping Fig, Rubber Tree, Golden Pothos, Yucca, Dracaena Compacta, Hibiscus, Bromeliads, Jade Plant |
Enclosure size
Pygmy chameleons need their own space to feel truly “at home”, so make sure you prepare a suitable terrarium for your scaled pals.
A single little lizard can be quite comfy in five gallons, but when housing more than one it’s best to add on another five gallons of space per reptile – they’ll appreciate having plenty of room. As this species typically inhabits near the ground in its native habitat, these lizards aren’t much into climbing and would rather have loads of horizontal area available within their enclosure. If possible, aim for dimensions that measure 16 inches long by 8 inches wide with 10 inches height-wise – now we’re talking cozy!
Chameleons require a lot of UV light to keep them healthy
UV light is important for chameleons, who need it to synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium. You can provide UVB rays by using a special type of UVB bulb. Ideally, they should receive 12 hours of natural light per day to mimic the natural light cycle.
Humidity
Chameleons need their enclosures kept at a certain humidity level and temperature. Humidity levels should be between 60-75% while temperatures should be between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 – 27 Celsius).
You should also be sure to offer your chameleon a shallow dish of water at least once a day. If you are going on vacation, it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member care for your chameleon while you’re away so that they will have access to water.
Chameleons are prone to dehydration because their bodies don’t sweat like ours do, which means they can easily become dehydrated if they don’t get enough fluids from their food and the environment around them (such as humidity). So make sure you offer them plenty of fresh drinking water at all times!
Heating
Chameleons are cold blooded so they can’t regulate their body temperature like humans do; instead they rely on heat sources such as lights and incandescent bulbs during the day (higher temperatures) while they sleep at night (lower temperatures).
To ensure the wellbeing of a pygmy chameleon, it is essential to create an environment that closely resembles its natural habitat. The temperature should be kept between 75-80°F for optimal health and growth; temperatures above 80°F can prove fatal while those below 65 will cause severe harm if sustained over time.
The best way to provide this temperature is by using a heat lamp or a ceramic heat emitter.
Substrate
When choosing a substrate for your pygmy chameleon, look for something that will resemble a forest floor.
Coconut fiber substrate is a great option, as it helps hold in moisture while providing cushioning for their little feet – layer 2-4 inches deep. To give them security (and have something fun to climb on), be sure add some plants into your pet’s habitat – but don’t forget giving these live or artificial ones a good scrub before putting them inside.
Live plants
Live plants are a must for the chameleon enclosure. These plants will provide cover for your chameleon, but they also help keep humidity levels high and maintain temperature stability.
Some chameleon friendly plant are:
- Weeping Fig.
- Rubber Tree.
- Golden Pothos.
- Yucca.
- Dracaena Compacta.
- Hibiscus.
- Bromeliads.
- Jade Plant.
Keeping your chameleon’s enclosure clean
Keeping your chameleon’s home spick and span is important for their health. During daily misting, it is best to avoid spraying the glass walls of the terrarium in order not to leave water trails.
Doing a deep clean every 6 months will keep things fresh; replace substrate completely and remove decorations before cleaning with either an intense 30-minute boil or putting them through the dishwasher (or both!).
When you are ready, take care when grabbing hold of your pygmy pal – make sure they don’t escape by placing them inside something tall enough so they can stay safe until after cleaning time has passed.
Handling a pygmy chameleon
Pygmy chameleons make excellent pets, thanks to their friendly and docile nature. Though they’re fun to handle and love attention, it’s important not go overboard with contact; especially when the little guy is new in town!
Give them a couple of weeks before picking up your pet for playtime – just like us humans need time to adjust after moving anywhere new.
Lastly, remember that if you do decide to give your pygmy some extra cuddles then be extremely gentle – plus always hold the reptile above a soft surface as an added safety measure in case it gets scaredy-catty on you. Regular inspections are also advisable every two or three weeks so you can check for any signs of disease too.
Always wash your hands after handling
Chameleons can carry salmonella bacteria, which is why it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling a chameleon.
What to feed a pygmy chameleon
Pygmy chameleons have a diet primarily made up of small live insects like crickets (pinhead crickets), house flies, flightless fruit flies and baby silkworms.
To ensure healthy nutrition for your little reptile friend it’s important to provide them with the appropriate size food as well dusting the insects with vitamin or calcium powder.
Feed your pygmy chameleon in the morning, as this gives it plenty of time for proper digestion.
Fortunately Pygmy chameleon owners don’t need to worry about providing an additional water bowl in their enclosure; they simply drink from any remaining moisture on plants and walls after misting!
Health conditions
Keeping your pygmy chameleon companion healthy and happy is crucial, so it’s important to be mindful of any signs of disease.
Be on the lookout for mouth sores due to bacterial infections as well as scratches from nocturnal prey bites which can quickly become infected.
Other possible symptoms that you should watch out for include lethargy, strange skin pigmentation changes, irregular breathing patterns or a lack in appetite – all these are strong indicators that medical attention may be needed!
If this is the case with your furry friend then don’t hesitate to take them straight away to an experienced vet specialized in exotic pets who will know exactly how best handle their needs.
Breeding pygmy chameleons
Pygmy chameleons are quite easy to breed in captivity.
All it takes is making sure their enclosure mimics their natural habitat – think accurate temperature and humidity levels with plenty of nutritious food to keep them healthy.
Male pygmies don’t tend to show any courting behaviors so breeders just need to be aware that when the female grows larger she’s ready. Gently remove her eggs before placing them into an incubator at 70-75°F where they’ll hatch between 45-90 days later.
Once hatched, transfer your new little friends gently over into a smaller home as babies are very delicate creatures after all!
Where to buy pygmy chameleons?
Pygmy chameleons may be hard to find for sale in pet stores across the US, so if you’re looking for one of these awesome little lizards as a new family pet, your best bet is to search out an experienced breeder.
That way you know that your pygmy will arrive healthy and happy! Prices can vary depending on variety – most common types like bearded pygmies are available from $25-50 while rarer species could cost up to double that.
Don’t forget though – always try and see them first before buying online; photos don’t give any information about their health status after all.
Be aware of wild caught chameleons – they may carry diseases and can often display aggressive behavior.
FAQ
How long does a pygmy chameleon live?
Unfortunately, however, they are not known for having particularly long lifespans—2 to 5 years on average—depending on factors such as the species of pygmy chameleon in question and its healthiness when kept under proper conditions.
Do pygmy chameleons change color?
While pygmy chameleons are often more muted in color than their larger relatives, they still possess the ability to alter shades of brown and various patterns. So while you may not see bright rainbow-like hues on these little critters, don’t be fooled; they have adapted a sophisticated camouflage for blending into their surroundings!
Do pygmy chameleons like to be held?
Pygmy chameleons are known to be friendly and docile, making them excellent pets for those looking for a low-maintenance companion. While they can certainly handle some gentle handling with care, too much touching can prove overwhelming—so it’s best to err on the side of caution if you want your pet pygmy chameleon living happily!