Aguero's false chameleon (Chamaeleolis agueroi)

Short answers

Aguero's false chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

At least 45×45×90 cm (tall format) for a single animal; bigger is markedly better.

Aguero's false chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot Basking spot around 32 °C, at night 17–22 °C.

Aguero's false chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Yes, required: UV index 2.0–3.0 at the basking spot, about 12 hours a day.

Aguero's false chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: ~8–10 years.

Aguero's false chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

17–22 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot around 32 °C

Humidity

70–90 % (humid)

UVB

Yes, required: UV index 2.0–3.0 at the basking spot, about 12 hours a day

Enclosure

Minimum size

at least 45×45×90 cm (tall format) for a single animal; bigger is markedly better

Substrate

Damp sphagnum moss or forest floor

Feeding

Food

A snail specialist (pesticide-free land snails) plus crickets

Feeding interval

snails 2×/week, insects weekly

Key facts

Adult size

Up to ~30 cm total length (SVL up to ~18 cm)

Life expectancy

~8–10 years

Origin

Cuba, endemic to the Meseta de Cabo Cruz in Granma Province in the southeast of the island; forested habitats

Protection status

Protected: CITES Appendix III, EU Annex C - proof of origin required at purchase and resale.

Brumation

A slight rest period is possible

Cohabitation

Single housing. Both care guides explicitly advise against keeping several animals in one enclosure, because it leads to aggression and injuries. A pair is put together at most temporarily and under supervision for mating, then separated again afterwards. Males must additionally be kept out of sight of one another.

Notes

A specialised snail eater — pesticide-free snails are essential. Constant hydration via a drip or misting system matters.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Aguero's false chameleon (Chamaeleolis agueroi) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Bearded false chameleon (Chamaeleolis barbatus) – Intermediate
• Cuban false chameleon (Chamaeleolis chamaeleonides) – Expert
• Guamuhaya false chameleon (Chamaeleolis guamuhaya) – Expert
• Western bearded anole (Chamaeleolis porcus) – Intermediate
• Ghost anole (Anolis lemurinus) – Intermediate
• Ahl's anole (Anolis ahli) – Intermediate
• Aliniger anole (Anolis aliniger) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Allogus anole (Anolis allogus) – Beginner with some knowledge

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Aguero's false chameleon (Chamaeleolis agueroi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (at least 45×45×90 cm (tall format) for a single animal; bigger is markedly better), substrate (Damp sphagnum moss or forest floor), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.