Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis)

Short answers

Panther chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 100×60×120 cm for one animal; a pair needs two separate enclosures without visual contact, put together only briefly for mating.

Panther chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–29 °C, basking spot 32–34 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Panther chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential.

Panther chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–7 years.

Panther chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–29 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

32–34 °C

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

Essential

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 100×60×120 cm for one animal; a pair needs two separate enclosures without visual contact, put together only briefly for mating

Substrate

Planted, well ventilated

Feeding

Food

Insects

Feeding interval

juveniles daily, adults every other day

Key facts

Adult size

40–52 cm (males)

Life expectancy

5–7 years

Origin

Madagascar

Protection status

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

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep them strictly singly. Chameleons are pronounced loners — even the mere sight of another of their kind means constant stress, visible in dark colouring and refusal to feed. So screen neighbouring enclosures from each other as well.

Notes

Higher humidity than the veiled chameleon, with a rain or misting system. Very richly coloured.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Angel's chameleon (Furcifer angeli) – Expert
• Antimena chameleon (Furcifer antimena) – Intermediate to expert
• Campan's chameleon (Furcifer campani) – Expert
• Unicorn chameleon (Furcifer monoceras) – Expert
• Forked chameleon (Furcifer bifidus) – Expert
• Belted chameleon (Furcifer balteatus) – Expert
• Minor chameleon (Furcifer minor) – Expert
• Labord's chameleon (Furcifer labordi) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×60×120 cm for one animal; a pair needs two separate enclosures without visual contact, put together only briefly for mating), substrate (Planted, well ventilated), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.