There are a lot of different types of chameleons in the world. There are only a few that are kept in captivity as pets because they vary in size, color, and overall appearance. Some chameleons require a lot more work than others, so they are not good companions. One of the most popular chameleons to keep as a pet is the Fisher’s Chameleon.
The species that is known as the Fischer’s Chameleon was originally from Africa. Some of the reptiles have grown to be 19 inches or more, but the majority are small and reach around 9 inches long. When animals are brought into captivity, their life lasts a couple of years longer than it would in the wild. The chameleons do well if they have someone who knows what they need to survive in warm and humid environments. We don’t recommend these lizards for beginners, but we do recommend someone with basic knowledge about reptiles.
Fischer’s chameleon appearance
The western usambara two horned cognizance is sometimes referred to as the fisher’s chameleon. The moderately sized animals are active. Adults reach heights around 7.5 to 9 inches long, while males are the larger of the two genders. They have tails that are almost half their length. The males have horn-like sections on their heads with the tip of their snout being more colorful than the females.
There are green bodies with spots of yellow, maroon, and green patches on the sides of them. Most of the time they have white spots or patches in the middle of their bodies. Females have fewer patterns and darker spots than males, but they also have rounder bodies.
Fischer’s chameleon behavior
One of the few chameleon species that people use as pets is the Fischer’s Chameleon, which is a little more secretive than other species. They don’t mind being handled for a short period of time, but they prefer a quiet space to themselves.
If you want to handle your chameleon on a regular basis, start working with them for short periods of time and gradually increase the amount of time you spend with them. It’s always a good idea to make sure it’s just you in the room, because there are no chances for scares or distraction. Over time, your lizard should get used to being held, but never force them if they are showing signs of distress.
Fischer’s Chameleon Care
If you have worked with chameleon before, we always recommend that you learn everything you can about keeping a reptile in a safe and healthy environment.
Conditions similar to how they would live in the wild are what Fischer’s Chameleons require from certain parts of the world. Make sure you give your reptile what they need in order to thrive in your home, because habitats aren’t one-size-fits-all for all chameleon.
Purchase a large and sturdy tank before going to your home. For one chameleon, around 20 gallons is fine. These reptiles came from the tropics. Add plants with a lot of branching, woody pieces so that the chameleons have something sturdy to climb up and hide behind. The jungle environment that they enjoy is mimicked by fake vines or magnetic plants.
The best time to move back and forth between is when there is a temperature difference. One portion of the cage should be kept around 85F and the other around 70F. This will allow your reptile to heat up and cool down as you please. To keep an eye on the tank and make sure it doesn’t get too cold or hot for them, always keep a thermometer inside the enclosure.
If you want to make sure there is a lot of air, you need to make sure the conditions are super humid. It’s a good idea to mist your enclosure with clean water several times per day to keep the humidity in it up.
The importance of lighting is the same as the importance of heat. UVB lighting is required to enjoy the outdoors. It is possible with strip lights or mercury vapor bulbs that provide both heat and UVB rays.
