Care Guide
Overview
- Common Name: Panther Chameleon
- Scientific Name: Furcifer pardalis
- Origin: Madagascar coastal regions
- Size: 16-20 inches for males, 10-14 inches for females
- Lifespan: 5-7 years for males, 2-4 years for females
Enclosure Setup
Tank Size
- Male: 24" x 24" x 48" tall
- Female: 18" x 18" x 36" tall
Substrate
- Our Mixture: Bio-active mix but avoid loose substrates with ingestion risk
Decor
- Dense live or artificial plants
- Horizontal and diagonal branches
- Multiple basking and hiding areas
Temperature and Heating
Temperature Gradient
- Basking Spot: 88–95°F
- Cool side: 72–80°F
- Night temps: Can drop to 65–72°F
Humidity
- Target: 50-70% during the day, 80-100% at night (very important)
Lighting
- UVB: Required
- Use 5-7% UVB tube placed over basking area
- Photoperiod: 10-12 hours daily
Diet
Staples
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Mealworms (in moderation)
- Occasional Superworms
Feeding Schedule
- Adults: daily cricket feedings. occasional other instects
- Juveniles: 2x daily feed with small crickets
Supplements
- Calcium:
- Without D3: every feeding
- With D3: 2x monthly
- Multivitamin: 2x monthly
Behavior and Handling
- Generally display animals, not for frequent handling
- Handling causes stress
- Males are territorial and solitary
Health and Common Issues
Common Problems
- Dehydration: Wrinkled or leathery skin
- Shedding Issues: Low humidity
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Lack of calcium/UVB
- Parasites: Most prevalent in wild caught individuals
These are common health problems but if your animal is sick or having issues PLEASE CONSULT A REPTILE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Key Care Tips
- Prioritize hydration and airflow
- Use live plants whenever possible
- Avoid overhandling
- Monitor temps and humidity with digital gauges
- Invest in quality UVB lighting