Are you interested in learning more about chameleons?
Do you wonder if your pet matches the growth rate of other chameleons?
Knowing about the maturing process of your reptile pets is important to know if there is something wrong.
So the growth rate of chameleons should be something you’re aware of.
This may leave you wondering: how fast do chameleons grow?
The final size of a chameleon depends largely on the species as different chameleons grow up to wildly different lengths. But, in general, it’s expected a chameleon will end up at his adult length by the time it reaches 10 to 12 months of age. The exact rate differs, but providing a stable habitat, and dietary source will help ensure your pet reaches its full potential.
Check out the rest of the article for more information on how fast a chameleon grows, how big they can get, and what to do to help them grow.
Table of Contents
Growing Rates For Chameleons
Once chameleons are born from their eggs, they’re much smaller than they will be as adults.
Like most other reptiles, chameleons grow consistently throughout the first 10 to 12 months of their lives.
The exact growth rate is hard to determine, but you may expect the growth to be consistent throughout this time.
Some chameleons may grow faster than others and reach their maturity at a quicker rate, and others may grow at a much slower rate and reach their full length after the 12-month mark.
The key, however, is the growth is consistent.
As long as the pets are eating and not showing other signs of illness, you don’t have to worry.
Note: This is the most common type of pet chameleon, which is why we chose to show the growth rate for this particular species.
The growth rate for other species of chameleons will look different depending on their final adult links.
For more information on the different lengths of different species of chameleons, check out the section below.
How Big Is A Chameleon?
In this section, we’ll briefly go over the different lengths of the seven most common chameleon species you’d find as pets.
These lengths are broken down by male and female.
The male chameleon is typically slightly longer than the female.
If you’re having trouble telling which species of chameleon you have, go back to the store or breeder you purchased it from and speak with them.
When this option is unavailable, search for a nearby reptile breeder, and they should be able to help you.
| Species | Average Male Size In Inches (centimeters) | Average Female Size In Inches (centimeters) |
| Veiled Chameleon | 13.7-23.6″ in (35-60 cm) | 9.8-13″ in (25-33 cm) |
| Jackson’s Chameleon | 9.1-13″ in (23-33 cm) | 9.8-13″ in (25-33 cm) |
| Panther Chameleon | 15-20.9″ in (38-53 cm) | 9.8-13″ in (25-33 cm) |
| Bearded Pygmy Chameleon | 2-3.1″ in (5-8 cm) | 2-3.1″ in (5-8 cm) |
| Spectral Pygmy Chameleon | 3.1-3.9″ in (8-10 cm) | 2-3.9″ in (5-10 cm) |
| Usambara Pitted Pygmy Chameleon | 2-3.9″ in (6-10 cm) | 2-3.5″ in (5-9 cm) |
When Should You Be Worried About Your Chameleon Length?
The varieties of growth rate between chameleons can make it hard to determine if your chameleon is just a slow grower or if there is something wrong.
Typically, you should look for these signs before you panic.
If you do see the signs or you’re extremely worried, then take your chameleon to its exotic vet.
Chameleons are known for being fickle creatures when it comes to health, so you should already be taking your pet to the vet twice a year.
Here are the signs of serious illness you should keep an eye out for:
- Gaped mouth
- Excessive mucus
- Wheezing sounds
- Inflammation
- Frothing around the mouth and nose
- Lack of movement
- Lack of appetite
- Loose skin
When you see these signs, take your chameleon to the vet right away.
How To Help Your Chameleon Grow Well
There isn’t a lot you can do to make your chameleon grow faster or bigger, but there are a few things you can do to help ensure the chameleon reaches its full-length potential.
First, you need to make sure the habitat is set up correctly and consistently.
The Chameleon tank should be kept at a steady 72° – 80° degrees Fahrenheit (22° – 27° C) during the day, and the temperature should be allowed to drop to no less than 50° degrees Fahrenheit (10° C) at night.
You’ll also want to make sure there’s a basking spot where the temperature is between 85° – 95° degrees Fahrenheit (29° – 35° C).
The humidity of the tank should be kept above 50% relative humidity.
This is usually done by misting down the tank twice a day.
But if you find the humidity is dropping, you may need to mist more or consider buying an automatic mister.
There should be a variety of items in the tank, including fake live-in plants for the chameleon to climb on.
Chameleons are arboreal, which means they spend all of their time in the trees and plants climbing.
Make sure to provide some horizontal purchase for the chameleon to rest on, and also be sure to place one beneath the basking spot.
As a tropical creature, chameleons need UVB radiation from sunlight.
Without the sun, you need to provide this with a special UVB bulb, which is on 12 hours per day.
If you fail to provide this UVB light, your chameleon will become calcium deficient, and it may end up developing a metabolic bone disease, which can result in permanent deformity or even death.
Conclusion
Now you know a little more about how fast a chameleon can grow.
While the growth rate of each chameleon differs, expect consistent growth over the first 10 to 12 months of their lights.
After this point, they still grow, but the rate is much slower over the rest of their lives.
Help them grow correctly and reach their full potential by keeping their habitat consistent, feeding them a steady diet, and always being on the lookout for illnesses.
Feel free to go back and can check the charts above as your pet grows if it helps you feel more comfortable, and enjoy your oddly cute pet.
