...I think that some of the confusion here (though I am not condoning the harsh words b/t you and John) is just what cham you have. You have referred to them as “Dwarf Panthers” which would be Furcifer cephalolepis. This is what you have, right? They need the same set up as their full size relatives, here is a bit about them from The Kammer’s web site (http://www.calumma.com/comoro_island_dwarf.htm)and please note the last line.
This precious small species comes from an island off the coast of Madagascar known as the Grand Comoro Island. Legally imported to the U.S. for the first time in April 2000, this is one of the newer species of chameleons now available as captive bred offspring. Often referred to as a "Dwarf Panther Chameleon", males reach a total length of approximately 6-7 inches (only 2-1/2" - 3" snout to vent length) and females are only slightly smaller. Both sexes are an overall vibrant green with a white lateral stripe. We have successfully cared for this species using the same guidelines as we do with our Panther Chameleons, only on a much smaller scale!
The dwarf/leaf/pygmy/stumptail are of the genus Rhampholen and/or Brookesia and these do belong in an aquarium. So going back to one of your original posts “Looking for a small chameleon (4-6) that can be kept in an aquarium - any suggestion?” If you went to the pet store asking for a cham that would fit that description the sales guy was wrong for suggesting a Dwarf Panther. As John and others have pointed out pet shop sales people will often give you wrong info and often it is b/c they just don’t know. I have a tarantula that was a rescue from a Petco. She is arboreal (lives in rainforest tree canopy) and they had her set up for a desert species. Had I not bought her she’d have died for sure, probably by dehydration. So my point is, do your own research before buying anything. Read books, check out the ‘net, forums etc.
I originally was going to get a veiled (months ago) and after researching felt I did not have the money, time and space to devote to this larger species. Upon learning of the Pygmy chams, Rhampholeon brevicaudatus in particular, I chose them because they would fit into my lifestyle and I am thrilled with them.
I know I come no where close to having the experience and expertise as Bill, Carlton, John, Big T and others (don’t mean to leave anyone out!), but one thing that I do is look up information to become informed. I know I personally recommended some web-articles, web sites and a book to you and I wonder if you ever even read or looked at them. I don’t want this experience to discourage you from asking questions b/c Kingsnake is one of the best places to do it, but think your question through first and do a little research of you own and ask questions based on this rather than “panic” questions as you have often done. Remember, too, your very first post was you wanting to get rid of the veiled you have had for 2 years b/c it’s disposition had changed so you sort of came on board in a negative light – I am only speaking for myself here.
Anyway, this is long enough, but I do hope you took the time to read it and take it only as constructive criticism. For one, I thank you for your apology but do hope you will heed the advice that you get. Be good to your chams!
lele
