Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been wanting to get either a Veiled or Panther (nosy be or ambanja) for a while now and wanted feedback on which one general fares better in captivity.

I've done extensive research on both for several years (during which I've successfully maintained many other herps) and I'm well aware that no chameleon is actually hardy and how easily they stress.

Basically I'm aware of all the expenses that proper care would take and that's why I'm trying to narrow things down by selecting the species that is better suited to captivity. If it's close, I'll probably choose panther, but I've always heard about how well veileds adjust.

Feedback?

If you plan on getting a cb cham, either one has a great chance of thriving. We know a lot more about these two species due to all the captive breeding these days. What might sway your thinking is the climate in your house. Veileds are a bit more forgiving of lower humidity, but not that much. If you need AC in the summer and use forced air heat in winter it will be a bit more work to provide the cage humidity they will both want. Even though the more outdated info says veileds are from a desert region, that's not really true. Veileds are found locally in dense brush of coastal river valleys that get dew condensation rather than a lot of rain. There are theories that the large casque is an adaptation that allows some condensation to gather on the skin that runs down to their lips for drinking. No proof of that...it could simply be genetic isolation.

The other thing to consider is personality. All chams are individuals and there is no guarrantee what you'll end up with, but more panthers seem to turn out mellow. Handling at a young age doesn't always make the difference. But, having handled a lot of chams, what I consider "mellow" may not be so in someone else's eyes. I don't expect them to like me or want my attention. I enjoy what I get.

Do you suppose female veileds need less water than males since their casques are smaller than males?

No I really doubt it. I think wc females (remember most of the cbb veileds we are used to seeing are often smaller overall than the wild ones) still have a bigger casque than many other species might, and the idea about condensation isn't proven anyway.