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Dark Colors = Stress??

NocturnalCreatur Dec 09, 2003 10:09 AM

I notice every time I clean out my Tokay enclosure that my pair become very dark in color whilst staring at me with mouths wide open. Is this cause of stress or is it a warning color, what?
Thanks. It's usually the female who turns dark first, the male always follows her.

Replies (3)

antonm Dec 09, 2003 07:11 PM

Yeah tokays will darken with stress. It is their way to camouflage in with their surroundings better as they will often run into a corner while they do this. It is also from my knowledge involontary as their darker pigment simply floats to the top when they are mad.

nasr_36 Dec 10, 2003 07:52 PM

I have also heard of their skin pigment react by the moving air around them (ie- opening the lid), thus turning different colors. Im not positive on this though.

M.N

antonm Dec 10, 2003 10:49 PM

Lizards such as green iguanas have a 3rd eye on the top of their head. It can detect light (ie shadows passing over) and heat. This way, an iguana can sleep and still sense you get near by your shadow. I am not sure that the tokays have this, but if they do this is very possible.

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