Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My Sambava panther chameleon is just over one foot in lenghth about 12 1/2 inches I was just wondering if any body had any idea how old a panther about this size would be. Another issue all the sambava panthers I see are usually bright orange and green. Mine is most of the time an overall shade of brown with some pattern. I don't think that its stress because he acts normally and is a good eater. Basking temps are perfect and He gets outside in the warm southern california sun almost everday.
Any thoughts as to why he's such a drab color.

There is probably no "correct" age for size. They vary so much based on bloodlines, health of the parents, nutrition and growth rate, etc. As for the color, if he's close to maturity and has never seen an opponent or a female possibly he has not learned to "fire up" and display. There's always the possibility he is a cross of 2 panther locales. One little trick you could try is to show him a mirror. He may display and this might bring on more adult color. I don't mean leave a mirror in plain view all the time, that will cause too much stress. I mean try "presenting" a rival into his territory and let him react. Then remove the mirror. He gets to win the confrontation and that might help. Chams are passionate little souls.