Discover the Best Chameleons to Bring Home

Veiled chameleons are one of the easiest and most affordable species to care for, which makes them incredibly popular among beginners. As long as they've got food, water, and shelter, they're set for life. Native to Saudi Arabia and Yemen, they thrive in verdant settings with trees and shrubs. By adulthood, they reach between 10 and 24 inches in length and develop a signature casque on their heads, along with vibrant shades of yellow, brown, blue, and green from head to tail.

The largest chameleon on earth, the Parson's, grows up to 27 inches in length! They take up significant space, but since their care routine is similar to their smaller counterparts, they make excellent pets. With a large terrarium, ample greenery, and the right combination of food and water, you'll have an impressive guest on your hands.

You'll find Parson's chameleons in aesthetically-pleasing shades of white, yellow, green, blue, and brown, complete with diagonal stripes and one-of-a-kind patterns. While they're popular, they're also pricey.

Native to Madagascar, carpet chameleons will thrive just about anywhere, from high in the mountains to deep in the rainforest. You'll find these beauties in an assortment of color patterns; many have darker spots along their sides. Carpet chameleons are easy to tame and fun, but they're also shy with nervous tendencies and get easily stressed; you'll need some knowledge and patience to get them comfortable at home.

Panther chameleons are regarded worldwide for their vivid colors and patterns; think of a color, and you'll probably find one in that exact shade; their eye-catching hues catch your attention. Easy to care for and handle, they're another popular species among beginners.

Beware, however. Panther chameleons are steadfast, territorial creatures who don't want other chameleons anywhere near them. They'll inflate their bodies or shift colors to guard their territory, so you're in for a show.

If panther chameleons stand out for their vibrant colors and ease of care, then the Amilobe panther, one of the most popular subspecies, might be your perfect pet. They're easy to care for and handle, reaching up to 18 inches long. Bold, bright colors characterize these happy campers; you'll discover them in a multitude of colors. The Amilobe panther is friendly and docile and will climb directly into your hands.

Found across Eastern Africa, the Meller's chameleon is one of the largest, reaching up to 24 inches in length. In their native habitats, they act as predators for both insects and small birds, so they've got that threatening aspect down. As pets, however, they are timid, if not friendly, and tend to stick to themselves.

The level of interaction makes all the difference, so the more you make yourself known, the closer the relationship. With a small single horn and green and yellow coloring, they stand out in any abode but also require extremely specific care and are best left to more experienced owners.

Found in the mountain forests of Kenya and Tanzania, this small species reaches just 9 to 13 inches long. Males have three large horns on their heads, which makes them impossible to miss. They're fairly inexpensive animals and have become one of the most popular pet chameleons out there. While beginners can handle them, they require more extensive care than most starter species. You'll find them in a solid green shade with brown or dark green markings.

The Senegal chameleon might be a great fit if you want a shy, easygoing pet. This species is both intriguing and attractive, as its color shifts based on its mood, and it reaches a length of 8 inches. Most are solid green, but that shade shifts throughout the day. Since they're calm and keep to themselves, Senegal chameleons prefer not to be handled, so keep that in mind. They also require high humidity, which can be difficult for first-time owners to get right.

Those four distinctive horns might appear intimidating at first, but in reality, these creatures are shy, reclusive, and even-tempered. You'll find them in an assortment of green shades; many feature lighter markings, growing between 10 to 14 inches long. Native to Cameroon's mountainous rainforests, they thrive best in a moist, temperate environment and are extremely sensitive to high temperatures. Since getting their temperature and humidity levels right can be tough, these creatures are best cared for by experienced owners.

Pygmies are the petite pals of the chameleon world, reaching no larger than three inches in length. Adorable and easy to care for, they come in several varieties, all with unique color combinations and features. What they lack in size, they make up for in personality; they often get along well with their keepers and can be friendly, calm, and accommodating.