Male Panther size question!

[Diego Lamb]

So I purchased my Male Panther chameleon about 4 weeks ago. The pet shop said he was around 6 months old. The pet shop assistant seemed far from certain about his age . He seems to have grown a lot since I got him, but relatively small in comparison to other Panther Males. I've attached a picture of him. He's about 9 inches long inc. tail. He has she's his skin once in my care.

Anybody able to size him up/put an age on him? Many thanks.

 

[carol5208]

I tried to enlarge the picture but it won't let me. I don't know if it is my computer not letting me do it or there is a problem with your picture. Sorry I cannot help, but I cannot tell from the picture being that small. My eyes are not that great! Edit: now the picture is gone???

 

[Diego Lamb]

Yeah it's my first post, and sending from a phone. Not allowing me to post multiple pictures, and don't understand why you're unable to enlarge it.

 

[carol5208]

It is hard to tell with him on a branch. If he was on your hand I would have something to compare his size to. Sometimes pictures make them appear larger than they are. That being said, from that picture, yes he could be about 6 months. Not all are the same size. I have a panther that is rather small and is full grown. Some are just bigger than others, like animals and people. As long as he is healthy(which he appears) I would not worry if he is small in comparison to others.

 

[Diego Lamb]

Can you shed any light on the sudden growth spurt? When I got him he was only slightly larger than the two females he was kept with (same age). I go back to the pet shop regularly for food, and I can see how much bigger he is than them now in the short time I've had him...maybe an extra two inches in 4 weeks and generally looks 'bigger'. I expected my vivarium to last longer, but already needing to upgrade. Do they grow in spurts or is it generally gradual growth? Also is shedding frequency correlated? Thanks

 

[carol5208]

Yes, when they are younger they do shed when they grow. And yes, they will have growth spurts too! I swear my one chameleon literally grew overnight! When they become adults they will shed more so in body parts and when they do have full body sheds it is not really from growing anymore.