Panther chameleon colors

[rmichaelk]

Hi Everyone,
I am new to the world of chameleons and I am getting a Panther chameleon in January. I have read that different colors and shades could mean different things, like the animal is stressed, is sick etc. Can you anyone provide me a link where I can read more about this? I would love to get familiar with what color indicates stess among other things.

Thank you very much.
Michael

 

[jessica]

Heres a couple older threads maybe some of the info in them can help


https://www.chameleonforums.com/black-coloring-26027/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/receptive-colors-vs-gravid-colors-10593/

 

[CNorton]

To say that one color or another indicates that your chameleon is this or that would be misleading. More than anything else, your chameleons behavior is more telling. While drab colors can indicate sickness, pale and lighter colors can indicate high body heat, and darker colors can indicate low body heat...every chameleon is different. You will begin to get a feel for your chameleon fairly quickly. Panthers are especially hardy and will do well even if you make a few mistakes here and there.

As long as you are open to learning and have a few moments to poke around these forums, you will be successful. Best wishes and have a great Christmas!

 

[rmichaelk]

Thanks Chad and Jessica. And Merry Christmas to you all and have a great New Year.

Michael

 

[jessica]

You are are welcome!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to you and your Family!

 

[tkilgour]

What Locale are you getting in January?

 

[rmichaelk]

It is a 5 month old male Sambava x Ambanja from Chameleonsnorthwest.com.

Michael

 

[jessica]

I am sure he is going to be wonderful! Can't wait to see pictures!

 

[rmichaelk]

Here is one picture that I received from the breeder. Got to tell you, it is like having a baby...I am very nervous.

Michael

 

[rmichaelk]

Just curious, is that yellow color at the edge of his mouth something to be worried about?

Michael

 

[bighutch917]

No. That is common amongst Panther Chameleons.

 

[sandrachameleon]

The yellow in the corner of his mouth is nothing to worry about.

A stressed panther will often show dark vertical bars.
Have a look at Emmet eating a moth in my photo album and compare to the last picture in the album, also of Emmet but when he is stressed/annoyed by the camera: https://www.chameleonforums.com/members/sandrachameleon-albums-sandra-s-chameleons.html

Being dark overall could mean he's cool and trying to absorb more heat.
Being very bright and expanding his gular and/or opening his mouth means aggression, anger, territorial display
Bright colours and head bobbing is a mating display

 

[rmichaelk]

Thanks Sandra. So the yellow lining on the mouth as seen on the first picture in that album is common?

Michael

 

[jessica]

What a doll!!

Does he have a name yet or do you have any name ideas?

 

[rmichaelk]

No, he doesn't have a name yet. My 4 year old will probably take on that responsibility.

Michael

 

[jessica]

What a fun job your 4 year old has!

 

[sandrachameleon]

Thanks Sandra. So the yellow lining on the mouth as seen on the first picture in that album is common?

Michael

correct, yellow is common.