The numbers
Enclosure
45 × 45 × 60 cm
Diet
Small crickets, dubia, silkworms · Daily / every other day
Temperature
cool 24 °C (70–75 °F) / night 18–21 °C
Humidity
60–70% (mist 1–2×/day)
UVB
Low T5 5%; replace ~6 mo
Identity
Family / Order
Dactyloidae / Squamata
Adult size
12–20 cm
Lifespan (captivity)
3–7 yrs (up to 8)
Activity
Diurnal; arboreal
Temperament
Active, delicate — display species
Price (THB)
~100–400
Enclosure and conditions
Basking
30–32 °C (88–90 °F)
Cool side
24 °C (70–75 °F)
Night
18–21 °C
Humidity
60–70% (mist 1–2×/day)
UVB (required)
Low T5 5%; replace ~6 mo
Min. size
45 × 45 × 60 cm vertical (planted)
Furnishings
Foliage & branches
Water
Droplets from misting (drink off leaves)
Diet
Staple insects
Small crickets, dubia, silkworms
Prey size
Small (≤ head width)
Frequency
Daily / every other day
Calcium
Gut-load + dust calcium
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Minimal — fast, delicate, may drop tail
Cohabitation
1 male only (males territorial)
Display
Males flash a pink throat fan (dewlap)
Defense
Flees; tail autotomy
Children
Observe only
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
~8–12 months
Clutch
1 egg at a time, repeatedly
Incubation
~5–7 weeks
Common health problems
Metabolic bone disease
Signsweak limbs
Preventlow UVB + calcium
Dehydration
Signswon't drink standing water
Preventmist — they drink droplets
Stress / tail loss
Signsfrom over-handling
Preventhands-off display species
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- Males flash a bright pink throat fan (dewlap) to display and court.
- Changes color green↔brown with mood and temperature — the 'American chameleon' (but not a true chameleon).
- A superb planted-vivarium display lizard.
Common questions
Is it a chameleon?
No — it changes color but is an anole.
Can I handle it?
Better as a display species — it's delicate.
Good beginner?
Yes — a great look-don't-touch first lizard.
What it needs
- Planted terrarium 45×45×60
- Low T5 UVB
- Basking + thermostat
- Foliage & branches
- Misting bottle
- Small feeders + calcium
- Hygro/thermometer