Veiled Chameleon – Visually Striking and Ideal for Passionate Reptile Enthusiasts in the UAE

The Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is one of the most widely kept chameleon species in the exotic pet world. Recognized for its tall casque (helmet-like head), independently moving eyes, and dramatic color changes, this species is both beautiful and fascinating to observe. Native to the mountainous regions of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, the Veiled Chameleon is well-suited to life in the UAE due to similar temperature profiles when housed indoors in a controlled environment.

At Sahara Exotics in Ajman, we offer healthy, captive-bred Veiled Chameleons that are well-started and ready for their new homes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and throughout the Emirates. These reptiles are perfect for hobbyists who enjoy setting up and maintaining a naturalistic and vertically designed enclosure.

Appearance and Size

Veiled Chameleons are medium to large arboreal lizards. Males typically grow between 45 to 60 cm, while females remain slightly smaller at around 30 to 45 cm. One of their most distinctive features is the casque, a tall crest on their head used for thermoregulation and communication.

They exhibit a stunning range of green shades, often combined with yellow, blue, or orange accents depending on age, mood, and environment. Males are more vibrant and display more contrasting patterns, especially when feeling dominant or territorial.

Color-changing abilities in Veiled Chameleons are used for signaling mood, stress, and mating readiness rather than camouflage. Observing these changes is one of the joys of keeping this species.

Behavior and Temperament

Veiled Chameleons are solitary reptiles that do best when kept alone. While they are not aggressive, they are not suited to frequent handling and can become stressed when overstimulated. However, with consistent care and calm interaction, some individuals tolerate occasional gentle handling.

Typical behavioral traits:

• Diurnal – active during daylight hours

• Arboreal – thrive in tall enclosures with climbing structures

• Prefer minimal handling – best observed rather than interacted with

• Show visual signals (darkening colors, puffed throat, gaping mouth) to express discomfort or stress

Due to their specific care needs, Veiled Chameleons are better suited to intermediate and experienced reptile keepers rather than complete beginners.

Housing Requirements in UAE Conditions

Creating a stable and humidity-controlled environment is essential for a Veiled Chameleon’s health. In UAE households, especially with indoor air conditioning, attention to humidity and ventilation is critical.

Recommended housing:

• Enclosure: Minimum 60 x 60 x 120 cm (taller is always better)

• Type: Screen or hybrid enclosure with proper airflow

• Decor: Branches, vines, live or artificial foliage, basking platforms

• Substrate: Paper towel, bioactive, or no substrate (easy to clean)

• Temperature:

  • Basking spot: 32°C to 35°C

  • Ambient: 24°C to 28°C

  • Night: 18°C to 22°C

• Lighting: Full-spectrum UVB light (12-hour cycle) is essential

• Humidity: 50%–70%, maintained with misting 2–3 times daily

Chameleons do not drink from bowls—they drink water droplets from leaves and enclosure walls, so misting or a dripper system is a must. Adding a hygrometer and thermometer will help ensure consistent conditions.

Feeding and Nutrition

Veiled Chameleons are insectivorous, with adults occasionally consuming leafy greens and plant matter.

Feeding schedule:

• Insects: Crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, hornworms

• Greens (for adults): Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion leaves (2–3 times a week)

• Juveniles: Feed daily

• Adults: Feed every other day

• Supplementation: Calcium without D3 (5x/week), calcium with D3 and multivitamins (1–2x/week)

All insects should be gut-loaded before feeding. Monitor hydration by observing skin elasticity and fecal moisture.

Lifespan and General Care

Veiled Chameleons typically live 5–8 years in captivity, with males often outliving females due to the physical stress of egg-laying in females—even without mating. Proper care can maximize lifespan and quality of life.

Routine care includes:

• Daily misting and feeding

• Spot-cleaning enclosure

• Full clean every 3–4 weeks

• Monitoring shedding, weight, and stress levels

• Occasional vet visits with an exotic animal specialist

At Sahara Exotics, we ensure all our Veiled Chameleons are raised under expert care and feeding practices, making them ready for life in well-equipped UAE homes.