largest in the world

hey just a quick question... i remember this reptile store in my area a couple years ago that had chameleons the size of small cats. So what is the largest chameleons?

c. parsonii are probably the largest overall. Melleri and oustaleti are also very large species sometimes reaching close to 2 feet. Even male veileds can top 15".

Male veileds can top out much larger than that, although it is somewhat rare. I have a 22" breeder male veiled personally, and I've seen 23" specimens on several occasions. Usually adult males topping out around 12-15" is a sign of inbreeding in the lines, which affects the size of the animals, F1's have a tendency to be larger than F2's and on down the line. Oustalet's are considered the "longest" if I'm not mistaken, I was reading something about them last night of a male recorded measuring 33" in length, but that's a long and lanky chameleon species as a whole. Melleri can reach 30" in exceptional cases, and are a much bulkier large chameleon, though the largest melleri I ever saw was at the Dixie Reptile show and he was around 27". Usually, as far as pet shops go, if you saw a huge one, it was probably a melleri or perhaps an oustalet's, I doubt a pet shop would have a parsoni showcased due to their value and stress considerations (Which I agree with you, Jason, parson's are very massive and impresive chams (would like to buy some some day *sigh* ), but don't grow as long as the oustalet's). -Eric Lago *MS Reptilian Hobbyists*
http://msreptilianhobbyists.fabpage.com

You have a male veiled that is 22" SVL?

Not SVL, total length, I've never seen a male veiled longer than 24" total length... Your post did not specify SVL or total length, and the above posts are total length including tail in all three species, sorry, I should have clarified that, thanks for pointing that out. -Eric Lago *MS Reptilian Hobbyists*
http://msreptilianhobbyists.fabpage.com

Not at all. I just never specify for some reason. Most of the folks I deal with use the SVL measurement as a standard.

Originally posted by Philly_215
hey just a quick question... i remember this reptile store in my area a couple years ago that had chameleons the size of small cats. So what is the largest chameleons?

I would say that the chameleon you say was most likely a Mullers chameleon (C. Melleri) They are very common in the commercial pet trade and are very large. Mine, Gordy, if very large, aproximatley 2 feet.

Here is a picture on Anthony's manly arm. Is this anything like the one you saw?