When it comes to keeping reptiles as pets, it’s super important to choose a species that aligns with your experience, environment, and needs. During your search, you may have come across the Cuban false chameleon and the Cuban knight anole. While both reptiles are native to Cuba and share similar environments, they are VERY different when it comes to their behavior, needs, and ecological role.
Here, we examine these two species, their temperaments, diet, and suitability as companions.
Cuban False Chameleons: Gentle, Fun Companions
The Cuban false chameleon, despite its name, isn’t actually a chameleon! It belongs to the Anolis genus, which includes a huge range of anole species. This little guy is known for its ability to change color, with an attractive look and docile temperament. Here are some more things to know about this popular pet reptile:
These Lizards Are Calm and Docile
The Cuban false chameleon is known for being very gentle and calm, especially when compared to other anoles. Unlike its cousin, the quite aggressive Cuban knight anole, this little guy tends to be way more relaxed. This makes it a better choice for pet owners who are new to reptiles or prefer a less dominant pet.
However, it’s super important to remember that this species can be stressed if handled too much or incorrectly. Over time and with proper care and patience, the Cuban false chameleon can become comfortable with handling, though it might not like it as much as other pet reptiles. They can be much better when just observed in their habitat, untouched.
These Lizards Primarily Eat Insects
Cuban false chameleons are insectivores and primarily eat live insects like mealworms, crickets, and dubia roaches. They may also occasionally eat small fruit or nectar. However, their diet should mostly consist of protein-rich foods. To keep up with a healthy diet, it’s very important to provide a variety of insects to make sure they receive the right nutrition, especially when it comes to calcium and other vitamins.
Like all reptiles, they benefit from having their food dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements, like D3, to help with strong bone health. In the wild, their diet can also sometimes include smaller lizards. In captivity, the right mix of live prey and supplements is important for their well-being.
These Lizards Are Best as Display Pieces
The Cuban false chameleon needs a humid, tropical environment to thrive. They need very high humidity in their enclosure, with temps ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) during the day, with only a slight temperature drop at night. They will also require access to UVB lighting to help with overall health and calcium absorption.
It’s super important for them to have vertical space in their cage to climb, as they are an arboreal reptile species. Setting up an enclosure with a live plant or some artificial foliage is important, as these lizards are accustomed to a jungle-like environment when living in the wild. A large, well-ventilated terrarium with plenty of space for hiding and climbing is perfect.
The Cuban Knight Anole: A Bigger Challenge
The Cuban knight anole, unlike the Cuban false chameleon, is a much more aggressive and territorial species. While it can be a very impressive and cool-looking reptile, its temperament and care requirements make it much less suitable for beginners or people looking for a calm, interactive pet.
These Lizards Can Be Aggressive
As noted, these lizards are known for being territorial and aggressive. When in captivity, they may find it hard to get along with other lizards, or even other animals in the same area. They are very prone to biting if they feel threatened. This can make them difficult pets to have and make handling a challenge.
These reptiles are also notorious for being aggressive toward people. With its sharp teeth and nails, you don’t want to risk a scratch or bite from this reptile! This is a sharp contrast from the Cuban false chameleon, which can quite docile when properly socialized. Unfortunately, Cuban knight anoles tend to remain standoffish and defensive, no matter how much owners attempt to socialize them.
Cuban False Chameleons Eat Insects and Small Aninals
Like the Cuban false chameleon, these guys are insectivores and enjoy munching on a variety of live insects such as locusts, roaches, and crickets. They are also sometimes known to hunt vertebrates like lizards or even small mice if they get the opportunity. This can make them a fair bit more predatory than the Cuban false chameleon.
Providing your pet with a proper diet is super important, and for this reptile, it involves offering a variety of insects and making sure they are appropriately dusted with calcium and vitamins. These lizards’ larger size and aggressive nature can make them less inclined to eat food from your hand. This can be a drawback for owners who would like an interactive feeding experience.
These Lizards Need Ample Climbing Space
Cuban knight anoles are arboreal, which means that they live in trees and shrubs in the wild. They need quite a big enclosure that is secure and safe, with plenty of vertical space to climb. They also need dense foliage and branches for perching. They require high humidity levels, ranging from 60-80%, and a basking area that has temperatures of 85°F to 90°F (29°C to 32°C). During the evening, they need a drop to around 70°F (21°C).
You need to make sure their enclosure is sealed, so they can’t escape. These large lizards are renowned for escaping enclosures, so be prepared to monitor them carefully. They should also be housed alone as they can be aggressive, as we said previously. The bottom line is that their care and behavioral needs can make them a less-than-ideal companion for new reptile owners looking for a fun, gentle, and interactive pet.
