How Big Do Veiled Chameleons Get? [Must Read]

Veiled Chameleons are one of the many species of Chameleons, and they’re also the largest. So, how big do Veiled Chameleons get? In this article, after giving a brief overview of what a Veiled Chameleon is, we’ll discuss a Veiled Chameleon size as they grow from hatchling to adult. In addition to sharing the Veiled Chameleon full size, we’ll discuss a Veiled Chameleon tank size, their lifespan, and how fast they grow.

What Is A Veiled Chameleon?

Did you know there are 160 species of Chameleons? Veiled Chameleons are one of them, and they are commonly found on coastal plains, mountains, and high deserts in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

This Chameleon got its name because of the veil on top of its head, which helps them survive the harsh hot weather of these climates. In addition to staying cool, dew drops can collect on the veil and trickle down to the mouth and hydrate them. 

If you get a Veiled Chameleon for a pet, you’ll need a large enclosure that’s well-ventilated. Glass or plastic won’t do. You’ll need a cage that’s screen-sided all the way around. Also, it needs to be tall enough for them to climb high.

Inside their enclosure, you’ll want to add hiding spots, but most of all, plenty of areas to climb. For example, you can add tree branches, logs, or artificial vines. Of course, they’ll also need plenty of synthetic or natural plants within their enclosure to mimic their habitat as best as possible.

In addition, Veiled Chameleons need humid and dry temperatures. To help them digest their food, lights and heat with a basking spot through the use of a UVB bulb will help. The basking spot should be about 95 to 100 degrees F. 

Also, this Chameleon has a varied diet from insects to dark leafy greens. They might even enjoy vegetables and fruit once in a while. Overall, Veiled Chameleons are calm and quiet. They make excellent pets, but they prefer to be alone. They’ll become stressed and possibly aggressive if they’re handled too much.

However, did you know that Veiled Chameleons are one of the largest species of Chameleon? So, how big does a Veiled Chameleon get? First, let’s talk about their size and growth chart.

How Big Do Veiled Chameleons Get?

So, how big is a full size Veiled Chameleon? When it comes to deciding which Veiled Chameleon you want to get, you’ll want to consider their gender. For instance, males grow to be larger than females.

So, if you have a larger setup for their enclosure, you can get away with getting a male or female. On the other hand, getting a female Veiled Chameleon might be a better option if you have a smaller space for their enclosure.

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With that said, male Veiled Chameleons can grow to be about 20 inches in length. This means from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail. However, there have been some cases where a male Veiled Chameleon has grown to be up to 24 inches long. 

In addition, aside from the length, male Veiled Chameleons naturally look larger because they are bulkier than females. Being bulkier is good to chase away predators and protect their territory. Males will also puff up and appear bulkier to females for mating.

The veil on top of a male Veiled Chameleon’s head is typically larger than a female’s.  

How Big Do Female Veiled Chameleons Get?

How big do Veiled Chameleons grow as females?

Female Veiled Chameleons aren’t too far behind the males. For instance, measuring them from nose tip to tail tip, full-grown female Veiled Chameleons can be up to 18 inches long. Unlike males, females won’t grow bulky or appear bigger for any reason. The only time they’ll seem larger than usual is when they’re pregnant. 

How Fast Do Veiled Chameleons Grow?

Veiled Chameleons will grow the fastest when they’re young. As babies, you can expect them to grow about one inch per week.

As they reach juvenile age, which is about six months old, then their growth rate will begin to slow down. However, they’ll still grow at a good pace.

Once they reach adulthood at 12 months, then your Veiled Chameleon’s growth will slow down significantly. However, depending on their gender and care, they might already be their full size by this age.

As babies and juveniles, you’ll notice that your Veiled Chameleon eats a lot. They have a varied diet and it’s essential to them to get the nutrients they need to properly grow to their full size.

You can learn more about a Veiled Chameleon’s diet here.

When Do Veiled Chameleons Hit Their Adult Size?

The time it takes for them to reach their full size also varies depending on the gender. For example, males grow faster than females.

So, a male Veiled Chameleon will reach their full adult size by the time they are 12 months old. On the other hand, females may be their full adult size anytime between 12 months and 18 months old. In most cases, they won’t be fully grown until they’re about 18 months old. 

However, even as adults, Veiled Chameleons will continue to grow. The Veiled Chameleon adult size is about 18 to 20 inches, but they won’t grow longer than that. However, they will continue to put on weight.

In fact, Veiled Chameleons are constantly growing throughout their life. However, it’s not significant enough for you to notice a difference.

If you see your Veiled Chameleon shedding their skin, don’t fret. This simply means that they’re putting on weight, and their skin is becoming too tight for them.

Veiled Chameleon Growth Chart

To visualize how big (and how fast) Veiled Chameleons grow to their full size, take a look at the chart below. In addition, you can see how big your Veiled Chameleon should be based on their age. If you’re unsure if they’re growing well, then you can always consult your veterinarian.

Age	Weight	Length
Hatchling	Less than 1/10 of an ounce	3 to 4 inches
1 Month	.2 to .3 ounces	4 to 6 inches
2 Months	.7 to 1.25 ounces	5 to 7 inches
3 Months	1.5 to 2.5 ounces	8 to 12 inches
4 Months	2.75 to 3.25 ounces	10 to 14 inches
6 Months	4.5 to 6 ounces	12 to 18 inches
9 Months	6 to 6.75 ounces	14 to 20 inches
1 Year	6.75 to 9 ounces	18 to 24 inches

What Veiled Chameleon Cage Size Do You Need?

Any species of Chameleon needs an enclosure that allows them plenty of space and ventilation. However, with Veiled Chameleons being the largest, you’ll want a cage that’s no smaller than 24x24x48 inches.

Also, the cage needs to be taller instead of wider. Chameleons are typically found climbing trees, so it is ideal to allow them plenty of space to climb high.

Can A Small Enclosure Stunt A Veiled Chameleon’s Growth?

No, a small enclosure cannot directly affect the growth of your Veiled Chameleon. However, what it will do is cause your Veiled Chameleon to be stressed and anxious.

If your Veiled Chameleon is too stressed all the time, then it could very well stunt their growth. They won’t feel healthy enough to grow, so they won’t.

If your Veiled Chameleon doesn’t (or can’t) grow to its proper size, then it can decrease its lifespan.

How Long Do Veiled Chameleons Live?

Believe it or not, the lifespan of a male and female Veiled Chameleon is different. Males can live longer than females.

For instance, the average lifespan of a male Veiled Chameleon is between six and eight years. On the other hand, the average lifespan of a female is about four to six years.

In some cases, a female can live as long as seven years. However, it’s not common for them to live that long. 

Conclusion

Overall, Veiled Chameleons are large reptiles. In fact, they’re part of the iguana subspecies, so you can expect to have a large lizard at home.

If you have an enclosure big enough for them to grow and roam within their screened walls, you’ll have a healthy, happy Veiled Chameleon for a long time.

Learn more about Veiled Chameleons here. You can also click here to learn how long Veiled Chameleons live and here to learn how fast Chameleons grow.