Cuban False Chameleon: Care Guide

Looking for a modern-day dinosaur?

The Cuban False Chameleon (Anolis barbatus) is a fascinating, beginner-friendly lizard.

Despite its name, this remarkable reptile isn’t a chameleon at all - the Cuban False Chameleon is a species of anole with some chameleon-like traits that make it a captivating companion.

Meet Aelius!

We bought Aelius from a pet store back in April 2023. His store enclosure was completely inappropriate.…for over a year, he had no space or branches to climb on and was tormented by the employees. Though we don’t support buying reptiles from a big box store, we couldn’t walk away from him and his current condition. The store gave us a hefty discount since we weren’t sure he would survive

Aelius was nearly emaciated when we brought him home.

He recovered quickly with proper environmental conditions and a consistent, varied diet. Luckily when we picked him up, we had already been researching his species for months out of interest after seeing Cuban False Chameleons at a reptile expo and again at a local reptile store. However, we realized quickly that the information available was not very in-depth.

We hope this guide is useful for you in expanding your reptile-keeping knowledge base as we share facts about and our personal experiences with Chameleon False Chameleon care.

About

First off, let's clear the air: why the misnomer? The Cuban False Chameleon boasts a similar look to Chameleons with a broad, flat body, a casque-like head, and similar tongues. Cuban False Chameleons are native to the lush landscapes of Cuba and prefer the company of trees in dense, humid forests. Creating a cozy crib for your Cuban False Chameleon means replicating its native habitat as closely as possible.

Enclosure requirements

Terrarium size

A spacious vertical mesh or wire terrarium (at least 18x18x36 inches) will do the trick, giving your Cuban False Chameleon room to roam, climb, and contemplate its existence.

We have cats, so we have upgraded to a bird cage to provide enough ventilation and security - in hindsight, this is cheaper than a proper-sized mesh enclosure! It’s vital to avoid using glass enclosures unless you have extremely low humidity naturally in your region.

Humidity

Maintain an average humidity of 80% to keep your chameleon hydrated and happy. Mist the terrarium at night to avoid respiratory infections. The humidity should be about 40% in the daytime and up to 100% at night to meet that average of 80%.

It’s important to utilize a humidity gauge with a probe in the enclosure to monitor the natural humidity levels and make informed decisions regarding humidity regulation. Since we live in Texas, we have many days with 65%+ humidity. If we were to ignore this and mist heavily at night, we would risk exposing Aelius to infections.

Plants

Fill the terrarium with a plethora of plants, vines, and branches to provide ample climbing opportunities and hiding spots. Think dense jungle vibes!

All reptiles generally prefer live plants in their enclosures. Fake plants may visually make do but they pose an impaction risk if the animal ingests any part of the fake plant.

Always verify that live plants are safe for any animal you are planning housing for. Don’t be intimidated if you historically haven’t had a green thumb! Establish a watering/care schedule for the plants and keep in mind - you’ll be caring for your animal every day. Adding in some plant care is not difficult in comparison, will benefit your pet, and will make you proud as your plants grow.

Temperature and UVB

Install a basking lamp to create a basking spot of 90°F at the top of the cage on a perch, while keeping the rest of the terrarium at a gradient from 75-90°F. Ensure overall temperatures drop slightly at night to mimic natural conditions, but never allow a dip below 65°F.

Providing UV exposure is vital to prevent Metabolic Bone Disease. Ensure you have an Arcadia T5 UVB or equivalent bulb and provide proper supplementation (covered later) to prevent your pet from developing this painful disease.

If possible, keeping their enclosure in front of a window provides enrichment and natural sunshine. Taking your Cuban False Chameleon outside for UV exposure from the sun (with supervision) can be a fun bonding experience, enriching your lizard’s day.

Food and Water

The Cuban False Chameleon is an insectivore with fairly simple dietary requirements. Here’s how to keep its belly full and its heart happy.

Menu Must-Haves

Offer a diet rich in crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, and snails (if possible) dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Rotate between two supplements; one calcium and one multivitamin with D3. Supplement at least twice a week, and provide gut-loaded insects to give your pet the most vitamin absorption opportunities possible.

Read about gut loading and feeder insect keeping here.

Hydration

Cuban False Chameleons are unlikely to drink from a water dish. An easy and hygienic option is a mason jar full of dechlorinated water perched (ideally on the cool side higher up in the enclosure) for easy access. As long as your lizard can see light reflecting off of the water, they will know to drink from it.

A mason jar makes for a great option because they’re so easy to clean, and your Cuban False Chameleon can dip their mouth into it for a drink.

Social Butterfly or Lone Wolf?

While not the party animals of the reptile world, Cuban False Chameleons can tolerate some socializing. However, it's generally best to keep these contemplative creatures solo to avoid stress and territorial disputes. Watch for signs of stress or aggression if choosing to house a pair, and be prepared to give them space as needed.

General Wellness Tips

Regular check-ups with a reptile-savvy vet and keen observation can help curb and prevent illness. Keep an eye on their eating habits, skin condition, and activity levels to catch any potential problems early.

Keeping backup bulbs and regularly checking on enclosure parameters is important to be proactive in issues that may arise.

In Conclusion

Keeping a Cuban False Chameleon is incredibly rewarding, and they’re a fairly unique reptile in the hobby!
With a bit of care and attention, they will thrive in your home and quickly become a guest favorite to observe. We hope this guide was helpful, and look forward to sharing more CFC content soon!