Cuban False Chameleon - CB

Application to Purchase Required - live animal purchases require a review of your setup. After placing your order, a Customer Care Specialist will reach out to review your husbandry and habitat. Approval for purchase is NOT guaranteed and if denied, the order may be cancelled. Upon approval, you will receive a link to set up a shipping date for your live animal. All animals ship via Fed Ex overnight.

Species Overview

Common Name: Cuban False Chameleon, Western Bearded Anole
Scientific Name: Anolis barbatus
Size: juveniles 3-5" snout to vent
Adult size: adults typically reach 7” snout to vent

Size when shipped:

• Juvenile Cuban False Chameleons will be approximately 3”-5” snout to vent 

Lineage: Although not Dude-Bred, these Cuban False Chameleons are captive-bred and come from trusted sources that have passed our high ethical and genetic standards.

In-house testing/treatment performed:

• Clean fecal
• Healthy body score
• Normal activity and behavior
• No missing limbs or toes 
• All animals undergo an observation period in quarantine prior to being listed for sale to fully ensure optimum health

Defining traits:

Cuban False Chameleons make for highly unique pets with calm dispositions. They have large heads and bulging, independently moving eyes similar to chameleons. Despite this they are actually anoles with a dewlap, or “beard,” they will occasionally flare. 

Care at a Glance

Cuban False Chameleons should have an intermediate to advanced keeper due to their humidity needs, molluscivorous diet, and their tendency to need target feeding. Many Cuban False Chameleons will go on eating strikes and require tong feedings. Likewise, they often will not drink from water dishes. The keeper should monitor and watch for the Cuban False Chameleon drinking from misted water, or hand water using a gentle mister or dropper to ensure hydration.

Size:

• Adult Cuban false chameleons typically have a body (snout to vent) length of about 7”, with a thin prehensile tail. 

Biological Niche:

• diurnal
• tropical and arboreal
• needing vertical space filled with a lot of sturdy woods and plants for them to climb, hide, and bask. Cork is an especially good choice. Although they’re not as active as some other anoles, they still need an enclosure that is large enough for them to thermo- and hydro-regulate comfortably while still offering the security of being off the ground. They’re very specifically adapted to spending most of their lives off the ground, amidst thin branches and twigs. Although they’re not as active as some other anoles, they still need an enclosure that is large enough for them to thermo- and hydro-regulate comfortably while still offering the security of being off the ground.

Native Range:

• Native to western Cuba, found in the transition zone between upland rainforest and dry forest. 

Groups vs. Non-group housing:

• Cuban False Chameleons are not a social species and ought to be housed alone.

Terrestrial vs. Arboreal:

• Cuban False Chameleons are arboreal, preferring to climb and perch on branches in the upper levels of the tank.

Vivarium Size

• Single animal: 18”L x 18”W x 36”H enclosure, preferably larger
• Set up as a tropical bioactive habitat
• Terra Fauna bioactive substrate 
• Sturdy plants, wood pieces, cork tunnels and flats, and thermal zones
• Leaf litter and microfauna. Tropical springtails and Isopods.
• Open basking areas with sheltered retreats
• Good cross-ventilation and strong seasonal light cycles

Temperature

• Create a broad, naturalistic gradient:
• Cool side: 72-82
• Warm side/basking area: 90
• Night drop: 65-72
• UVB 7%
• Overhead heat 
• Ensure thermal safety via thermostats and gradient testing.

Humidity

• Daily average humidity 80%
• Daytime drop to 40%
• Nighttime rise to 100%
• Light evening misting can help support microclimate diversity without oversaturation

Diet:

Cuban False Chameleons are molluscivorous with insectivores tendencies. Offer a rotating, varied menu:

• Captive-bred snails
• Crickets
• Roaches (Dubia, lateralis, etc.)
• Black soldier fly larvae
• Mealworms, superworms (rotation only)
• All feeders must be gut-loaded and dusted with high-quality calcium and multivitamins, especially for growing juveniles or breeding groups.

Recommended Terrarium Supplies:

• Bio Dude's Terra Fauna substrate
• Leaf litter and sphagnum moss
• Vertical cork bark tubes, ghostwood branches, and elevated climbing structures
• Dense live plants with sturdy foliage and broad leaves
• Bromeliads and other tropical terrarium plants for hydration opportunities and cover
• Shallow water dish
• LED plant light
• Low-wattage basking heat source
• UVB lighting — we utilize Arcadia 6% UVB in-house
• Digital thermometer and hygrometer
• Quality misting system recommended
• Above-ground feeding dish like The Bio Dude's Lizard Ledge

Important Policies (Please Read Before Purchasing)

After purchasing, upload your habitat for approval here.

After approval, we will email you the animal purchase contract found here.

Read our Live Arrival Guarantee prior to purchasing here.

Scheduling:

We care about long-term success. All live animals require a scheduled shipping date set after the approval process.  To book your shipping day, click here.

Conservation & Additional Resources

Cuban False Chameleon Caresheet

View Cuban False Chameleons on the IUCN List