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Meller's Chameleon
(chamaeleo melleri)
The Meller's Chameleon of Tanzania is one of the true giants in the chameleon world. Individuals
may grow to lengths exceeding 2 feet in total length. They often have bright green and yellow colors
with black spots throughout their bodies. They also have a single, small horn protruding from the front
of their snout, giving them the nickname Giant One-Horned Chameleon. Unlike many other chameleon species,
Meller's Chameleons are sexually monomorphic, meaning males and females both look the same, and are
extremely diffucult to tell apart. Females can lay large clutches of 40 to 50 eggs, but only once
and very rarely twice a year. They also take a lot longer than other species to lay their eggs,
sometimes a few months. Suprisingly, however, their eggs can hatch in as little as 3 months. The
babies hatch out very large for chameleons, sometimes 4 inches in total length. This lets them eat
larger insects, which makes them somewhat easier to take care of.
Despite what is said above,
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