The Bearded Pygmy chameleon hails from the northeastern part of Tanzania including
the Usambara Mountains. These chameleons, like many of the pygmy leaf chameleon, are terrestrial or ground dwelling
creatures. Occasionally, they are found climbing on small shrubbery but still remain relatively close to the ground.
These are very small chameleons, with a maximum size over 3 inches in total length. Their coloration is generally
brown with shades of black, grey, white, and occasionally green.
Captive Care
These Pygmy chameleons can successfully be housed in a glass aquarium in order to
keep the humidity at the proper levels as their natural habitat has high humidity. A 20 gallon long or similar sized
enclosure will be sufficient for a pair of R.brevicaudatus. They can be housed one male to a few females, but housing
males together is not recommended. Be creative with the enclosure providing leaf litter, moss, and enough soil on the
bottom of the cage to allow for humidity retention as well as providing plenty of hiding places for these little guys.
Basking bulbs are not necessary as long as the temperature stays between 65-80 degrees, but provide a fluorescent such
as Reptisun 5.0 or similar.
Reproduction
Bearded Pygmy chameleons have become increasingly popular in the last decade,
probably attributed to their lower price. Some people have had great success in breeding this species so captive
bred individuals can be located for purchase rather than imported specimens. Two or more clutches are possible per
female. Each clutch of eggs is usually numbered from 1-4 eggs. These can be incubated at a variety of temperatures
but 70-76 degrees should be formidable. Eggs will usually hatch out by two to two and a half months of incubation.
Young of this species will grow rapidly feasting on fruit flies and pinhead crickets and can become sexually mature
in a matter of a few months.
