Is coloration atrributed 100% to genetics?

[ubhuti]

Hi all,

I have been researching and reviewing this site for as much info as I can hold in my head. I have purchased a cage and the equipment and am considering purchasing a veiled or panther chameleon.

Anyways, I know that I will want to breed these guys at some point down the road. However, I have not found any info regarding the coloration and patterning of offspring with respect to heredity.

For example, if I breed a premium/beautiful male with a female from a premium blood line, what percent of the offspring will be as vivid as the parents/grandparents? If the female lays say 20 eggs, will 1/20 be a potential future breeder, 5/20, 20/20?

I understand environemental factors will affect the growth and maturation of the babies, but assuming they are well taken care of - what can a breeder expect in terms of coloration similar to the parents?

I have not found much info regarding this question and was hoping someone with experience breeding multiple generations of chameleons could answer it.

Thanks for the help!

 

[thealissa]

This article is specifically on Panther's, but it does talk about maximizing coloration when breeding.

http://www.chameleonnews.com/?page=article&id=43

 

[ubhuti]

Thanks thealissa,

That was a great article. I guess Jim states the obvious, breeding chameleons with the best genes will increase the likelihood of getting the most beautiful offspring. He never mentions, though, what percentage of the clutch on average actually turns out to be as beautiful as the breeders.

I am very interested to know if anyone has a good sense of the percentage based on breeding multiple generations...